How the NDIS works
A plain-English guide to the National Disability Insurance Scheme, what it is, how plans are built, and how funding works.
What is the NDIS?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a government-funded program that provides support and services to Australians with disability. It was established to improve people's lives by giving them greater choice and control over the supports they receive.
The scheme is managed by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and currently supports hundreds of thousands of Australians under 65 who live with a permanent and significant disability. To be eligible, you must generally be under 65 when you apply, be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or Protected Special Category Visa holder, and have a permanent and significant disability that affects your everyday activities.
You can read more about the scheme at the official NDIS website, or talk to our team if you'd like help making sense of it.
How NDIS plans work
An NDIS plan is built around your goals, support needs and circumstances. It sets out the funded supports available to you and how those supports can help you build independence and improve your daily life.
Because every plan starts with your goals, no two plans look the same, yours might focus on living more independently, joining in community life, building skills, or staying healthy and well at home.
Funding categories
NDIS funding is usually grouped into three categories, each designed for a different kind of need:
- Core Supports, help with everyday activities and daily support needs.
- Capacity Building Supports, supports that build skills and independence over time.
- Capital Supports, assistive technology and home modifications.
How your funding is managed is a separate choice, you can read about agency-managed, plan-managed and self-managed options on our funding options page.
Early intervention and lifetime support
The NDIS supports early intervention to help children and adults with disability develop skills and achieve better outcomes. Getting the right support early can reduce the impact of a disability over time.
The scheme is also designed to provide support throughout a participant's life, adapting as needs change. It is a long-term commitment to helping people with disability lead fulfilling lives, not a one-off program.
Continual review, and your next steps
NDIS plans are regularly reviewed to make sure they continue to meet your needs and goals, and you can request a review when your circumstances change. Support coordination can also help you understand and implement your plan, connect with providers, and build your capacity to manage your supports.
If you're not yet a participant, our step-by-step guide to applying for the NDIS is a good place to start. Already have a plan? Our team can help you understand it and explore your options, Ask us about the NDIS