Accessing the NDIS in late-stage illness

For people with rapidly progressive conditions (e.g. motor neurone disease, advanced cancers, certain neurodegenerative conditions), the NDIA can sometimes process access requests faster. Specifically ask: “Is there an expedited or priority pathway for someone with a rapidly progressive condition?”

Hospital social workers often know the local pathways better than the NDIA call centre. Ask them.

A clear, recent letter from the treating specialist or palliative care team — describing the diagnosis, prognosis, and the daily functional impact — is usually the most important piece of an access request. Ask them to write to the NDIS template, available on ndis.gov.au.

• Diagnosis and date of diagnosis
• Prognosis
• Impact on daily functioning (mobility, communication, self-care, social participation)
• Why supports are needed and what kind
• Why supports are likely to remain needed

If your loved one is in hospital, ask the hospital social worker about NDIS pathways before discharge. Hospitals can sometimes start the access request and even arrange a fast-tracked plan to support discharge home.

You are not asking for a favour. The NDIS exists for exactly this. Be specific, be persistent, be polite — and ask the same question of more than one person if the first answer doesn’t feel right.