Everything you need to know about the National Disability Insurance Scheme, from eligibility and access to funding and support categories. We're here to help you navigate your NDIS journey with confidence.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is the Australian Government's program that provides funding and support to people with permanent and significant disability.
The NDIS takes a lifetime approach, investing in people with disability early to improve their outcomes later in life. It provides funding directly to individuals based on their unique needs and goals, giving them choice and control over the supports they receive.
Unlike previous systems, the NDIS is designed to be person-centred, flexible, and focused on building capacity and independence. It supports people to live ordinary lives, participate in their communities, and pursue their goals and aspirations.
600K+
Australians Supported
2013
NDIS Launched
To access the NDIS, you need to meet specific criteria related to age, residency, and disability
You must be under 65 years old when you first apply to access the NDIS.
You must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa.
You have a permanent and significant disability that affects your ability to take part in everyday activities.
Your disability must be permanent (likely to be lifelong) and significantly affect your ability to participate in everyday activities. The NDIS considers:
The disability substantially reduces your functional capacity in areas like communication, social interaction, learning, mobility, or self-management.
You need support from a person or equipment to participate in everyday activities that others can do without support.
The disability is permanent (likely to be lifelong), not temporary or short-term in nature.
For children under 7, support may be available even if the disability isn't permanent, if early intervention will reduce future support needs.
Follow these steps to begin your NDIS journey
Contact the NDIS or ask someone to help you. You'll need to provide evidence of your disability from a health professional (such as a doctor, psychologist, or allied health professional).
The NDIA will review your request and determine if you meet the access requirements. They typically make a decision within 21 days. If approved, you become an NDIS participant.
You'll meet with an NDIS planner (or LAC) to discuss your goals, support needs, and current informal supports. This is where you build your NDIS plan together.
Your approved NDIS plan will outline your funded supports and budget. Plans are typically reviewed annually, but can be reviewed sooner if your circumstances change significantly.
Choose your service providers (like MyHealth Solutions!), manage your funding, and start receiving the supports that will help you achieve your goals.
Our team can guide you through the access process, help gather evidence, and support you at planning meetings.
Contact Us for SupportYour NDIS funding is divided into three budget categories based on different types of support
Flexible funding for your everyday disability-related needs and activities.
Most flexible budget - funds can be moved between Core support types
Supports to build your independence and skills for the future.
Budget can be flexible between some Capacity Building categories
Investment in assistive technology, equipment, and home modifications.
Budget is specific to stated items - requires quotes and assessments
You have three options for how your NDIS funding is managed
The NDIS pays providers directly. You choose registered NDIS providers, and they submit claims directly to the NDIS.
Simplest option
No paperwork for you
Must use registered providers
A plan manager handles all financial tasks and paperwork. You can use both registered and non-registered providers.
More provider choice
No paperwork for you
Financial reports provided
You manage all aspects of your funding yourself. You pay providers, keep receipts, and claim reimbursement from the NDIS.
Maximum flexibility
Use any provider
Requires bookkeeping skills
Different budget categories in your plan can have different management types. For example, you might have Core Supports plan-managed, Capacity Building NDIA-managed, and some supports self-managed. Many participants find a combination works best for their circumstances.
Your NDIS plan is a living document that outlines your goals, the supports you'll receive, and how much funding you have. Here's what you need to know:
Most NDIS plans last for 12 months, though some may be shorter (6 months) or longer (up to 36 months) depending on your circumstances and stability of supports.
Before your plan ends, you'll have a plan review meeting to discuss progress toward your goals, what's working, what's not, and what supports you need going forward.
Your plan is built around your goals—what you want to achieve in areas like daily living, work, relationships, health, and community participation. All supports should link back to these goals.
If your circumstances change significantly, you can request a plan review before it's due. This might be due to health changes, changes in living arrangements, or new goals.
Common questions about the NDIS answered
Still have questions about the NDIS?
Talk to Our TeamWhether you're just starting your NDIS access request or looking for quality service providers, MyHealth Solutions is here to support you every step of the way.