How the NDIS works
From eligibility to a funded plan, in six steps.
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
The first crucial step in unravelling the NDIS is identifying whether you meet the eligibility criteria. The specifics of who can access the NDIS are detailed on our eligibility page.
Step 2: Apply for the NDIS
Once you've confirmed that you meet the NDIS eligibility criteria, your next move is to apply to become a participant. It's a straightforward process. You can either reach out to the NDIS at 1800 800 110 and request an 'Access Request,' or you can download the Access Request Form and submit it via email to NAT@ndis.gov.au. At this stage, you may need to provide information about your disability, including its nature, expected duration, and how it affects your daily life. To better understand the types of evidence you may need to submit, visit the NDIS website.
Step 3: Assessment Decision
After you've submitted your access request and supporting evidence, the NDIA will review your application. Their evaluation determines if you meet the NDIS eligibility criteria. If you are eligible for the NDIS, you will receive a notification letter inviting you to an essential planning meeting.
Step 4: Initial Planning Meeting
During the planning meeting, you will explore your goals for your NDIS journey and the specific support and funding required to attain those goals. All of this will be documented in your NDIS plan.
Step 5: Crafting Your Plan
Your NDIS plan is a written agreement that outlines your immediate support needs and the types of NDIS services and supports for which you'll receive funding. Before heading into your planning meeting to create your NDIS plan, it's essential to be well-prepared. Consider the following:
- What are your goals? Your plan will detail the short-term and long-term goals you wish to achieve through the NDIS. It's important to be specific when defining these goals. During your meeting, you'll discuss the type of support required to reach these goals, as well as your immediate and daily support needs.
- How will you manage your funds? Your planning meeting should also address how you want to manage your NDIS funding. You have three options to choose from:
- 1. Self-managed
- 2. Plan-managed
- 3. Agency-managed
Step 6: Implement Your Plan
Once your NDIS plan is approved, you can start putting it into action. You decide which services and supports you require to help you achieve your goals, select who will provide them, and determine how they will be delivered.
Based on your plan, you can seek assistance from your Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) Coordinator, Local Area Coordinator (LAC), or Support Coordinator to kickstart the process, locate providers, and connect you with your funded supports.
While using your plan, it's crucial to grasp the different NDIS funding categories, known as support budgets. These categories include:
Your budget allocation within each of these categories hinges on your goals, the type of support you need to achieve them, and your NDIS package. Participants are assigned specific funding amounts in each category, which can be utilised to cover the necessary and reasonable supports needed.
- NDIS Core Supports Budget
- NDIS Capacity Building Budget
- Capital Supports Budget
