Requesting Assistance with Daily Life Through the NDIS: A Step-by-Step Guide

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides funding for supports that help participants manage daily tasks impacted by their disability. Understanding how to request services, like Assistance with Daily Life, ensures you access the assistance needed to live independently. Below is a clear pathway to secure NDIS funding for daily living support.

Confirm Your Eligibility

To request assistance with daily life through the NDIS, you must first meet eligibility criteria. You need to:

Be aged between 7 and 65.
Have a permanent and significant disability affecting your ability to perform daily tasks.
Reside in Australia and hold Australian citizenship, permanent residency, or a Protected Special Category Visa.

Use the NDIS eligibility checker on their website or contact the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) at 1800 800 110 to confirm your eligibility.

Submit an Access Request for Assistance with Daily Life

If you meet the criteria, submit an Access Request Form through one of these methods:

Phone: Call 1800 800 110 to make a verbal request with an NDIS representative.
Email: Download the form, complete it digitally, and email it to enquiries@ndis.gov.au.
Mail: Print and mail the completed form to PO Box 700, Canberra, ACT 2601.

Include supporting documents such as medical reports, functional assessments, or letters from healthcare providers detailing how your disability impacts daily activities.

Confused people NDIS form application, millennial family discussing expenses or access to NDIS funded care

Prepare for Your Planning Meeting

Once your access request is approved, you’ll attend a planning meeting to discuss your needs. Use this opportunity to:

Outline specific daily tasks you need help with, such as personal care, meal preparation, household chores, or transportation.
Explain how these challenges relate to your disability and affect independence.
Provide evidence like occupational therapist reports or medical records to justify the requested supports.

Example: If you struggle with showering due to limited mobility, describe how this impacts your routine and safety. Request funding for a support worker to assist with bathing and dressing.

Understand Available Supports

The NDIS funds assistance with tasks, not everyday expenses. Your plan may include:

Support workers for personal care (showering, dressing), meal preparation, or household chores.
Transportation assistance to appointments or community activities.
Skill development to build independence in tasks like budgeting or using public transport.

These supports fall under the Assistance with Daily Life category within Core Supports, distinct from Capacity Building programs focused on skill-building.

Review and Manage Your Plan

After approval, your NDIS plan will detail:

Funded supports and allocated budgets.
Management options: self-managed, plan-managed, or NDIA-managed.

Regularly review your plan to ensure it aligns with your needs. If your circumstances change, request a plan review through your NDIS participant portal or Local Area Coordinator (LAC).

Key Considerations

Home and living costs (rent, groceries, utilities) remain your responsibility unless exceptional circumstances apply.
Home modifications or specialised housing (e.g., Supported Independent Living) require separate funding requests.
Use the myplace portal to track your Assistance with Daily Life budget and service bookings.

By clearly articulating your needs and providing robust evidence, you can secure tailored supports that enhance daily independence. For ongoing assistance, contact your LAC or NDIS planner to adjust services as your needs evolve.