NDIS Information
Your Complete Guide to the National Disability Insurance Scheme
Understanding the NDIS can feel overwhelming, but it does not have to be. We have created this comprehensive guide to help you navigate the scheme with confidence.
What Is the NDIS?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is Australia's national scheme for people with disability. It provides funding for individualised supports and services to help people with disability achieve their goals, increase their independence, and participate in their community.
The NDIS is managed by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and is available to eligible Australians aged between 7 and 65 with a permanent and significant disability. The scheme takes a lifetime approach, investing in people with disability early to improve their outcomes later in life.
Unlike previous disability support systems, the NDIS gives participants choice and control over the supports they receive. You choose your providers, decide how your funding is managed, and work towards goals that are meaningful to you.
Getting Started
How to Access the NDIS
Follow these steps to access the NDIS and start receiving the support you need.
Check Your Eligibility
You may be eligible for the NDIS if you are aged between 7 and 65, are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and have a permanent and significant disability that affects your daily life.
Make an Access Request
Contact the NDIA on 1800 800 110 or submit an Access Request Form. You will need to provide evidence of your disability from a health professional.
Planning Meeting
Once approved, you will have a planning meeting with an NDIA planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) to discuss your goals, needs, and the supports that will help you.
Receive Your Plan
Your NDIS plan will outline your funded supports across Core, Capacity Building, and Capital categories. You can choose how your plan is managed.
Choose Your Providers
Select the service providers that best meet your needs. Ubuntu Support Services can help you access the supports you need and guide you through the process.
Start Receiving Support
Begin using your funded supports to work towards your goals. Your plan will be reviewed regularly to ensure it continues to meet your needs.
Plan Management
Understanding Plan Management Options
You have three options for managing your NDIS funding. Each has its own advantages.
Self-Managed
You manage your own funding, pay providers directly, and keep records. This gives you the most flexibility and choice, including the ability to use both registered and unregistered providers.
- Maximum flexibility and choice
- Can use any provider
- Control over your budget
- Can negotiate rates
Plan-Managed
A registered plan manager handles the financial administration of your plan. They pay providers on your behalf and manage the paperwork, while you still choose your providers.
- Less paperwork for you
- Can use registered and unregistered providers
- Financial reporting provided
- Professional budget tracking
NDIA-Managed
The NDIA manages your funding and pays registered providers directly. This is the simplest option but limits you to registered providers only.
- Simplest option
- No financial management required
- NDIA handles payments
- Suitable if you prefer less admin
NDIS Support Categories Explained
Your NDIS plan funding is organised into three main budget categories. Understanding these categories helps you make informed decisions about how to use your funding.
Core Supports
Core Supports help you with everyday activities and your current disability-related needs. This is often the largest part of your plan and covers four sub-categories:
- Assistance with Daily Life — help with personal care and household tasks
- Transport — funding for travel to activities and appointments
- Consumables — everyday items related to your disability
- Assistance with Social and Community Participation — support to engage in community activities
Capacity Building Supports
Capacity Building Supports are investments in your future. They help you build your independence and skills so you can achieve your long-term goals. Key categories include:
- Support Coordination — help to understand and use your plan
- Improved Living Arrangements — support to find and maintain housing
- Increased Social and Community Participation — programs to build social skills
- Finding and Keeping a Job — employment support
- Improved Health and Wellbeing — exercise and nutrition programs
- Improved Daily Living — therapy and skill development
Capital Supports
Capital Supports are higher-cost items and investments, including:
- Assistive Technology — equipment and devices to support independence
- Home Modifications — changes to your home to improve accessibility
- Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) — purpose-built housing