AATThe Administrative Appeals Tribunal is an independent body that reviews decisions made by Australian government agencies, including the NDIA. If you disagree with an NDIS decision after an internal review, you can appeal to the AAT. The AAT can set aside, vary, or affirm the original decision.AccommodationIn the NDIS context, accommodation refers to where a participant lives and the supports attached to that arrangement. This includes Supported Independent Living (SIL), Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), Short Term Accommodation (STA/respite), and Individualised Living Options (ILO). Different accommodation types attract different levels of NDIS funding.Activities of Daily LivingActivities of Daily Living (ADLs) are the routine tasks a person performs each day to look after themselves and their home — including bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, meal preparation, cleaning, and managing medications. Difficulty performing ADLs independently is a key factor in NDIS eligibility and funding decisions.Agency-managedAgency-managed is one of the three NDIS plan management types. When your plan is agency-managed, the NDIA pays providers directly from your plan. You can only use registered NDIS providers. It involves the least administrative burden for participants but offers the least flexibility.Allied HealthAllied health refers to the range of health professionals — other than doctors and nurses — who support people with disability. In the NDIS context, this includes occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech pathologists, psychologists, dietitians, and social workers. Allied health services are typically funded under the Capacity Building category.AssessorAn assessor is a qualified professional who conducts formal assessments used in NDIS processes. This may include a functional capacity assessor (usually an occupational therapist), an AT Advisor for assistive technology, or a specialist assessor for SDA or SIL. Their reports are submitted as evidence to support funding decisions.Assistive TechnologyAssistive technology (AT) refers to equipment, devices, or software that helps a person with disability perform tasks they would otherwise find difficult or impossible. Examples include wheelchairs, communication devices, hearing aids, shower chairs, hoists, and screen readers. AT is funded under the Capital Supports category and often requires an assessment and quote.AT AdvisorAn AT Advisor is a specialist (often an occupational therapist or engineer) who assesses a participant's assistive technology needs and recommends appropriate equipment. For complex or higher-cost AT items, NDIS guidelines require an AT Advisor assessment before funding is approved. The AT Advisor also helps with trials and implementation.Behaviour Support PlanA Behaviour Support Plan (BSP) is a written document developed by a positive behaviour support practitioner that sets out strategies for supporting a person with challenging behaviours. Under the NDIS, registered providers working with participants who exhibit behaviours of concern must follow an approved BSP. BSPs must be developed by a registered specialist and updated regularly.Capacity BuildingCapacity Building is one of the three NDIS budget categories. It funds supports that help participants build independence and skills over time — including therapy, support coordination, employment assistance, and relationship skills programs. Unlike Core Supports, Capacity Building budgets are allocated to specific sub-categories and cannot be moved between them.Capital SupportsCapital Supports is the third NDIS budget category, covering one-off or longer-lasting items rather than ongoing services. This includes assistive technology, home modifications, Specialist Disability Accommodation, and vehicle modifications. Capital Supports funding is tightly controlled and tied to specific approved items.CarerA carer is a person who provides unpaid support to a family member, friend, or partner with disability. The NDIS recognises the role of carers and, in some cases, funds supports designed to reduce carer burden — including respite care (Short Term Accommodation). However, the NDIS does not fund carers directly; it funds disability supports for the participant.Change of CircumstancesA change of circumstances is a significant change in a participant's life that may affect their disability support needs — such as a deterioration in condition, a change in living situation, or the loss of an informal support. Participants can request a plan review outside the standard review cycle when a genuine change of circumstances occurs.Complex NeedsComplex needs refers to a situation where a participant has multiple, intersecting disability-related challenges that require a higher level of support planning and coordination. People with complex needs often have multiple diagnoses, challenging behaviours, or significant medical requirements. Their NDIS plans typically include specialist support coordination and higher funding levels.Consumer Directed CareConsumer Directed Care (CDC) is a model of service delivery that gives individuals greater control over how their care funding is used — including what supports they access, who provides them, and how they are delivered. The NDIS is built on CDC principles, giving participants choice and control over their plans.Core SupportsCore Supports is the most commonly used and most flexible NDIS budget category. It funds day-to-day assistance including personal care, domestic activities, community participation, consumables, and some transport. Within Core, participants can generally move funding between sub-categories to suit their changing needs, giving it more flexibility than other categories.Daily ActivitiesIn the NDIS, Daily Activities (formally 'Assistance with Daily Life') is a Core Supports sub-category that funds help with personal care, domestic tasks, meal preparation, household chores, and related activities. It is one of the largest sub-categories in most NDIS plans and includes both in-home and community-based assistance.Disability Support PensionThe Disability Support Pension (DSP) is an income support payment from Services Australia for people with a permanent physical, intellectual, or psychiatric condition that prevents them from working. The DSP and NDIS are separate programs with different eligibility