NDIS Guide for Families

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is the Australian Government's program providing funding for Australians with permanent and significant disability. It replaced the old state-based disability systems and introduced a participant-centred approach where funding is tailored to individual needs.

The NDIS is administered by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). It operates in every state and territory across Australia.

Over 650,000 Australians are NDIS participants, with an average plan value of approximately $64,000 per year. The scheme funds tens of thousands of NDIS providers across every state and territory.

To access the NDIS you must:

• Be aged under 65 when you first apply
• Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Special Category Visa holder
• Live in Australia
• Have a permanent disability that significantly affects your ability to take part in everyday activities

Early childhood early intervention (ECEI) applies to children aged 0–9 with developmental delay or disability.

The NDIS does NOT cover support for people aged 65 and over — that is covered by the aged care system. If you turn 65 while on the NDIS you can choose to stay on your NDIS plan.

NDIS funding is divided into three budget categories:

Core Supports — Day-to-day activities, personal care, consumables, and transport. Most flexible category.

Capacity Building — Supports that help you build skills and independence. Examples: therapy, support coordination, employment support.

Capital Supports — One-off purchases like assistive technology, home modifications, or Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA).

Your plan specifies how much funding you have in each category. Core is generally flexible (you can move money between most line items). Capacity Building and Capital have more restrictions.

NDIA-managed (Agency-managed) The NDIA pays your providers directly. You can only use NDIS-registered providers. Less admin for you, but less choice.

Plan-managed A registered plan manager handles your budget and pays invoices. You can use registered AND most unregistered providers. Good balance of flexibility and support. The cost of plan management is funded separately — it doesn't come out of your plan.

Self-managed You control your budget and pay invoices yourself. Maximum flexibility — you can use any provider you choose. Requires more time and organisation.

You can have different management types for different parts of your plan.

Finding providers that genuinely fit your needs takes time. Here are the key things to look for:

Registration status — On SupportPath, providers with confirmed registration display a "SupportPath Verified" badge sourced from the NDIS Commission register. Some supports require registered providers.

Reviews — Read reviews from other participants and families. Ask providers for references.

Experience with your specific disability — A provider who specialises in autism may not be the best fit for someone with a physical disability. Ask about their experience.

Funding type compatibility — If you are agency-managed, you must use registered providers. Ask explicitly.

Cultural and language fit — Does the provider have workers from your cultural background or who speak your language?

Staff consistency — High staff turnover means you'll constantly have new people. Ask what their turnover rate is.

Location and transport — Can they come to you, or do you need to travel?

Plan reviews happen annually or when your needs change. They are your chance to adjust your funding up or down.

Before your review:

• Document what supports you used and didn't use
• Note what goals you achieved and what you want to work on next
• Get reports from your support coordinator, therapists, and providers
• Think about what's missing from your current plan

Important: Unspent funding generally does NOT roll over. Use your funding throughout the year.

Functional Capacity Assessments (by an OT or other allied health professional) can be powerful evidence for plan reviews showing what support you need.

Support Coordination — If your plan includes support coordination funding, use it. A good support coordinator can help you get much more from your plan.