Created by The Dementia Foundation, a registered NDIS provider

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Funding Guide

What is the NDIS?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides funding to Australians under 65 who have a permanent and significant disability – including young onset dementia. The NDIS aims to help you live as independently as possible, for as long as possible, by providing reasonable and necessary supports, services, and equipment tailored to your individual needs and goals.

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Am I eligible?

You may be eligible for the NDIS if you meet all of the following criteria:

You are under 65 when you apply
You are an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Special Category Visa holder
You live in Australia
You have a permanent disability that significantly impacts your daily life
You need ongoing support to manage daily tasks or remain independent

For young onset dementia, you’ll need to demonstrate that:

Your condition is permanent and degenerative with no known cure
It substantially reduces your functional capacity in areas like mobility, communication, social interaction, self-management, learning, or self-care
It affects your ability to participate in work, study, or social life
You’ll likely need NDIS supports for your lifetime

How do I apply?

Step 1: Gather Your Evidence

Critical Evidence Required:

Specialist diagnosis – Must be from a neurologist, geriatrician, or psychiatrist (NOT a GP)
Evidence of permanent disability – Documentation stating that dementia is degenerative with no cure
Functional impact assessment – How your condition affects daily living activities

Example of appropriate evidence: “[Name] has been diagnosed with young onset dementia. The dementia is degenerative and has a significant impact on daily functional capacity including memory, planning, communication and self-care. There is no known curative treatment available and support will be required for the remainder of their lifetime.”

Step 2: Complete Your Application

You can apply in several ways:

Online: Download the NDIS Access Request Form and email to access@ndis.gov.au with supporting documents
Post: Mail completed form to PO Box 700, Canberra, ACT 2601
Phone: Call 1800 800 110 and request a form
In-person: Visit your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) for assistance
NDIS office: Visit a local NDIS office

Step 3: Community Connection Meeting

It’s likely you’ll first meet with a Local Area Coordinator who can:

Help you understand the NDIS and eligibility requirements
Assist with your application
Connect you with community supports whether you’re eligible or not

Step 4: Planning Meeting

If approved, you’ll have a planning meeting (1-2 hours) to discuss:

Your goals and aspirations
The supports you need
How much funding you’ll receive
How you want to manage your plan

Top Tips for Planning Meetings:

Meet face-to-face when possible
Bring all relevant documents
Have a support person attend with you
Prepare a list of your goals and needs

What supports can the NDIS fund?

If you have young onset dementia, your NDIS plan might include:

Core Supports

Personal care – assistance with hygiene, daily living, dressing, medication management
Household tasks – cleaning, laundry, meal preparation
Community access – getting out safely, social activities
Respite care – giving carers a break

Capacity Building Supports

Therapies – occupational therapy, psychology, speech pathology
Behaviour support – supporting challenging behaviours
Skills development – maintaining independence longer

Capital Supports

Equipment – mobility aids, safety equipment, communication devices
Home modifications – rails, ramps, safety modifications
Supported accommodation – like our dementia friendly homes

How do I manage my NDIS plan?

You have three options for managing your NDIS funding, and you can use a combination of all three:

Self-Managed

You control your NDIS funds completely
Choose any provider – registered or unregistered with NDIS
Negotiate prices – not bound by NDIS price guide
Maximum flexibility and choice
You handle all paperwork, payments, and claims
Best for: People who want maximum control and have time for administration

Plan-Managed

Plan Manager handles financial administration for you
Choose any provider – registered or unregistered with NDIS
No upfront costs – plan manager pays providers directly
Budget tracking and reporting provided
NDIS funds the plan management service
Best for: People who want choice without the paperwork

NDIA-Managed

NDIA pays providers directly on your behalf
Must use NDIS registered providers only
Simplest administration – no paperwork for you
Limited choice of providers
Best for: People satisfied with registered providers and wanting minimal administration

Most people choose a combination – for example, plan-managing therapy supports while having NDIA manage core supports.

What if I’m not eligible?

If you’re 65 or older, or don’t qualify for the NDIS, you may still access support through:

My Aged Care – for people 65 and over
Home Care Packages
State-funded disability services
Community organisations like Carers WA or Dementia Australia

Important: If you access the NDIS before age 65, you can stay on the NDIS after your 65th birthday – you don’t have to transition to aged care.

How The Dementia Foundation Can Help

As a registered NDIS provider specialising in young onset dementia, we offer:

NDIS Application Support

Pre-application guidance – helping gather the right evidence
Documentation assistance – ensuring your application is comprehensive
Planning meeting preparation – helping you articulate your needs and goals
Appeals support – if your application is declined

NDIS Services We Provide

Community Support – personal care, household help, respite, social outings
Supported Independent Living (SIL) – 24/7 supported homes designed for dementia
Short-Term Accommodation – emergency or planned respite
Specialist Support Coordination – helping navigate the system and coordinate services
Our Expertise
Dementia specialists – all staff trained in young onset dementia care
Person-centred approach – tailored to your unique situation and family needs
Evidence-based practice – using latest research and best practices
Advocacy – ensuring you get the supports you’re entitled to

Important Reminders

Application Tips

Apply early – the process can take several months
Be comprehensive – provide all requested evidence upfront to avoid delays
Focus on impact – clearly describe how dementia affects your daily life
Get specialist support – evidence must come from specialists, not GPs
Your Rights
Choice and control – you decide which providers to use
Plan reviews – you can request changes if your needs change
Complaints process – contact NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission if needed
Appeals – you can appeal decisions you disagree with