About the NDIS
A plain-English guide to Australia's National Disability Insurance Scheme — eligibility, how it works, the supports available and your rights as a participant.
What is the NDIS?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an Australian government initiative that provides a flexible, person-centred approach to disability support. Rather than a one-size-fits-all program, it gives people with disability funding to choose the services and providers that suit their goals.
At its heart, the NDIS is built on three ideas: choice, control and individualisation. It also emphasises early intervention and community inclusion — making sure people are connected to education, work, recreation and social life.
How the NDIS works
From first enquiry to funded supports — here's the typical path.
Check Eligibility
Confirm you meet the NDIS age, residency and disability requirements.
Access Request
Submit an Access Request Form with supporting evidence from your treating professionals.
Planning Meeting
Meet with an NDIA planner or LAC to talk about your goals, daily life and supports.
Plan Approved
Your funded supports begin — you choose providers and start working toward your goals.
Am I eligible for the NDIS?
Use this short checklist to get a sense of whether you might qualify. It's not a formal assessment — eligibility is determined by the NDIA — but it helps you understand the key criteria before you apply.
Think you may qualify? Our team can help guide you through the Access Request and getting started.
Start your intakeTypes of NDIS supports
NDIS funding is grouped into categories. Each plan blends them based on your goals.
Core Supports
Help with everyday activities and immediate daily needs.
- Personal care, hygiene and self-care
- Help around the house and yard
- Community participation & transport
- Consumables like continence aids
How you can manage your plan
You can choose one option, or mix and match across different budget categories.
Self-managed
Maximum choice and control
You manage your own funding, pay providers directly and keep records for the NDIA. You can use both registered and unregistered providers.
Best for people confident with budgeting and admin.
Plan-managed
A financial intermediary handles invoices
A registered plan manager pays providers on your behalf, tracks your budget and gives you choice over registered or unregistered providers.
Best if you want flexibility without the paperwork.
NDIA-managed
The NDIA pays your providers
The NDIA pays your providers directly using agency-priced rates. You can only use NDIS-registered providers.
Best if you prefer a hands-off approach.
Choosing the right provider
Your providers should match your goals, lifestyle and the way you want to be supported. Here's what we recommend you look for before signing a service agreement.
- Aligns with your NDIS goals
- NDIS-registered & follows the Practice Standards
- Transparent pricing and service agreements
- Clear communication and complaints process
- Trained, screened and qualified workers
- Cultural safety and accessibility
The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
The NDIS Commission is an independent agency that works to improve the quality and safety of NDIS supports and services. They register and regulate providers, oversee complaints and incident reporting, screen workers and uphold the NDIS Code of Conduct.
- Make a complaint about an NDIS provider or worker
- Understand your rights as a participant
- Check whether a provider is registered
- Learn about NDIS Worker Screening
Trusted resources
Official Australian government services and regulators relating to the NDIS.
NDIS — frequently asked questions
You generally need to be aged under 65 when you apply, be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or hold a Protected Special Category Visa, and have a permanent and significant disability that affects your ability to take part in everyday activities.
Plans typically run for 12 months, though they can be set for up to 3 years. You can request a plan reassessment at any time if your circumstances change.
Yes. You have full choice and control under the NDIS. You can change providers at any time, subject to any service agreement notice periods you have signed.
The NDIS does not fund supports already covered by other systems (like Medicare or the education system), day-to-day living costs unrelated to your disability, or supports that are not considered reasonable and necessary.
A reassessment is a meeting before your plan ends to review what's working, what's not and what supports you need going forward. It replaces what used to be called a 'plan review'.
Talk to your provider first. If concerns aren't resolved, contact the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission on 1800 035 544 — they handle complaints about NDIS services and worker conduct.
You can self-manage, use a registered plan manager, or have it agency-managed by the NDIA. You can also use a combination across budget categories.
Ready to get the support you deserve?
Speak with our Client Relationship Officers today, no waiting, no hassle. We'll help you understand your plan and find the right supports.