I’ve been working with a LAC to help with my NDIS application, but honestly, it’s not been what I expected. We had a meeting where they asked about my disability, residency, etc which I assume is part of the access request process. But after that, I was left to do all the heavy lifting, chasing up specialists and figuring out what evidence I need.
For the past two weeks, I’ve been trying to reach them, but we can’t seem to find a time that works for both of us. Now I’m feeling anxious because I don’t really know what they plan to submit for me and I haven’t had a chance to review anything. I’m starting to wonder if they’ll just send things off without my consent.
My question is: can I disengage from the LAC and handle the rest of this process on my own? I feel like I’m doing most of the legwork anyway and I’m not sure what the benefit of continuing with the LAC is, especially if I can’t even get hold of them. But I’ve also heard that we’re required to work with a LAC to apply now. Is that true?
I’m thinking about emailing them and telling them I’m done, but I don’t want to jeopardize my application. Has anyone else been in a similar situation? What did you do? Would love some advice on how to move forward.
From everything I have been told, you do have to apply through a LAC. Gathering the evidence is also unfortunately on the person applying.
You don’t have to stick to the LAC you are with though. Contact your LACs company and put a request into the team leader to have a new LAC assigned. You can just say that you need one who has more availability that suits your schedule and the current one doesn’t.
Like Lauren mentioned, request a different LAC if you feel like this one isn’t helping enough. It might not be a quick fix, but it could make the process smoother in the long run.
Unfortunately, they don’t always do as much as you’d expect, especially when it comes to gathering evidence. That part is usually on you or your support system. The LAC’s role is mostly to guide you through the process, but it sounds like you’re doing a lot of it solo.
If you’re worried about them submitting things without your consent, I’d recommend emailing them and clearly stating that nothing should be submitted until you’ve reviewed it. Like Lauren and Emma said, you could also look into switching to another LAC, but I’ve heard that process can take some time. You’re right though, you do need to go through a LAC to apply.
Ugh, this brings back memories. I went through something similar and it was beyond frustrating. I ended up asking for a different LAC because mine wasn’t helpful at all. So, you definitely can request a different LAC.
Like others have said though, gathering evidence is on you and your support network. It would be impractical for them to do that side of things for everyone.
The issue with my LAC was that they were never around, impossible to get a hold of, never did anything they said they were going to do. It dragged out the process far longer than it needed to be. I got fed up pretty quickly. The system is full of people who have no clue.
Thanks so much to everyone who’s responded, I really appreciate it.
It’s good to know I’m not the only one who’s had a rough time with their LAC. I think what’s frustrating me the most is that they didn’t really explain their role upfront. I went into this thinking they’d take care of more of the process, but it seems like I’m left doing a lot of the heavy lifting. I get that gathering evidence is mostly on me, but the lack of communication and guidance has made everything feel so much more stressful than it needs to be.
I’m leaning towards requesting a different LAC, especially since some of you have had luck with that. I’m not sure how long that would take, but at this point, I don’t think it could get much worse.
I’ll definitely email them today and make it clear that nothing should be submitted without my consent. The last thing I want is to find out they’ve sent off incomplete or incorrect info.
Again, thanks for the advice, it’s helped a lot. I’ll keep you posted on what happens next.
I would suggest sticking with your LAC until your application is then reach out to a quality support coordinator for a plan review. good luck Alex Stick with your LAC until your application is finalized, then reach out to a quality support coordinator for a plan review. Good luck, Alex.
