What is the NDIS? A Complete Guide for Australians

What is the NDIS?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is the Australian Government's system for funding reasonable and necessary supports for people with a permanent and significant disability. Launched nationally in 2016, it has transformed how Australians with disability access support - shifting from a welfare model to an individual funding model where participants receive a personalised plan and budget to spend on the supports they need.

The NDIS is managed by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). As of 2026, over 640,000 Australians are NDIS participants, with annual funding exceeding $35 billion.

Who is eligible for the NDIS?

To access the NDIS you must:

Be under 65 years of age when you first apply
Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa
Have a permanent and significant disability that substantially affects your ability to participate in everyday activities

Early intervention criteria also apply - children under 7 with a developmental delay may qualify even without a confirmed permanent disability, if early support would reduce future needs.

What does the NDIS fund?

Your NDIS plan is divided into three funding categories:

Core Supports - assistance with daily activities, consumables, transport, and social participation
Capacity Building - supports that build your independence, including support coordination, therapy, and employment assistance
Capital Supports - higher-cost items like assistive technology, home modifications, and Specialist Disability Accommodation

The NDIS does not fund supports that are the responsibility of other systems - such as medical treatment (Medicare), housing (state government), or education (schools).

How does the NDIS work in practice?

Once approved, you'll have a planning meeting with an NDIA planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) to develop your NDIS plan. The plan sets out your goals, your funded supports, and how your plan is managed.

Plans can be managed three ways:

NDIA-managed (agency-managed) - the NDIA pays registered providers directly. You can only use NDIS-registered providers.
Plan-managed - a registered plan manager handles your funding and invoices. You can use both registered and unregistered providers.
Self-managed - you manage your own funds and pay providers directly. You can use any provider, registered or not.

What are NDIS registered providers?

An NDIS registered provider is an organisation or individual that has been audited and approved by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. Registration demonstrates they meet national practice standards for the supports they deliver.

If your plan is agency-managed, all your providers must be NDIS-registered. If you're self or plan-managed, you have more choice - but registered providers offer the assurance of independent quality oversight.

How do I find NDIS providers?

The NDIS myplace portal lists registered providers, but it can be difficult to navigate. AusCareGuide provides a searchable directory of all registered NDIS providers across Australia, organised by state, suburb, and support category - making it easy to find and compare providers near you.

When choosing a provider, consider: their registration category (does it match the support you need?), location, whether they have availability, and how they communicate. It's reasonable to contact multiple providers before making a decision.

How do I apply for the NDIS?

You can apply by calling the NDIS on 1800 800 110 or by submitting an Access Request Form. You'll need supporting evidence from a treating health professional confirming your disability and how it affects your daily life. Processing times vary - if your application is complex, it can take several weeks.

If you're declined, you have the right to request an internal review, then an external review by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.