- →The NDIS funds supports for eligible Australians under 65 with a permanent and significant disability
- →Supports fall into three categories: Core, Capacity Building, and Capital
- →Apply by calling the NDIS on 1800 800 110 or through your Local Area Coordinator
- →Your plan is reviewed annually — or sooner if your needs change
- →Plan management type (self, plan, or NDIA-managed) determines which providers you can use
The National Disability Insurance Scheme — the NDIS — is the Australian Government's programme that funds disability supports for eligible Australians. Since it began rolling out nationally in 2013, it has changed the way hundreds of thousands of people access care, equipment, and community supports.
If you or someone you care for lives with disability and you have heard the term NDIS but are not quite sure what it means or how it works, this guide covers everything you need to know in plain language.
Who runs the NDIS?
The NDIS is run by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), an independent government agency. The NDIA processes applications, approves plans, and manages funding on behalf of participants. The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission is a separate body that regulates providers and handles complaints.
Who is eligible for the NDIS?
To access NDIS funding, you generally need to meet all of the following criteria:
- ✓Be under 65 years of age at the time of your first access request
- ✓Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa
- ✓Live in Australia
- ✓Have a permanent and significant disability that substantially reduces your ability to participate in daily activities
You may also be eligible if you are a child under 7 with a developmental delay, or if you currently receive supports under certain state or territory programmes.
What does the NDIS fund?
The NDIS funds supports that are reasonable and necessary — meaning they must relate directly to your disability, help you pursue your goals, represent value for money, and not duplicate what is already funded by other systems like health or education.
Funded supports are grouped into three broad categories:
Core Supports
Day-to-day help including daily living assistance, community access, consumables, and transport.
Capacity Building
Supports that help build your independence — therapy, support coordination, employment, and skills development.
Capital Supports
Assistive technology, home and vehicle modifications, and supported independent living (SIL).
Common funded supports include personal care, household assistance, community participation activities, occupational therapy, speech pathology, assistive equipment, and specialist disability accommodation.
How do you apply for the NDIS?
The application process has a few steps:
- 1Check eligibility: Use the NDIS Access Checklist on ndis.gov.au or call 1800 800 110 to do a quick eligibility check.
- 2Gather evidence: You will need evidence from a treating professional (GP, specialist, or allied health practitioner) confirming your disability and its impact on daily life.
- 3Submit an access request: Call the NDIS on 1800 800 110 to submit your Access Request Form, or ask your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) for help.
- 4NDIA decision: The NDIA will review your evidence and notify you of their decision. This can take several weeks.
- 5Planning meeting: If approved, you will have a planning meeting to discuss your goals and what supports you need. This determines how much funding goes into your plan.
What is an NDIS plan?
Your NDIS plan is a document that outlines your goals, the supports you need, and the funding allocated to each support category. Plans are typically reviewed every 12 months, though you can request an unscheduled review if your circumstances change significantly.
Your plan is managed in one of three ways: self-managed (you control the funding), plan-managed (a registered plan manager handles payments on your behalf), or NDIA-managed (the NDIA manages your funding directly). Each option has different trade-offs. Read our full guide to plan management options →
How do you choose an NDIS provider?
Once you have a plan, you can start engaging providers to deliver your supports. If your plan is NDIA-managed, you must use NDIS-registered providers. If it is self-managed or plan-managed, you have more flexibility — including the option to use unregistered providers.
When choosing a provider, look for:
- ✓NDIS registration (mandatory if NDIA-managed)
- ✓Screened workers with current police checks and Working With Children Checks
- ✓Clear service agreements with no lock-in periods
- ✓Local knowledge and availability in your area
- ✓Transparent pricing at or below NDIS price guide rates
What if my NDIS application is rejected?
If your access request is rejected, you have the right to request an internal review of the decision. If you are still not satisfied, you can escalate to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). Many rejections come down to insufficient evidence — working with a Local Area Coordinator or disability advocate can help strengthen your case.