The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides funding to Australians with a permanent and significant disability to access supports, services, and equipment. This guide covers how the NDIS works, eligibility, the application process, and plan management options.
What Is the NDIS?
The NDIS is Australia's national insurance scheme that provides individualised funding to people with disability. Instead of block-funded state programs, the NDIS gives participants choice and control over their supports. The scheme is administered by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).
NDIS Eligibility Criteria
To access the NDIS, you must meet all of the following:
- Age: Under 65 years old at the time you apply
- Residency: Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa
- Disability: Have a permanent and significant disability that substantially reduces your ability to participate in everyday activities
Disability Requirements
The NDIS looks at whether your disability affects your capacity in one or more of these areas:
- Communication (speaking, listening, understanding)
- Social interaction
- Learning, problem-solving, and decision-making
- Mobility and movement
- Self-care (eating, dressing, showering, toileting)
- Self-management (organising your daily life, money, and activities)
How to Apply for the NDIS
- Check your eligibility using the NDIS Access Checklist on the NDIS website
- Gather evidence — reports from your GP, specialists, therapists, and allied health professionals that confirm your diagnosis and functional impact
- Submit an Access Request by calling the NDIS (1800 800 110) or completing the Access Request Form and sending it with supporting evidence
- NDIA decision — the NDIA will assess your application. If approved, you'll be invited to a planning conversation
- Create your first plan — a planner will work with you to identify your goals, needs, and budget
- Plan approval and funding — once your plan is approved, you can start using your funding immediately
NDIS Plan Management Options
When you receive NDIS funding, you need to choose how your plan is managed:
| Management Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Agency-Managed NDIA manages all payments |
No paperwork for you; only registered providers can be used | Less choice; limited to NDIS-registered providers |
| Plan-Managed A professional plan manager handles invoices |
More choice (registered and unregistered providers); minimal paperwork; free to participant | Must use a registered plan manager |
| Self-Managed You manage budgets, payments, and reporting |
Maximum flexibility; can use any provider; often lower costs | Requires time, record-keeping, and confidence with bookkeeping |
What Can NDIS Funding Be Used For?
NDIS funding is divided into three budget categories:
- Core Supports: daily living assistance, transport, consumables (e.g. continence products), and community participation
- Capacity Building Supports: therapies (speech pathology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy), social skills training, employment support, and home modifications
- Capital Supports: assistive technology (wheelchairs, communication devices) and home/vehicle modifications
NDIS Review and Plan Renewal
NDIS plans typically last 12 months. Before your plan ends:
- The NDIA will contact you to review your plan
- You may need to provide updated reports from your therapists or specialists
- Your plan can be changed if your circumstances or needs have changed
NDIS and DSP — Key Differences
| NDIS | Disability Support Pension (DSP) |
|---|---|
| Funds supports and services | Provides income support (money to live on) |
| No income or assets test | Income and assets tested |
| Under 65 only | Any age (16 to Age Pension age) |
| Disability must substantially reduce daily function | Disability must prevent 15+ hrs/week work |
You can receive both NDIS funding and DSP if you meet the criteria for each.
Appeals and Complaints
If you disagree with an NDIS decision, you can:
- Request an internal review by the NDIA
- Apply to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART)
- Make a complaint to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
- Contact the Commonwealth Ombudsman
This guide is updated for 2026. Check Services Australia website for latest rates.