Understanding the NDIS: A Beginner's Guide
Learn what the NDIS is, who it is for, how funding works and what to ask when getting started.
What Is the NDIS?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme, usually called the NDIS, provides funding for eligible people with disability to access supports related to their disability. The National Disability Insurance Agency, or NDIA, administers the scheme and makes decisions about eligibility and the supports included in a participant’s plan.
Your NDIS plan reflects your individual situation, goals and support needs. It sets out the funding available and the rules for using it. Choice and control mean having a say in your supports and who provides them, within your plan, the NDIS funding rules and any registration requirements that apply.
Who Can Access the NDIS?
To apply for the NDIS, you must be younger than 65 and living in Australia. You must also be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or Protected Special Category visa holder, and meet the disability requirements, early intervention requirements or both.
The disability requirements consider permanent impairment, its impact on everyday activities and the likely need for ongoing NDIS supports. Early intervention has different requirements and can include eligible young children with developmental delay. A diagnosis alone does not determine the outcome. Your NDIS partner can help explain the requirements, and the NDIA makes the eligibility decision.
How the NDIS Works
Your plan sets out your NDIS funding and how it can be used. The four support budget types are Core, Capacity Building, Capital and Recurring. Core generally covers everyday support needs, Capacity Building helps develop skills and independence, Capital covers specified equipment or modifications, and Recurring currently covers recurring transport supports.
You may not have funding in every budget. Plans also vary in duration and may include funding periods that determine when portions of funding become available. Check your own plan for its amounts, stated supports, management arrangements and funding periods before agreeing to services.
What the NDIS Funds
The NDIS funds supports that meet its funding criteria and relate to your disability. Depending on your assessed needs and plan, examples may include personal care, help with household tasks, community participation, Supported Independent Living, therapies or assistive technology. A support is not automatically funded just because it would be helpful or a professional recommends it.
Funding can be self-managed, managed by a registered plan manager, managed by the NDIA, or managed through a combination of these options. Self-management involves paying providers and keeping records yourself. A plan manager handles those financial tasks for you. The NDIA pays registered providers for NDIA-managed funding. Some supports require registered providers regardless of the management option.
Getting Started
Start with the official NDIS website or call the NDIA on 1800 800 110. Your local NDIS partner can explain the application process, connect you with community supports and help you understand what information may be needed. You do not have to work through every step alone.
Relevant evidence from a treating health professional can help explain your disability and its effect on everyday life. Existing reports, assessments or letters may be useful, so ask what is appropriate before arranging a new assessment. Gathering suitable information early can help you prepare, but it does not guarantee eligibility or faster processing.