A Complete Guide to the National Disability Insurance Scheme
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is Australia’s groundbreaking approach to supporting people with disabilities.
Whether you’re new to the NDIS, applying for the first time, or simply looking to understand how it all works, this guide breaks it down for you—clearly and simply. From eligibility criteria to plan management options, we’ll walk you through every step so you can make informed decisions and get the most out of your plan.
What is NDIS?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a government-funded program that supports Australians with permanent and significant disabilities. It’s designed to give people more choice, control, and independence in how they live their lives and access the support they need.
Unlike past disability services, the NDIS takes a personalised approach. Each participant receives tailored funding to help them reach their goals—whether that means learning new skills, getting a job, connecting with community groups, or living more independently.
The NDIS funds a wide range of reasonable and necessary supports, including help with daily tasks, therapies, assistive technology, home modifications, and more. According to the 2022–23 NDIS Annual Report, over 610,502 Australians were actively participating in the scheme by June 2023—proof of its growing impact nationwide.
History and Purpose of NDIS
The NDIS has its roots in the 2008 Australian Government’s 2020 Summit, where the idea of a national disability insurance scheme was first proposed. The Productivity Commission investigated the feasibility of such a scheme in 2009, and by 2011, they recommended its establishment, describing the old disability welfare model as “under-funded, fragmented and inefficient”.
The NDIS Act was passed in March 2013, establishing the scheme officially. Originally called “DisabilityCare Australia,” the scheme was renamed to the NDIS in September 2013. Prime Minister Julia Gillard released the legislation, and the scheme was heralded as “the greatest social reform in Australia since Medicare”.
The first trial sites began operating in July 2013 in four locations: the Barwon region of Victoria, the Hunter region of New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania. From there, it gradually expanded nationwide, with full implementation completed by 2019.
How NDIS Works?
The NDIS operates on an individualised model—meaning each person receives support tailored to their own needs, goals, and life situation. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, the scheme gives you the freedom to choose your supports and how they’re delivered.
Here’s how the NDIS works in practice:
1. Accessing the NDIS
Once you meet the eligibility criteria, you’ll apply through the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). If approved, you’ll be invited to a planning meeting.
2. Creating Your Plan
In the planning meeting, you’ll work with an NDIA representative to develop your personalised NDIS plan. This plan is based on:
- Your goals and aspirations
- The challenges you face in daily life
- The support you need to build independence and achieve outcomes
3. Receiving Your Funding
Your plan will include funding across different categories, such as daily support, therapies, equipment, or community access. Here, you get to decide how this funding is used and who provides the services.
4. Review and Adjustments
NDIS plans typically run for 12–24 months, but you can request a review if your circumstances change. This allows the supports in your NDIS plan to evolve with you over time.
Eligibility Criteria for NDIS Services
Now that you understand how the NDIS works and how it puts you in control, you might be wondering—Am I eligible for it? That’s a great question, and an important one too. Before you can move forward with your NDIS journey, you need to meet a few key requirements.
Let’s break them down so you know exactly where you stand.
1. Age Requirements
You must be under 65 years old when you first apply and over 9 years old (for children under 9, there’s a separate Early Childhood Early Intervention pathway).
2. Residency Requirements
You must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa.
3. Disability Requirements
You must have a permanent and significant disability that substantially affects your ability to perform everyday activities without assistance. This includes intellectual, cognitive, neurological, sensory, physical, or psychosocial disabilities.
4. Support Needs
You must require reasonable and necessary supports to help with daily activities, community participation, or independence.
NDIS Application Process: How to Apply?
If you’ve read this far and meet the eligibility criteria, you’re likely interested in how to apply for the NDIS support. Applying for the NDIS involves several key steps, and here’s exactly what you need to do to get started.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Use the NDIS Access Checklist on the official website or contact 1800 800 110 to confirm you meet the criteria.
Step 2: Gather Documentation
Collect medical reports, specialist assessments, and evidence that shows how your disability impacts your daily life. This evidence should be recent (no more than 12 months old) and provided by treating health professionals relevant to your primary disability.
Step 3: Submit Your Access Request
Complete the Access Request Form and submit it along with your supporting documents. You can do this online, by phone, or through your local NDIA office.
Step 4: Wait for Assessment
The NDIA will review your application within 21 days and determine if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Step 5: Planning Meeting
If approved, you’ll attend a planning meeting to develop your personalized NDIS plan.
Understanding the NDIS Plan
Your NDIS plan is unique to your needs and circumstances. It includes details about your personal goals, the support you’ll be funded for, and how much funding you’ll receive. The plan focuses on what you want to achieve in life and identifies the supports that will help you get there.
During your planning meeting, the NDIA representative will discuss your disability-related needs, functional capacity, challenges, goals, current support arrangements, and any gaps in existing services. They’ll explain all available options and create a plan tailored to your specific situation.
