What Is the NDIS?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an Australian government program that funds individualised support and services for people with a permanent and significant disability. It is administered by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and operates across all states and territories.
The NDIS replaced a fragmented, state-based system of disability support that left many Australians without adequate help. Since its national rollout in 2016, the NDIS has grown to support over 600,000 Australians — making it one of the largest social insurance schemes in the world.
The core principle of the NDIS is that people with disability deserve the same opportunities as everyone else to live an ordinary life. Funding is individualised — based on your goals, your disability, and the supports you need — not a one-size-fits-all package.
Who Is Eligible for the NDIS?
To access the NDIS, you must meet all three eligibility criteria:
Age
You must be under 65 years of age when you first apply for the NDIS.
Residency
You must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Special Category Visa holder.
Disability
You must have a permanent disability that significantly affects your ability to take part in everyday activities.
What Counts as a Permanent Disability?
The NDIS supports people with a wide range of disabilities including — but not limited to:
How to Apply for the NDIS
Check eligibility
Visit ndis.gov.au or call 1800 800 110 to confirm you meet the age, residency, and disability criteria before starting an application.
Gather supporting evidence
Ask your GP, specialist, or allied health professional for a report documenting your diagnosis and how it impacts your daily functioning. The stronger your evidence, the smoother your application.
Submit an Access Request
Complete the NDIS Access Request Form (ARF) online or over the phone. The NDIA will review your application — this can take up to 21 days.
Attend a planning meeting
If approved, you will be invited to a planning meeting (in person or over the phone) to discuss your goals and what supports you need. Come prepared with a list of your goals and current support needs.
Receive your NDIS plan
Your approved plan will be uploaded to your myNDIS portal and sent to you. It will include your funding amounts across Core, Capital, and Capacity Building budgets.
Choose your providers
Use your plan to engage registered NDIS providers — like Help Alliance in Perth — to deliver the supports in your plan. A Support Coordinator can help if navigating this feels overwhelming.
What Does the NDIS Fund?
NDIS funding is split across three budget categories. Each category covers different types of supports.
Core Supports
The most flexible budget — funds everyday supports that help you with daily activities and life goals.
Capital Supports
Funds higher-cost items and specialist housing — typically not flexible and tied to specific approved items.
Capacity Building Supports
Funds supports that build your independence and skills over time — invested in your long-term development.
How NDIS Plan Management Works
There are three ways to manage your NDIS funding. You can choose a different option for each budget category.
NDIA-Managed
The NDIS pays your providers directly. Lowest admin for you, but you can only use registered providers.
Plan-Managed Most popular
A registered plan manager handles payments. You get flexibility to use both registered and unregistered providers.
Self-Managed
You manage your own funds and pay providers directly. Maximum flexibility but full admin responsibility.