A Step-by-Step Guide to Understanding NDIS
This step-by-step guide is designed to demystify the process and help participants and their families feel confident about the journey ahead.
Step 1: Understand What the NDIS Is
The system is a government-funded scheme designed to support people with a disability under the age of 65. Unlike traditional welfare programs, it takes an individualised approach by offering participants control over the supports and services they receive. This participant-centred model aims to promote independence, increase community involvement and improve overall quality of life.
Funding is allocated based on each individual’s goals, needs and circumstances. It covers a range of supports such as therapy, assistive technology, transport assistance and personal care. Importantly, it is not means-tested and eligibility is based solely on age, residency and the nature of the disability.
Step 2: Check Your Eligibility
Before applying, it’s important to check whether you meet the eligibility criteria. To qualify for the program, you must:
- Be under 65 years of age at the time of application
- Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or hold a Protected Special Category Visa
- Have a permanent and significant disability that affects your ability to participate in everyday activities
A disability is considered significant if it substantially reduces your functional capacity in areas such as communication, mobility, social interaction, learning or self-care. If you’re unsure whether your condition qualifies, the NDIS support website offers a handy eligibility checklist to guide you.
Step 3: Gather Supporting Evidence
Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, the next step is to prepare your application. Strong supporting evidence is key to a successful application. This includes:
- Medical or specialist reports outlining your diagnosis
- Functional assessments that demonstrate the impact of your disability on daily life
- Letters from healthcare professionals detailing current treatments or therapies
Make sure all documents are up to date and clearly outline how your disability affects your ability to participate in everyday tasks. The more detailed your documentation, the better the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) can assess your needs.
Step 4: Submit Your Access Request
An access request can be made by calling the funding system directly or by completing an access request form available online or through your local NDIA office. You will need to provide personal details, your consent for the NDIA to gather information and all the supporting evidence you’ve collected.
If you’re working with a general practitioner, therapist or local area coordinator (LAC), they can often help you through this stage. Once your request is submitted, the NDIA will assess your application and notify you of the outcome. If approved, you’ll move on to the planning stage.
Step 5: Attend Your Planning Meeting
After approval, you’ll be invited to attend a planning meeting with an NDIA planner or LAC. This is your opportunity to outline your goals, discuss your daily support needs and describe how your disability affects your life. Be prepared to talk about short-term and long-term goals—whether it’s gaining employment, improving mobility or participating in community events.
Step 6: Choose & Manage Your Supports
Once your plan is in place, you can begin accessing services. You can choose to manage your plan yourself, use a registered plan manager or have it managed by the NDIA. Each option has its benefits and the right choice depends on your comfort level and capacity to coordinate providers.
Registered providers must meet strict quality and safety standards, but participants can also choose unregistered providers if they are self-managing their plan. Services may include occupational therapy, speech therapy, community access, transport and equipment.
Step 7: Review & Update Your Plan
The plans are usually reviewed every 12 months, although this can vary based on individual circumstances. During the review, you’ll discuss what’s working, what isn’t and whether your goals or circumstances have changed.
Understanding the program may seem daunting at first, but with the right information and support, it becomes a manageable and empowering process. From checking eligibility to managing your plan, each step plays a crucial role in accessing the funding and services that can transform lives.
Whether you’re a potential participant, carer or support worker, familiarising yourself with the framework of the program, you can advocate effectively and make informed decisions. It exists to enable Australians with disabilities to lead the lives they choose—supported, included and empowered.
