Understanding the NDIS

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an Australian government scheme that provides funding to eligible people with disability to access supports and services. It is administered by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).

The NDIS is designed to support people with permanent and significant disability. It aims to help participants achieve their goals, increase their independence, and participate in the community and workforce.

The NDIS is not means-tested. Eligibility is based on disability and other criteria, not income. However, not everyone with a disability is eligible for the NDIS. Access requirements are set out by the NDIA.

To access the NDIS, a person must meet certain requirements, including age, residency and disability criteria. The disability must be permanent and significant, meaning it substantially reduces a person's ability to participate in everyday activities.

The application process involves providing information about the person's disability and how it affects their daily life. This may include reports from health professionals. The NDIA assesses this information to determine eligibility.

For detailed and up-to-date information about access requirements and the application process, visit the official NDIS website at ndis.gov.au.

An NDIS plan is a written document that sets out a participant's goals and the supports funded by the NDIS. Plans are typically reviewed every 12 months, but can be reviewed earlier if circumstances change.

A plan includes information about the participant, their goals, and the funding allocated across different support categories. The plan is developed through a planning discussion between the participant (and their representatives) and the NDIA.

NDIS plans typically include three types of support purposes:

• Core supports — help with everyday activities, such as assistance with daily living, transport, consumables and social participation.
• Capital supports — funding for higher-cost items, such as assistive technology and home modifications.
• Capacity building supports — funding to help build skills and independence, such as improved living arrangements, finding and keeping a job, and improved relationships.

The specific supports in a plan are based on the participant's individual goals and needs.

There are three main ways an NDIS plan can be managed:

• NDIA-managed (agency-managed) — the NDIA pays providers directly. Participants can only use registered NDIS providers.
• Plan-managed — a plan manager handles the financial administration. Participants can use both registered and unregistered providers.
• Self-managed — the participant (or their nominee) manages the funding themselves. This offers the most flexibility but also the most responsibility.

A plan can also include a combination of these options for different parts of the funding.

Participants can choose their own providers, depending on how their plan is managed. When choosing a provider, it can help to ask questions about their experience, qualifications, approach and fees.

For a list of questions to ask, see our guide: Questions to Ask a Disability Support Provider.

Preparing for an NDIS planning discussion can help you get the most out of the process. It can help to think about your goals, the supports you currently receive, and what you might need in the future.

For practical guidance, see our guide: Preparing for an NDIS Planning Discussion.