criteria. You can receive both, but neither automatically qualifies you for the other.Early Childhood ApproachThe Early Childhood Approach (ECA) is the NDIS pathway for children under 9 with developmental delay or early disability. Instead of accessing a formal NDIS plan, families work with an Early Childhood partner — a specialist provider funded by the NDIS — to identify needs and access early intervention supports. Some children transition to a formal NDIS plan as they get older.Early InterventionEarly intervention refers to supports provided as early as possible in a person's life or disability journey to reduce future support needs and improve long-term outcomes. The NDIS funds early intervention for eligible children and, in some cases, adults where early intervention is likely to reduce the long-term impact of a disability.Functional Capacity AssessmentA Functional Capacity Assessment is a formal evaluation — usually conducted by an occupational therapist — of how a person's disability affects their ability to perform daily tasks. It covers areas such as mobility, self-care, communication, and social participation. This assessment is a key piece of evidence for NDIS eligibility and plan funding decisions.GoalsGoals are central to every NDIS plan. They describe what the participant wants to achieve in life — such as living more independently, making friends, finding a job, or improving communication. NDIS plans are structured around these goals, and every funded support must be linked to helping the participant work towards them. Goals can be short-term (1 year) or longer-term aspirations.High Intensity SupportHigh Intensity supports are NDIS-funded services requiring specialised knowledge and skills due to the complexity of a participant's support needs. Workers delivering high-intensity supports must meet specific qualifications and training requirements. They attract a higher price limit under the NDIS Pricing Arrangements to reflect the expertise required.Home ModificationsHome modifications are physical changes to a participant's home to improve access and safety — such as installing ramps, handrails, widened doorways, modified bathrooms, or specialised fixtures. They are funded under the Capital Supports category. Minor modifications can be funded without a quote; major modifications require an OT assessment and detailed quotes.ILCInformation, Linkages and Capacity (ILC) is an NDIS program that funds community-based support for people with disability who may not have an NDIS plan. ILC helps people access information, connect with community, and build their capacity independently. ILC funding goes to organisations, not individual NDIS plans.Improved Daily LivingImproved Daily Living is a Capacity Building sub-category that funds therapy and training to help participants develop skills and increase their independence in daily life. It typically includes occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech pathology, psychology, and behaviour support. It is one of the most common Capacity Building line items in NDIS plans.In-Kind SupportsIn-Kind supports are NDIS-funded services delivered through existing state or territory government arrangements rather than directly from a participant's NDIS plan budget. They are pre-arranged by the NDIA and the relevant government agency. Participants receiving in-kind supports do not see this funding in their plan — it is allocated separately.Individualised Living OptionsIndividualised Living Options (ILO) is a flexible NDIS-funded living arrangement that supports participants to design their own home and living situation, rather than entering a group or shared supported living service. ILO funding is used to pay for the support people need to live in their chosen home environment — with family, housemates, or independently.Internal ReviewAn internal review is a formal request for the NDIA to reconsider one of its decisions — such as an eligibility decision or plan funding outcome. You must request an internal review within 3 months of the original decision. Internal reviews are conducted by a different NDIA delegate than the original decision-maker. If unsuccessful, you can escalate to the AAT.LACA Local Area Coordinator (LAC) is an NDIS-funded professional who helps participants connect with community supports, develop and implement their NDIS plans, and navigate the disability system. LACs are employed by partner organisations (not the NDIA directly) and work in local communities. They provide planning support for most participants with low to moderate support needs.Mainstream ServicesMainstream services are publicly funded services available to all Australians — such as healthcare, education, housing, and justice. The NDIS does not fund supports that are the responsibility of mainstream services. Understanding what falls under mainstream vs. NDIS responsibility is important when building a support plan.Mandatory ReportingMandatory reporting requires NDIS registered providers to report certain incidents to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. Reportable incidents include unauthorised restrictive practices, abuse, neglect, unexplained death, and serious injury. Failure to report is a compliance breach that can result in registration sanctions.Merged FundingMerged funding refers to the NDIS pooling of Core Supports sub-categories into a single flexible budget. In most plans, participants can use their Core budget across daily activities, community participation, consumables, and some transport without being locked to specific amounts in each sub-category. This gives participants flexibility to spend based on their needs each month.myNDISmyNDIS is the online portal and app where NDIS participants can view their plan, track spending, find providers, and manage their NDIS information. Participants, providers, and plan managers can all access myNDIS. It replaced the myplace portal and is the primary digital touchpoint for managing an NDIS plan.NDIAThe National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is the Australian government body that administers the NDIS. It is responsible for eligibility decisions, plan approvals, pricing arrangements, and overall scheme management. The NDIA is governed by a Board and operates independently from other government departments.NDISThe National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is Australia's