What is the NDIS?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an Australian government program that provides funding to people with permanent and significant disability. It's run by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).
Instead of receiving one-size-fits-all services, participants get an individual plan with a funding budget they can use to purchase supports that help them live, work, and participate in the community.
Who is eligible?
To access the NDIS you generally need to:
- Be under 65 years of age when you first apply
- Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Special Category Visa holder
- Live in Australia
- Have a permanent disability that significantly affects your ability to take part in everyday activities
The NDIS is not means-tested — your income and assets don't affect eligibility.
How does NDIS funding work?
The NDIS funds reasonable and necessary supports — meaning supports that are related to your disability, help you pursue your goals, and represent value for money.
Your funding is broken into three budget types:
1. Core Supports
Pays for everyday supports like personal care, domestic assistance, transport, and community participation. This is the most flexible budget — you can often move funding between line items.
2. Capacity Building Supports
Designed to help you build independence and skills over time. Includes things like support coordination, therapy, employment supports, and improved learning. Less flexible — funds are locked to specific categories.
3. Capital Supports
Pays for higher-cost items like assistive technology, equipment, home modifications, and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA). These are the least flexible and require quotes and approval.
Plan management types
Once you have a plan, you choose how your funding is managed:
Agency-managed
The NDIA pays providers directly from your plan. You can only use NDIS-registered providers. Simplest option with the least admin, but least flexibility.
Plan-managed
A registered plan manager handles the financial admin on your behalf — paying invoices, tracking your budget, and providing statements. You can use both registered and unregistered providers. Recommended for most participants. The cost of plan management is funded separately by the NDIS (~$104/month) so it doesn't come out of your support budget.
Self-managed
You pay providers yourself and claim reimbursement from the NDIA. Maximum flexibility — use any provider at any price. Requires more admin and financial responsibility.
How to apply
- Check eligibility — use the NDIS Access Checklist at ndis.gov.au or call 1800 800 110
- Gather evidence — get supporting documentation from your GP, specialist, or allied health professional describing your disability and its functional impact
- Submit an Access Request — by phone (1800 800 110), online, or via a Local Area Coordinator (LAC)
- NDIA decision — the NDIA will assess your request (typically within 21 days)
- Planning meeting — if approved, you'll have a planning conversation to develop your NDIS plan
- Plan activation — your plan is activated and funding becomes available
A Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or Early Childhood Partner can help you through the process at no cost.