The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an Australian Government initiative that provides funding to eligible people with disability for reasonable and necessary supports to improve independence, participation, and quality of life.

To be eligible, you must:

• Be under 65 years of age at the time of application
• Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa
• Live in Australia
• Have a disability that is likely to be permanent and results in substantially reduced functional capacity

Eligibility is determined by the National Disability Insurance Agency.

The NDIS funds reasonable and necessary supports across three budgets:

• Core Supports: Help with daily living (e.g., personal care, cleaning)
• Capacity Building: Skill development (e.g., therapy, employment support)
• Capital Supports: High-cost items (e.g., assistive technology, home modifications)

Core Supports are the most flexible part of an NDIS plan. They help with everyday activities such as personal care, household tasks, consumables, social participation, and transport. These supports are designed to meet your daily needs and improve your independence.

Capacity-building support helps you build independence and skills. This includes therapies (such as occupational or speech therapy), employment support, social skill development, and training for participants or carers to better manage NDIS plans.

Capital Supports fund higher-cost, long-term investments such as assistive technology (e.g., wheelchairs, communication devices) and home modifications (e.g., ramps, bathroom rails) to improve safety and accessibility.

An NDIS-registered provider is an individual or organisation approved by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. They meet strict government standards for safety, quality, and service delivery. Agency-managed participants must use registered providers.

Registered providers meet NDIS compliance and quality standards. Unregistered providers are not officially approved but can still deliver services to participants who are self-managed or plan-managed, offering more flexibility.

You can find providers through the NDIS Provider Finder tool, support coordinators, Local Area Coordinators (LACs), or online directories. Always compare services, experience, and reviews before choosing.

Yes. If your plan is self-managed or plan-managed, you can choose both registered and unregistered providers. If your plan is agency-managed, you must use registered providers.

A plan manager is a professional funded by the NDIS to manage the financial side of your plan. They process invoices, pay providers, keep records, and help you track your budget.

Plans are usually reviewed every 12 to 24 months. Reviews may happen sooner if your situation changes or your plan is ending.

Yes. If your circumstances change, you can request a plan reassessment or variation to ensure your supports continue to meet your needs.

NDIS pricing has moved toward greater national consistency. There have been modest increases in support worker rates and changes such as shorter billing increments and updated rules around provider travel costs.