national system for funding disability supports. It provides eligible Australians under 65 with individually funded plans to purchase supports that help them live more independently, participate in their community, and achieve their goals. The NDIS is managed by the NDIA and currently supports over 600,000 Australians.NDIS CommissionThe NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission is the independent regulator of NDIS providers. It handles complaints from participants, registers and audits providers, manages reportable incidents, and oversees worker screening. Participants can contact the NDIS Commission if they have concerns about the quality or safety of their supports.NDIS Practice StandardsThe NDIS Practice Standards are the quality and safety benchmarks that registered NDIS providers must meet. They cover areas including person-centred support, access and intake, support planning, support provision, and human rights. Providers are audited against these standards as part of the registration and renewal process.NDIS Price GuideThe NDIS Price Guide (now called the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits) sets the maximum hourly rates and unit prices that registered providers can charge for each support item. It is updated regularly by the NDIA. Self-managed participants can negotiate rates above the price guide, but agency-managed and plan-managed participants cannot.NDIS Worker Screening CheckThe NDIS Worker Screening Check is a national background check that assesses whether a person poses an unacceptable risk to people with disability. It is mandatory for workers in risk-assessed roles at registered NDIS providers. The check considers criminal history, employment history, and professional conduct matters. Workers with a clearance can work across states without a separate check.NomineeA nominee is a person appointed to make decisions on behalf of an NDIS participant who is unable to make their own NDIS-related decisions. There are two types: a plan nominee (makes decisions about the plan) and a correspondence nominee (receives NDIS communications on the participant's behalf). Nominees must be approved by the NDIA.Occupational TherapistAn occupational therapist (OT) is an allied health professional who helps people participate in everyday activities — or 'occupations' — despite physical, cognitive, or psychosocial limitations. In the NDIS, OTs conduct functional capacity assessments, prescribe assistive technology, recommend home modifications, and deliver therapy. They are one of the most commonly funded allied health professionals in NDIS plans.ParticipantA participant is a person who has been found eligible for the NDIS and has an active NDIS plan. Participants are at the centre of the NDIS — their goals, choices, and preferences drive how their plan is designed and how supports are delivered. Over 600,000 Australians are currently NDIS participants.Participant StatementA participant statement is a written description — usually prepared before a planning meeting — that outlines a participant's life, goals, challenges, and support needs in their own words. A strong participant statement helps planners understand the person's context and goals, and can directly influence funding outcomes. It is one of the most important preparation steps before a planning meeting.Plan ManagementPlan management is a service where a registered plan manager handles the financial administration of a participant's NDIS plan. This includes paying provider invoices, tracking spending, and providing monthly statements. Plan management allows participants to use unregistered providers while reducing the administrative burden compared to self-management. It is funded separately in the plan.Plan ManagerA plan manager is a registered NDIS provider who manages the financial administration of a participant's plan on their behalf. They pay invoices, track spending against budgets, and provide regular financial reporting. Using a plan manager gives participants access to both registered and unregistered providers without having to manage the paperwork themselves.Plan ReviewA plan review is a formal reassessment of an NDIS plan — either at the scheduled review date or in response to a change of circumstances. At a plan review, the participant's goals and support needs are reassessed, and funding may increase, decrease, or stay the same. A plan review is an important opportunity to ensure funding reflects current needs.Planning MeetingA planning meeting is a conversation between a participant and an NDIA planner or LAC to develop an NDIS plan. During the meeting, goals, daily activities, support needs, and existing informal supports are discussed. The outcome of the planning meeting forms the basis of the funded NDIS plan. Thorough preparation — including evidence and a participant statement — leads to better outcomes.Positive Behaviour SupportPositive Behaviour Support (PBS) is an evidence-based approach to understanding and reducing behaviours of concern in a way that improves the person's quality of life. PBS practitioners develop Behaviour Support Plans (BSPs) that focus on environmental changes, skill-building, and person-centred strategies rather than restrictive practices. PBS is funded under the NDIS Capacity Building category.ProviderAn NDIS provider is an organisation or individual that delivers services and supports to NDIS participants. Providers can be registered with the NDIS Commission or unregistered. Registered providers undergo audits and must meet NDIS Practice Standards. Agency-managed participants can only use registered providers; plan-managed and self-managed participants can also use unregistered providers.Psychosocial DisabilityPsychosocial disability refers to the functional limitations and participation restrictions arising from a mental health condition. It is not the same as a mental health diagnosis — the NDIS focuses on functional impact, not diagnosis. People with conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression, or anxiety may qualify for the NDIS if the functional impact is permanent and substantial.Reasonable and NecessaryThe 'reasonable and necessary' test is the core criteria the NDIA applies to every support in an NDIS plan. A support must: be related to the participant's disability, be value for money, be effective and beneficial, take into account informal supports already