The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a life-changing program that provides funding for Australians under 65 with a permanent and significant disability. If you or a loved one needs support for daily living, mobility, therapy, or assistive technology, NDIS funding can make a huge difference.
This step-by-step guide walks you through the entire application process—from checking eligibility to getting your first funded plan.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before you start, confirm you meet the NDIS criteria:
- Age: Under 65 at the time of application (children under 9 may follow the Early Childhood Approach).
- Residency: Australian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Special Category Visa holder.
- Disability requirements: You have a permanent and significant disability that affects your ability to participate in everyday activities, OR you have a developmental delay (for children under 9).
Tip: Use the NDIS online Eligibility Checklist or call 1800 800 110 to speak with a Local Area Coordinator (LAC).
Step 2: Gather Evidence of Your Disability
You’ll need supporting documents. Common evidence includes:
- Medical reports from specialists (e.g., neurologist, psychologist, occupational therapist)
- Functional capacity assessments
- School reports (for children)
- Letters from allied health professionals
- Existing therapy reports or equipment prescriptions
Pro tip: Ask your GP for a referral to relevant specialists if you don’t have recent reports. Evidence should clearly show how your disability impacts mobility, communication, self-care, self-management, learning, or social interaction.
Step 3: Make an Access Request
You can apply in three ways:
- Online: Via myGov (linked to NDIS)
- Phone: Call 1800 800 110 and complete a Verbal Access Request
- Paper form: Download the Access Request Form from the NDIS website and post it
Include:
- Proof of identity (birth certificate, Medicare card, passport)
- Completed Access Request Form
- All supporting evidence
Step 4: Wait for the Access Decision (Up to 21 Days)
The NDIA will assess your request. Possible outcomes:
- Access met: You’re now an NDIS participant!
- Access not met: You’ll receive a letter explaining why and your review rights.
If approved, you’ll be contacted by a Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or Early Childhood Partner to start planning.
Step 5: Attend Your Planning Meeting
This is where your needs are discussed. Prepare by:
- Thinking about your goals (short-term and long-term)
- Listing current supports and what’s not working
- Bringing family/carers if helpful
You can choose:
- NDIA-managed (agency handles payments)
- Plan-managed (a plan manager pays providers)
- Self-managed (you manage the budget yourself)
- Or a combination
Step 6: Receive and Review Your Draft Plan
You’ll get a draft plan within a few weeks. Check that it includes:
- Funding amounts in Core, Capacity Building, and Capital supports
- Correct goal statements
- Reasonable and necessary supports
Step 7: Approve Your Plan
Once you’re happy, approve the plan. Funding starts immediately after approval. Plans usually last 12 months (3 years for some fixed supports).
Step 8: Implement Your Plan and Choose Providers
- Find registered NDIS providers via the Provider Finder
- Start using your supports
- Keep receipts if self-managing
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting incomplete evidence → delays or rejection
- Not explaining daily impacts clearly
- Rushing the planning meeting without preparation
- Forgetting to request plan reviews when circumstances change
Need Help?
- Free support: Contact your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or Support Coordinator
- Advocacy: Organizations like Disability Advocacy Network Australia (DANA) or state-based advocacy services
- Appeals: You can request an internal review within 3 months if unhappy with decisions
Final Thoughts
Applying for NDIS funding can feel overwhelming, but thousands of Australians successfully navigate it every year. Start early, gather strong evidence, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. The NDIS is designed to support you—your voice matters throughout the process.