Has My NDIS Application Been Delayed? Why Your LAC Recommend a Community Connection Plan

You finally submitted your NDIS application.

Instead of hearing that your application is being assessed, your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) calls and recommends joining the Community Connection Plan (CCP).

If that happened to you, your first thought is probably:

"Has something gone wrong with my application?"

At Joystep, we've seen this happen to most new applicants. The good news is that, in most cases, the answer is no.

What Is the Community Connection Plan?

The Community Connection Plan (CCP) is not another NDIS assessment or a replacement for the NDIS.

It is not an NDIS-funded plan either. Instead, it is a document that captures your details, goals and current supports, while also connecting you with relevant community and government services. The CCP can also support your NDIS access application, so you don't need to provide the same information repeatedly.

Depending on your circumstances, this might include:

• community groups

• local health or wellbeing services

• peer support

• recreational activities

• information about other available supports

  
  

The important thing is that CCP is designed to provide support, not to assess or judge your eligibility.

Will the CCP Delay My NDIS Application?

Based on what we've seen, no.

Many people worry that being referred to the CCP means their application has been put on hold.

That hasn't been our experience.

Many Joystep clients were referred to the CCP after submitting their applications, and their NDIS applications continued progressing afterwards.

Every application is different, but we've not seen the CCP delay the assessment process.

Does It Mean I'm Not Eligible?

No.

A referral to the CCP doesn't mean you've been rejected or that you've failed to meet the NDIS eligibility requirements.

Your application is still being considered by the NDIA.

The CCP simply provides additional support while that happens.

Do I Have to Join?

Participation is generally voluntary.

However, we usually recommend joining if your LAC suggests it.

Even if your NDIS application is still being assessed, the CCP may connect you with useful services that can support you in the meantime.

Of course, choosing not to join doesn't automatically mean your NDIS application will be refused. However, from a practical point of view, it's worth considering it.

Many applicants find that the CCP gives them access to useful local services during what can sometimes be a lengthy waiting period.

Why Does Joystep Usually Recommend Joining?

We've noticed that referrals to the CCP have become much more common recently.

Based on our experience, there are three good reasons to accept the referral.

1. You don't need to prepare everything again.

Your medical reports and supporting evidence have already been submitted to the NDIA. Joining the CCP doesn't mean starting your application from scratch.

2. You can receive support while waiting.

The CCP may connect you with community services, social activities and other local supports before an NDIS decision is made.

Even if you don't receive NDIS funding immediately, you can still benefit from these services.

3. Your application can continue progressing.

While no one can guarantee assessment timeframes, we've generally seen our clients' applications continue moving through the process after joining the CCP.

We haven't seen the CCP become a barrier to an NDIS decision.

Our Advice

If your LAC recommends the Community Connection Plan, don't assume your application is in trouble.

From what we've seen at Joystep, joining the CCP gives applicants access to additional support without affecting the evidence already submitted to the NDIA.

Most importantly, we've not seen it delay our clients' NDIS applications.

How Joystep Can Help

Joystep supports people throughout the NDIS journey, including:

• NDIS eligibility advice

• NDIS application assistance

• Supporting evidence guidance

• Support Coordination

• Plan Management

If you've recently been referred to the Community Connection Plan and aren't sure what it means, feel free to contact our team.

Related Service: NDIS Plan Application & Review Assistance