What the NDIS is
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a government-funded program that provides individualised support to Australians with permanent and significant disability. It's not a charity — it's an insurance scheme, similar in principle to Medicare, that you contribute to as a taxpayer and can access if you need it.
- Run by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA)
- Gives participants a personal funding plan based on their goals and needs
- Not means-tested — your income and assets don't affect eligibility
- Funds "reasonable and necessary" supports — not everything, but a lot
Who can access it
To be eligible for the NDIS you generally need to meet all of the following:
- Be under 65 years of age when you first apply
- Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa
- Live in Australia
- Have a permanent disability that significantly affects your ability to participate in everyday activities
How funding works
Your NDIS plan contains a funding budget split into three categories:
Core Supports
Pays for everyday supports — personal care, domestic assistance, community participation, transport. The most flexible budget: you can often shift funds between line items within Core.
Capacity Building Supports
Designed to build your independence and skills over time. Includes therapy, support coordination, employment supports, and improved learning. Less flexible — locked to the specific category.
Capital Supports
Higher-cost one-off purchases: assistive technology, home modifications, Specialist Disability Accommodation. Requires quotes and approval. Least flexible of the three.
How plans are managed
Once you have a plan, you choose how your funding is managed:
Agency-managed
The NDIA pays providers directly. Simplest option, lowest admin — but you can only use NDIS-registered providers.
Plan-managed
A registered plan manager handles invoices and budget tracking. You can use both registered and unregistered providers. Recommended for most participants. The cost is funded separately by the NDIS (~$104/month) — 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.
What you can spend it on
NDIS funding can cover a wide range of supports when they are reasonable and necessary and related to your disability:
- Therapy — occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech pathology, psychology
- Support workers — personal care, community access, overnight support
- Home modifications — grab rails, ramps, accessible bathrooms
- Assistive technology — wheelchairs, communication devices, vision aids
- Support coordination — help navigating and using your plan
- Plan management — someone to handle your invoices and budget
- Employment supports — job coaching, workplace adjustments
How to apply
- Check eligibility at ndis.gov.au or call 1800 800 110
- Gather evidence — get supporting documentation from your GP, specialist, or allied health professional
- Submit an Access Request Form — online, by phone, or through a Local Area Coordinator (LAC)
- NDIA makes a decision — typically within 21 days
- Attend a planning meeting — with your LAC or NDIA planner to develop your plan
- Plan is activated — funding becomes available to use