Types of NDIS Supports
NDIS funding is organized into three main budget categories:
1. Core Supports
Core Supports help with your everyday activities and current disability-related needs. This is the most flexible part of your budget, allowing you to move funding between different core categories as needed. Core Supports include:
- Assistance with Daily Life: Personal care, household tasks, and community access
- Transport: Modified vehicles, public transport training, and specialized transport services
- Consumables: Disability-related items like continence products and low-cost assistive technology (up to $15,000 annually)
- Social and Community Participation: Support to engage in community activities and social outings
2. Capacity Building Supports
These supports help you build skills and independence to achieve your goals. Unlike Core Supports, Capacity Building funding is less flexible between categories. This includes:
- Support Coordination: Helps understand and use your NDIS plan
- Therapy Services: Speech therapy, occupational therapy, psychology
- Employment Support: Assistance in finding and keeping employment
- Education and Training: Skill development programs
3. Capital Supports
Capacity Building Supports are intended to help you develop skills and increase your independence over time. This category includes:
- Assistive Technology: Communication devices, mobility equipment, computer access tools
- Home Modifications: Bathroom modifications, ramps, handrails
- Vehicle Modifications: Adaptations to enable mobility
- Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA): Specialized housing with accessibility features
NDIS Participants: Rights and Responsibilities
Now that you know the different types of supports the NDIS can fund to help you live more independently and achieve your goals, it’s just as important to understand your role in the scheme. As an NDIS participant, you have certain rights that ensure you’re treated fairly and with respect, and responsibilities that help you get the most out of your plan.
Your Rights Include:
- Choice and Control: Making decisions about your life and having control over your supports
- Individualized Support: Receiving support tailored to your unique needs and goals
- Dignity and Respect: Being treated with dignity and respect at all times
- Privacy and Confidentiality: Having your personal information kept confidential
- Appeal and Review: The right to appeal NDIA decisions you disagree with
Your Responsibilities Include:
- Providing Accurate Information: Giving truthful information about your disability and support needs
- Participating in Plan Development: Actively engaging in creating your NDIS plan
- Using Funds Wisely: Using your NDIS funding in accordance with your plan goals
- Respecting Providers: Treating support providers and NDIA staff with courtesy and respect
- Complying with Plan Conditions: Following the conditions outlined in your plan
NDIS Providers and Support Workers
After understanding your rights and responsibilities as an NDIS participant, the next step is knowing who will deliver your supports.
NDIS providers and support workers are the professionals and organizations that help you access the services outlined in your plan. You have plenty of options to choose from, so you can find the right fit for your needs and preferences.
Types of Providers:
1. Registered NDIS Providers:
These organizations have been audited and meet strict quality standards set by the NDIS. If your plan is NDIA-managed, you’ll need to use registered providers.
2. Non-registered Providers:
These are providers who haven’t been registered with the NDIS but can still offer services if you self-manage or plan-manage your funding.
3. Independent Support Workers:
Individuals who work independently and can be hired directly by you, offering a more personalized service.
4. Not-for-Profit Organizations:
These providers focus on participant outcomes and often offer community-driven support.
No matter who you choose, all providers must follow the NDIS Code of Conduct, which ensures they deliver safe, respectful, and high-quality services. This means you can trust that your support workers and providers will treat you with dignity and professionalism.
Plan Management Options
Now that you know who can provide your support, it’s important to understand how you can manage the funding that pays for these services. The NDIS offers three main ways to manage your plan’s budget, giving you flexibility to choose what works best for you.
1. NDIA-Managed (Agency-Managed)
With this option, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) takes care of all the paperwork and pays your registered providers directly. It’s the easiest way to manage your plan, but it limits you to working with registered providers only.
2. Plan-Managed
If you want more choice but don’t want to handle all the admin yourself, a registered plan manager can manage your finances for you. This lets you access both registered and non-registered providers while someone else handles the bills and payments. Plus, plan management is covered in your NDIS funding at no extra cost.
3. Self-Managed
Choosing to self-manage means you take full control of your funding, choosing providers, paying invoices, and keeping track of your budget. It offers the most flexibility but requires good organizational skills to stay on top of things.
You can also mix these options depending on your needs, giving you even more control over how your plan works for you.
Conclusion
Understanding how the NDIS works—from supports and providers to managing your funding—puts you in a strong position to take control of your journey. The scheme is designed to give you choice, flexibility, and the resources you need to achieve your personal goals and live the life you want.
If you’re ready to explore your options further or need personalized guidance, visit skpcare.com.au. Their expert team can help you navigate the NDIS process, connect with quality providers, and make the most of your plan.
Your NDIS journey is all about empowerment and support—and with the right knowledge and help, you can confidently take the next step toward a brighter, more independent future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. How much funding will I receive?
Funding depends on your individual needs and goals, so it varies widely. Some plans range from around $15,000 up to over $100,000 per year, with most participants receiving between $30,000 and $60,000.
Q. Can I change my plan management option?
Absolutely! You can switch your plan management option anytime or even mix different types for different parts of your plan.
Q. What if my NDIS application is rejected?
You have the right to request an internal review within three months. You can also provide more evidence or appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal if needed.
Q. How often are NDIS plans reviewed?
Typically, plans are reviewed every 12 to 24 months, but you can ask for an early review if your circumstances change significantly.
Q. Can I use non-registered providers?
Yes, but only if you self-manage or plan-manage your funding. If your plan is NDIA-managed, you must use registered providers.
Q. What happens when I turn 65?
If you’re already an NDIS participant, you can choose to continue with the NDIS or transition to the aged care system.
