Created by The Dementia Foundation, a registered NDIS provider
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.
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
Getting Started
Don’t navigate this alone – the NDIS can be complex, but we’re here to help guide you through every step.
Contact The Dementia Foundation:
Phone: 1300 865 282
Email: hello@tdfwa.org.au
Contact Us
Get in touch to schedule a visit
No matter what stage of the journey you’re at – The Dementia Foundation is ready to help. We’d love to hear from you.