I’ve been trying to wrap my head around applying for the NDIS for a while now, but it’s been tough. I’ve got a mix of physical and mental health issues that have been affecting me for years, and while I’m on DSP, I’ve been told the NDIS could really help with extra support. The problem is, the process is just overwhelming. Between gathering the right paperwork and seeing specialists to get the evidence I need, it feels like I’m constantly hitting roadblocks.
I’ve heard some things might be changing with the NDIS soon, and honestly, that’s making me even more anxious. I’m worried that if I don’t get everything sorted soon, I might miss out on the help I need.
Does anyone know if things are really about to change? And if so, how will that impact people like me who need a bit of extra support to get the application together? I could really use any advice or guidance on how to move forward with this it’s been weighing on me a lot lately.
Thanks for listening and for any tips you can offer.
Things are already changing, there are items that are now already excluded and there are proposed changes. But none of that should discourage you from applying if your disabilities qualify you for supports.
It will all come down to what your physical and mental health disabilities are. They do have to be classified as disabilities as well. If any of the issues you face are considered medical, then they will be excluded unless your health team can attribute them to your disability.
What roadblocks have you been hitting in the application process?
Thanks for the info. It’s good to know that changes are happening but that it shouldn’t stop me from applying. I think my biggest challenge has been just figuring out what counts as a disability versus a medical issue. I’ve got chronic pain and mobility problems, plus anxiety and depression, so I’m not sure how they’ll be classified or if they’ll all be considered under the NDIS.
The roadblocks I’ve been hitting mostly have to do with getting all the right paperwork together. It feels like every time I think I’m close, I find out I’m missing something or need another specialist to sign off on something. It’s really overwhelming, especially since it’s hard to even get in to see some of these specialists in the first place.
With the depression and anxiety it does take a lot more evidence to prove that it is impacting your life to the level to be considered a disability. Unfortunately NDIS has a bit of a bias when it comes to visible VS invisible disability.
Do the chronic pain and mobility issues stem from a diagnosis?
Thanks for clarifying about the depression and anxiety. I had a feeling it would be harder to prove since it’s not something visible. I get it though. I’ll definitely focus on gathering more solid evidence for that side of things.
As for the chronic pain and mobility issues, I do have a diagnosis of fibromyalgia but it’s been tough getting specialists to really put together the kind of paperwork I need for NDIS. They all seem to have their own approach to what’s needed, and I’m stuck trying to coordinate everything. I feel like I’m just constantly spinning my wheels trying to get the right documentation together.
Well the good news is that Fibromyalgia is accepted on the NDIS. You need to focus on how it negatively affects your functional capacity in the reports. Each specialist is going to definitely have their own interpretation of that because of the nature of fibromyalgia.
Have you considered contacting a LAC to help you coordinate and put together your application?
Thanks so much for the info, that’s a bit of a relief to hear about fibromyalgia being accepted. I’ve been worried that it would be dismissed, especially with how variable the symptoms can be. You’re right about the specialists, it’s been tricky trying to get everyone on the same page with how it affects my day-to-day.
As for a LAC, I’ve been thinking about it, but I wasn’t sure if they could help with the initial application or if it was more for once you’re already on the NDIS. Do they help with getting everything organised from the start? Honestly, it feels like I could use all the help I can get at this point!
They can definitely help. They can’t approve a plan but they can help you put the application together and access mainstream supports to do so. It is also easy to look for one in your area to talk to.
Omg, I didn’t realise they could help from the get go, so that’s really encouraging. I should have looked into this further ages ago. I can’t believe its on the NDIS website.
I’ll definitely look into finding a LAC in my area. Having someone guide me through the process and help access those mainstream supports would take a huge weight off my shoulders.
Thankyou Lauren. It means a lot that you would take the time to respond and help. Its nice to know that there are those who still get a kick from helping others.
