The NDIS in one paragraph
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funds supports for Australians with permanent and significant disability. It's run by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). Providers are regulated by a separate body, the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.
Instead of a fixed service, each participant gets an individual plan with funding for the supports they need to live their life and pursue their goals.
Who can apply?
To access the NDIS you generally need to meet these requirements when you apply:
- Be aged under 65
- Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or hold a Protected Special Category Visa
- Live in Australia
- Have a permanent disability that substantially reduces your ability to do everyday activities, or need early intervention support
What does the NDIS fund?
The NDIS funds supports that are related to your disability and are 'reasonable and necessary'. Plans are usually made up of three budgets:
- Core Supports: everyday help such as personal care, Supported Independent Living, community participation and transport
- Capacity Building: supports that build skills and independence, such as therapy, support coordination and plan management
- Capital: assistive technology, home modifications and Specialist Disability Accommodation
How plans are managed
There are three ways to manage your funding: NDIA-managed (the NDIA pays registered providers), plan-managed (a plan manager pays providers for you) and self-managed (you pay providers and claim from the NDIA). Many people use a mix.
Rules change: check the latest
The NDIS has been changing since the NDIS Amendment Act 2024, including new rules about which supports the NDIS funds. Always check ndis.gov.au for the latest information, or talk to your support coordinator.
This is general information, not advice about your situation. NDIS rules change, so check ndis.gov.au or talk to our team.