In particular, people turning 65 before July 1 should contact the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), reports not-for-profit provider of primary health services Marathon Health.

The NDIS will be introduced in Western NSW from July 1.

Marathon Health, with an office in Dubbo’s Talbragar Street, reports that the scheme will “provide supports for people with a permanent physical, intellectual or psychosocial disability, to help them access services they require to live an ordinary life”.

Its manager of integrated services and partnership Megan Callinan says July 1 is fast approaching and “we don’t want anyone to slip through the cracks”.

“We want to make sure that eligible people lodge an access request with the NDIA now to ensure a smooth transition into the service and to ensure they will benefit from the changes,” she said.

“We are particularly encouraging anyone turning 65 before July 1 2017 who believes they are eligible, to call the agency and find out the steps you can take now.”

Marathon Health reports that people who are over 65 will not be eligible for the NDIS.

But people who have registered for the scheme before they turn 65 can “continue on it”, it says.

Current recipients of disability services may receive calls from NDIA planners in the coming weeks to help determine their package of support services.

Meanwhile, Marathon Health is using an assessment tool developed by the University of Sydney Centre for Disability Services to help people determine their support needs and goals before they meet with NDIA planners.

“We encourage people to start thinking about, and writing down, all the supports they currently receive from family, friends, medical professionals, programs and other community organisations,” Ms Callinan said.

“This will give them a clear structure of what they need and this list will help in the planning discussions with the NDIA.”

To contact the NDIA to make an access request call 1800 800 110.

For more information about NDIS services call Marathon Health on 6826 5200.