What is the NDIS and how does it work?

What is the NDIS?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a national scheme that revolutionises the way people with disabilities get the supports and services needed to achieve their goals.

With more choice and control over how, when and where supports are provided, the NDIS puts you at the centre of the decision-making process about your life.

The NDIS provides funding for “reasonable and necessary” supports for people with permanent and significant disability, including the Early Childhood Appproach for children under 9. The types of services and supports are diverse and based on the goals of each NDIS participant.

You decide how supports will help you achieve your goals in areas such as independence, community involvement, education, employment and health and wellbeing.

Cheerful young boy with muscular dystrophy in his bedroom, using powered wheelchair, mother and father smiling and watching in the background
Cheerful young boy with muscular dystrophy in his bedroom, using powered wheelchair, mother and father smiling and watching in the background

Benefits of the NDIS.

The NDIS takes a lifetime approach, supporting you today and for the future, with a focus on improving outcomes throughout your life.

It can provide you with funding for supports and services as well as connect you to information and supports provided by other organisations and government agencies.

  • Financial help to cover some costs associated with your disability
  • Choice and control over the supports you get and how you spend your NDIS funds
  • Built in flexibility means the supports you get can change depending on your needs
  • A national system that is now available in every state and territory
  • An NDIS Plan based on your specific needs.

How does the NDIS work?

For eligible participants, the NDIS provides a package of funding split across several different categories. The funding is intended to help you achieve your goals.

Here’s a brief overview of the steps you might go through to access NDIS funding:

  1. Determine eligibility – see NDIS eligibility for details.
  2. Complete an Access Request and supply supporting information. “Access Request” is the term used for completing an application to join the NDIS.
  3. Get prepared for your first NDIS Plan meeting. Get your free Leap in! NDIS Plan Meeting Checklist.
  4. Attend your NDIS Plan meeting.
  5. Receive your first NDIS Plan.

The NDIS works with you to develop an NDIS Plan which outlines your goals and the types of support you need. Your plan may go for one year or longer, depending on the types of goals you have and how often your support needs are likely to change.

Funding is split into three categories. Some funding can be used flexibly and without a quote while other funding requires a quote and must be spent on the specific item outlined in your NDIS Plan.

Who manages the NDIS?

The NDIS is administered throughout Australia by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), an independent statutory authority set up to implement the NDIS.

How to make a complaint?

External complaints bodies.

NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission

Postal address: NDIS Commission Feedback, PO Box 210, Penrith NSW 2750
Phone: 1800 035 544 or TTY 133 677
Email: contactcentre@ndiscommission.gov.au
Web: https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/participants/complaints

National Disability Insurance Agency 

Postal Address: GOP Box 700, Canberra ACT 2601
Phone: 1800 800 110
Email: feedback@ndis.gov.au

Commonwealth Ombudsman 

Postal Address: GPO Box 442, Canberra ACT 2601
Complaints hotline: 1300 362 072
Email: ombudsman@ombudsman.gov.au
Web: http://ombudsman.gov.au

Want to find out more about the NDIS?

NDIS eligibility.

NDIS services and supports.

What will the NDIS pay for?