The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is the new way of providing support for Australians with disability, their families and carers. The NDIS gives funding directly to its participants so they can openly choose and control which providers they engage to access services. The NDIS takes a lifetime approach, investing in people with disability early to improve their outcomes later in life.

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is the government appointed organisation managing the NDIS. The NDIA is funded by the Department of Social Services (DSS).

The NDIA can help you with information around how the NDIS can work for you, whether you or the person you care for is eligible for funding and how you can access that funding.

You can contact the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) directly on 1800 800 110. However, for many participants accessing the NDIS, Local Area Coordinators will help you navigate the NDIS. Local Area Coordinators change depending on your location. For more information, visit the NDIS webpage.

Your eligibility to access the NDIS is determined by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). The NDIA use the information provided by you or your loved one in your application to make this assessment.

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According to the Access Checklist provided by the NDIA, to be eligible for the National Insurance Disability Scheme (NDIS), you must be: 

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An Australian resident, Australian citizen or hold a Protected Special Category Visa

Under 65 years old

Live in an area where the NDIS is available

Currently require support from people or equipment, or require supports now that will reduce your support needs in the future

For more information, please visit the Access Checklist on the NDIS webpage.   

To access NDIS funding, you need to be less than 65 years when you first access the scheme. If you are over 65, you may be able to access other aged care supports, such as My Aged Care. For more information on My Aged Care, please visit their webpage.

The NDIS is progressively being rolled out. It’s currently available in certain regions of all states and will have rolled out to all areas by 2020. For the latest information, please refer to the locations list to visit the NDIS webpage.

Every NDIS participant has an individual plan that lists their goals and the funding they have received. Every participant uses their funding to purchase supports and services that will help them achieve their goals.

Yes. You will receive funding annually to purchase services and supports. You then have the option to self-manage and claim directly from the NDIS, or you can have some help to manage the plan and funding. If you do not want to engage someone to help you manage the plan, you are able to self-manage.

What do Support Coordinators do to help me manage my plan?

Support coordinators work closely with you to identify needs, personalise supports and make sure you are matched with the right services.

Support Coordinators will

• Identify services that meet your individual needs

• Coordinate service providers and support

• Liaise with government agencies

• Organise the manner and timing of supports, including service agreements and obtain quotes for services

• Source suitable accommodation and respite options

• Link you into work or other community activities

• Coordinate health and medical specialists

• Implement and monitor your NDIS plan or re-develop your goals prior to a plan review.