Questions we’re asked the most about the NDIS and children.

Today, we are providing answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about children and the NDIS.

I’ve just found out my child is eligible for the NDIS. What do I need to do next?

The next step depends on the age of your child:

• For children aged 0-6, you’ll meet with an early childhood planner from the Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) team
• For children aged 7 years or over, you’ll meet with an NDIA Planner or NDIS Local Area Coordinator (LAC).

In both cases, an individualised NDIS Plan will be prepared to provide the supports and services your child needs to meet their goals.

Is a parent of a minor child a guardian or nominee under the NDIS?

Neither. A person with parental responsibility for a child is called a ‘child’s representative’ under the NDIS.

You can find our more details on the NDIS Child Representatives Operational Guideline webpage.

Will the NDIS fund the difference in cost between private and group swimming lessons when your child is not able to cope in group lessons and needs 1:1 coaching because of their disability?

Where it can be demonstrated that individual lessons are required as a direct result of the person’s disability and the intention is to build basic proficiency, the NDIS may fund the gap between group lessons and 1:1 lessons.

Keep in mind that the request for 1:1 lessons must meet the ‘reasonable and necessary’ test – it should be directly related to the child’s disability, good value for money and likely to be beneficial to the child. More on ‘reasonable and necessary’.

How old does my child need to be to be eligible for Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) funding?

The Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) approach within the NDIS is for children aged 0-6 years. Once a child receiving ECEI supports turns 7, their eligibility for NDIS funding will be re-assessed.

Can I claim respite care for my child?

Yes. Respite support is available under the NDIS Core supports category Assistance with Daily Life budget. Respite can include short term accommodation, host family type options and assistance with overnight self-care. Take a look at our previous article Did you know respite care is covered under the NDIS? 

Leap in! can help.
If you have any questions about how the NDIS can assist a child in your care, the Leap in! Crew are here to answer them.

Give us a call on 1300 05 78 78, email connect@leapin.com.au or chat with us live on our website (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm).