NDIS Independent Assessments
An important update for families from the NDIS .
Key facts
• Independent assessments are free .
• An independent assessment will take around 3 hours .
• You can choose to have it at a place that suits you , or by video call .
• The results of your assessment will help us work out your NDIS supports and budget .
Independent assessments provide you and the NDIS with an understanding of your functional capacity . Things like how well you are able to function at home and in the community , as well as the overall impact your disability has on your life .
When you need an independent assessment , we will refer you to an independent assessor , who will organise a time with you . Some assessments might need input from your parent / guardian or nominee .
You can choose to have your assessment done at a place that suits you , or by video call if you have an appropriate internet connection and device - like a tablet or computer with a camera .
Your assessment will be free . The assessment will take around 3 hours . You can choose to do the assessment in the way that best suits you , like on the same day , or over a number of days .
You can have someone with you when you do your assessment , like a family member or support worker .
The assessor will ask you questions about your life and what matters to you , and ask to see how you approach some everyday tasks . They will work through some standardised assessment tools with you , based on your age or disability .
The results of your independent assessment will be sent to us when it ’ s done , and your planner or LAC will talk to you about your results in your planning meeting . Your independent assessment will be used to identify possible supports and your NDIS budget .
You can request a copy of your independent assessment for your records .
If you ’ re a new participant
By mid 2021 , independent assessments will be part of the access process .
Once you have submitted your access request form , we will review it to see if you meet the age , residency and permanent criteria to access the NDIS .
If you meet the basic access criteria , we ’ ll refer you to an independent assessor in your area , who will work with you to arrange a time for your assessment .
Not all people with a permanent disability are eligible for the NDIS . Independent assessments will help determine the significance of a person ’ s disability to help the NDIA make fair and consistent decisions on who is eligible for the Scheme .
If you don ’ t meet the NDIS access criteria , we will provide you with details of a Local Area Coordinator or Early Childhood partner , who will contact you about other supports in your area .
If you already have an NDIS plan
By the end of 2021 , we will be using independent assessments as part of our normal plan review process with participants .
We will refer you for an independent assessment at important points , such as when you :
• are approaching a new life stage , for example starting school , or preparing to enter the workforce
• have a change of circumstances
• request a plan review
• have stable supports and would like a longer plan
• have supported independent living supports in your plan
• are having your NDIS access reassessed
• are preparing to transition out of the NDIS .
The NDIA will pay for your assessment .
Once you have had your assessment , we will contact you to talk about what happens next . In most cases , it will be the beginning of a plan review conversation .
If your independent assessment shows you no longer need the NDIS , the assessment will help show the gains you have made in your functional capacity . Information is already available for participants who are leaving the Scheme .
You can use your assessment as a starting point with your Local Area Coordinator , Early Childhood partner or heath professional when working out what supports you ’ d like after you leave the NDIS .
What if I disagree with my assessment ?
If you don ’ t agree with the decisions we make based on your independent assessment , you can ask for an internal review of a decision .
12 EBL QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER