Which Comes First - NDIS Edition

A few weeks ago I got a call from my doctor's office because she wanted to see me. That happens when you have a chronic illness. It turned out that the occupational therapist she referred me to is only taking on NDIS¹ clients, so she wanted me to hurry up and apply. We started filling out the 20-some page application, and finally got to the part about a functional assessment - which needs to be filled out by an occupational therapist. Who I can't see until I'm approved for NDIS. My doctor was in disbelief. I just laughed.

My doctor is going to refer me to an occupational therapist at the hospital instead, who should hopefully be able to see me even if I don't have NDIS yet. But this kind of predicament is typical for people with chronic illnesses and/or disabilities. Dealing with the red tape becomes a full time job. You have to follow up on every aspect, keep copies of all paperwork, and note the day, time, and name of the person you spoke with. Getting a referral is just the beginning, you still have to follow up and usually end up on a wait list. Then your GP may want a specialist to handle something, but the specialist wants the GP to handle it. Then when you factor in Centrelink², NDIS, and DSP³, it gets overwhelming. When you're already not well enough to work, it can feel impossible.

I'm grateful that these programs exist, but in true government fashion they aren't easy to navigate. People may as well answer 3 riddles from a troll. We've all heard from those that believe if you're getting any type of government assistance, you're scamming the system. Believe me when I say that working would be far easier. The system is very difficult to scam (unless you're a politician, but that's another topic.) At least I'm living in a country where these programs still exist.

---

¹ For information about NDIS visit https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/what-ndis

² Centrelink delivers a range of government payments and services in Australia for retirees, the unemployed, families, carers, parents, people with disabilities, students, etc., and provides services at times of major change. The majority of Centrelink's services are the disbursement of social security payments.

³ For information about DSP visit https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/disability-support-pension