Skip to content
Independent Life Disability Supports
Refer Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about the NDIS, our services, and how we can support you.

About the NDIS

What is the NDIS?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is Australia's national scheme for people with a significant and permanent disability. It provides funding to eligible individuals so they can access the supports and services they need to live an independent, fulfilling life. The NDIS is administered by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).

Who is eligible for the NDIS?

To be eligible for the NDIS, you generally need to be under 65 years of age when you first apply, be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and have a permanent and significant disability that affects your ability to take part in everyday activities. The NDIA will assess your eligibility based on the evidence you provide, including reports from your treating professionals.

How do I apply for the NDIS?

You can apply for the NDIS by contacting the NDIA directly on 1800 800 110 or by submitting an Access Request Form. You will need to provide evidence of your disability, such as medical reports and functional assessments. Our team at InLife can help guide you through the application process and connect you with the right professionals to gather supporting evidence.

What is the difference between the NDIS and other disability support programs?

Unlike previous block-funded programs, the NDIS provides individualised funding packages tailored to each participant's specific goals and support needs. This means you have more choice and control over the supports you receive and who provides them. The NDIS replaced most state and territory disability services across Australia.

Can I choose my own NDIS service provider?

Yes, one of the core principles of the NDIS is choice and control. You have the right to choose which registered or unregistered providers deliver your supports, and you can change providers at any time if you are not satisfied. InLife is a registered NDIS provider, so you can use your NDIS funding with us across a wide range of support categories.

What happens when I turn 65 on the NDIS?

If you are already an NDIS participant before you turn 65, you can choose to remain on the NDIS or transition to the aged care system. However, if you are not yet on the NDIS and you turn 65, you will not be able to apply. It is important to lodge your access request before your 65th birthday if you believe you may be eligible.

Our Services

What services does InLife provide?

InLife offers a comprehensive range of NDIS-funded disability supports including Supported Independent Living (SIL), daily living assistance, community and social participation, therapy and allied health, nursing and complex care, and employment and training support. We tailor every service to your individual goals and preferences.

Do you provide Supported Independent Living (SIL)?

Yes, SIL is one of our core services. We support participants to live as independently as possible in shared or individual living arrangements. Our experienced support workers provide assistance with daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning, personal care, and community access, all within a home environment that suits your needs.

Can InLife help with community access and social participation?

Absolutely. Our community and social participation programs are designed to help you build confidence, develop social skills, and engage with your local community. Whether it is attending events, joining a group activity, or simply getting out and about, our support workers are there to help you participate in the things you enjoy.

Do you offer allied health and therapy services?

Yes, InLife provides access to a range of allied health professionals including occupational therapists, speech pathologists, physiotherapists, and behaviour support practitioners. These services can be delivered in your home, in the community, or at one of our locations, depending on your preference and plan funding.

What areas do you service?

InLife currently provides services across metropolitan Melbourne and surrounding areas in Victoria. We are continually expanding our service footprint to reach more communities. If you are unsure whether we cover your area, please contact our team and we will be happy to let you know.

Can you support participants with complex needs?

Yes, we have specialised teams trained to support participants with complex care needs, including those requiring nursing support, behaviour support, and high-intensity daily personal activities. Our staff receive ongoing training to ensure they can deliver safe, high-quality support for participants with the most complex requirements.

Getting Started

How do I get started with InLife?

Getting started is simple. You can call us, fill out our online referral form, or have your support coordinator or plan manager contact us on your behalf. We will arrange an initial meeting to understand your goals, review your NDIS plan, and develop a support schedule that works for you.

Do I need a referral to access your services?

No formal referral is required. You can contact us directly, or your support coordinator, Local Area Coordinator (LAC), plan manager, or family member can reach out on your behalf. We accept self-referrals and make the intake process as straightforward as possible.

What happens during the initial consultation?

During your initial consultation, we will take the time to understand your goals, your current support needs, and your NDIS plan funding. We will discuss which services are the best fit for you, introduce you to potential support workers, and agree on a schedule that suits your lifestyle. There is no obligation to proceed.

Can my family be involved in the process?

Absolutely. We encourage family members, carers, and advocates to be part of the conversation. Having your support network involved helps us understand your needs better and ensures everyone is on the same page. You decide who is involved and to what extent.

How quickly can services start?

In many cases, we can commence services within one to two weeks of your initial enquiry, depending on the type of support you need and staff availability. For urgent situations, we do our best to fast-track the process. We will keep you informed every step of the way.

Funding & Plans

What is the difference between self-managed, plan-managed, and agency-managed funding?

With self-management, you manage your own funding and pay providers directly. Plan-managed means a registered plan manager handles payments and financial administration on your behalf, giving you more provider choice. Agency-managed (NDIA-managed) means the NDIA pays registered providers directly. You can have a mix of management types across different budget categories.

How do I know what is funded in my NDIS plan?

Your NDIS plan outlines your funded supports across three budgets: Core, Capacity Building, and Capital. Each budget has specific support categories with allocated amounts. If you are unsure how to read your plan or want to understand what your funding can cover, our team can walk you through it at no cost.

Can I use my NDIS funding for transport?

Yes, many NDIS participants have transport funding included in their plans. This can be used for travel to and from appointments, community activities, employment, and other daily tasks. The amount of transport funding depends on your individual circumstances and goals. Some participants receive a transport allowance, while others have transport included within their support hours.

What happens if my funding runs out before my plan review?

If you are at risk of running out of funding, contact your support coordinator or the NDIA as soon as possible. In some cases, a plan review or a change of circumstances request can be submitted to adjust your funding. Our team can help you monitor your budget utilisation and plan your supports to make the most of your available funding.

When does my NDIS plan get reviewed?

NDIS plans are typically reviewed annually, though the duration can vary. You will receive a notification from the NDIA when your plan review is approaching. It is a good idea to start preparing early by gathering evidence of your progress, documenting any changes in your support needs, and speaking with your providers about recommendations for your next plan.

Can InLife help me prepare for my plan review?

Yes, we can provide progress reports, support letters, and attend your plan review meeting if you would like us there. We believe thorough preparation is key to getting a plan that truly reflects your needs and goals. Our team will work with you to document your achievements, highlight any unmet needs, and advocate for appropriate funding.

Working With InLife

Is InLife a registered NDIS provider?

Yes, InLife is a fully registered NDIS provider. This means we meet the strict quality and safeguard standards set by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. Being registered allows us to support all participants, including those who are agency-managed, and ensures you can trust the quality of our services.

How do you match support workers with participants?

We take matching seriously because the right support worker makes all the difference. We consider your personality, interests, cultural background, language preferences, gender preferences, and the type of support you need. You will always have the opportunity to meet potential workers before committing, and you can request a change at any time.

What qualifications do your support workers have?

All our support workers hold current NDIS Worker Screening Checks, first aid and CPR certifications, and undergo regular training in areas such as manual handling, medication administration, and positive behaviour support. Many hold Certificate III or IV in Individual Support or Disability, and our allied health professionals hold relevant tertiary qualifications and registrations.

How do I provide feedback or make a complaint?

We welcome all feedback. You can speak with your support worker or team leader, call our office, or submit feedback through our website. We have a formal complaints process that ensures every concern is addressed promptly and fairly. You can also contact the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission independently if you prefer.

Do you have after-hours or weekend support available?

Yes, we provide support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including public holidays. Many of our participants require evening, overnight, or weekend support, and we have dedicated teams available to ensure continuity of care around the clock. Speak with us about your schedule and we will accommodate your needs.

Can I change my service agreement or cancel services?

Yes, you are in control. You can modify your service agreement, change the type or frequency of supports, or cancel services at any time in accordance with the terms outlined in your agreement. We typically ask for reasonable notice to ensure a smooth transition, but we will always respect your right to choice and control.

Still have questions?

Our friendly team is here to help. Get in touch and we will get back to you as soon as possible.