in place, and not be the responsibility of another government system (like health or education). Only supports that pass this test are funded.Recovery CoachA recovery coach is a specialist support worker who assists people with psychosocial disability to build capacity, access services, and work towards their recovery goals. Recovery coaching is funded under Capacity Building in NDIS plans for participants with psychosocial disability. Recovery coaches work collaboratively with participants and their treating team.Registered ProviderA registered provider is an NDIS provider that has been approved and registered by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. Registered providers undergo regular audits against NDIS Practice Standards and must meet worker screening requirements. They can deliver services to participants with any plan management type, including agency-managed plans.Respite CareRespite care (formally Short Term Accommodation in the NDIS) provides a break for both the participant and their informal carers. It is funded under Core Supports and covers accommodation, personal support, and community access for a short period — typically up to 28 days per year. Respite supports can be delivered in a residential facility, community setting, or the participant's own home.SCHADS AwardThe Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services (SCHADS) Industry Award is the minimum wage and conditions framework that governs most NDIS support workers in Australia. It sets base hourly rates, weekend and evening loadings, cancellation provisions, and leave entitlements. NDIS price limits are indexed to SCHADS Award rates.SDASpecialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is NDIS funding for the cost of specially designed or modified housing for people with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. SDA pays for the housing itself (or a contribution to it), while SIL pays for the support staff within that housing. SDA requires a formal assessment and NDIA approval.Self-managedSelf-managed is an NDIS plan management type where the participant manages their own plan funding. This includes receiving payments directly, paying providers, and keeping records. Self-managed participants have the most flexibility — they can use any provider, registered or unregistered, and negotiate their own rates. It requires more administrative responsibility.Service AgreementA service agreement is a written contract between an NDIS participant and a provider that sets out the supports to be delivered, the price, the frequency, and the cancellation policy. Service agreements are strongly recommended before any NDIS services begin. They protect both parties and set clear expectations. Participants have the right to request a written service agreement from any provider.Short Term AccommodationShort Term Accommodation (STA) — commonly known as respite — is NDIS funding for temporary accommodation and support away from a participant's usual home. It gives participants a break and reduces carer burden. STA is funded under Core Supports and is typically capped at 28 days per year, though participants with higher needs may access more.SILSupported Independent Living (SIL) is NDIS funding for the ongoing support that people with high support needs receive to live in shared or individual accommodation. SIL pays for the support staff costs — not the accommodation itself (that is covered by rent, DSP, or SDA). SIL applications require a comprehensive assessment and NDIA approval. It is one of the highest-cost supports in the NDIS.Specialist Support CoordinationSpecialist Support Coordination is a higher-level form of support coordination for participants with complex needs. It is delivered by a qualified specialist — often a social worker or occupational therapist — who helps navigate complex service systems, manage crises, and coordinate multiple providers. It is funded under Capacity Building and is approved for participants where standard support coordination is insufficient.Stated SupportsStated Supports are specific line items in an NDIS plan that are locked to a particular use. Unlike flexible Core Supports, stated supports cannot be moved to other purposes. They are typically applied when the NDIA has funded a specific item or service and wants to ensure the funding is used for that purpose — for example, a specific therapy or piece of equipment.Support CoordinatorA support coordinator is a funded role in an NDIS plan that helps participants understand their plan, connect with providers, coordinate services, and resolve issues. Support coordinators are funded under Capacity Building. They are separate from LACs (who help with planning) and are particularly important for participants with complex or multiple support needs.Support WorkerA support worker is a person employed to deliver direct disability supports to an NDIS participant. This may include personal care, domestic assistance, community access, transport, or behaviour support. Support workers may be employed by a registered provider, work independently, or be hired directly by participants under a self-managed plan. They are the backbone of day-to-day NDIS service delivery.Support Worker TravelSupport worker travel refers to the costs incurred when a support worker travels to or between a participant's locations to deliver supports. Under NDIS Pricing Arrangements, providers can charge for worker travel time and vehicle kilometres in certain circumstances. The rules around what travel can be claimed, and at what rate, are set out in the NDIS Pricing Arrangements.TransportationTransportation is a Core Support that funds the cost of getting a participant to and from activities, appointments, and community participation. It can be provided as a direct transport service (a support worker drives the participant) or as a transport allowance paid into the participant's plan. Eligibility and amount depend on the participant's ability to use public transport independently.Unregistered ProviderAn unregistered provider is an organisation or individual that delivers NDIS supports but is not registered with the NDIS Commission. Unregistered providers are not audited against NDIS Practice Standards and do not need to meet worker screening requirements for most roles. They can only be used by plan-managed or self-managed participants — not agency-managed participants.