The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is Australia’s first national Scheme for people with disability. It provides support to people with disability, their families and carers. It is jointly governed and funded by the Australian and participating states and territory governments.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme: a quick guide

The NDIS provides support to eligible people with intellectual, physical, sensory, cognitive and psychosocial disability. Early intervention supports can also be provided for eligible people with disability or children with developmental delay. 

Support is provided to individuals in various packages tailored to individual needs in areas such as education, employment, social participation, living arrangements and health needs. They may include funding for:

Check your eligibility using the NDIS-access-requirements-checklist. To become a participant of the NDIS you need to meet what are called the ‘access requirements’. The National Disability Insurance Agency has an NDIS Access Checklist to find out whether you meet the access requirements. The NDIS  access requirements are mainly based on your age, residence, and disability.

You are eligible for the NDIS if you are : 

• under 65 when you make your application
• an Australian Citizen or resident or permanent visa holder.
• and meet the disability or early intervention requirements.

Requests for access to NDIS individualised supports are made to the NDIA. You need to complete an Access Request Form with supporting documents before you can become an NDIS participant. Those found eligible are known as NDIS ‘participants’ and usually remain eligible for life.  Funds will be allocated for you. 

The NDIS  provides funding directly to individuals.

Those who are successful, will be guided through to prepare a plan for their requirements. To get ready for your planning meeting, think about your immediate support needs and your current and future goals. How the planning process works

You will be given all help to choose a Disability Support provider. NDIS providers are individuals or organisations that deliver a support or service to a participant of the NDIS. 

Providers are individuals or organisations who provide the support service or equipment you require or request to help you use your plan to reach the goals that you want to achieve. 

They will provide the reasonable and necessary supports that you will pay for using funds provided by the NDIS..