The National Disability Insurance Scheme funds support for people with a permanent and significant disability. It is not a welfare payment and it is not a provider. It is a funding scheme that pays for the support you need to live your life.
Who it is for
The NDIS is generally for people who acquire a disability before age 65, or 50 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The impairment must be permanent and significant, and it must substantially reduce your ability to do everyday things.
A diagnosis is not enough on its own. The scheme looks at how the disability affects your life: mobility, communication, self-care, social participation, learning, and self-management.
How a plan works
If you are eligible, you get a plan. The plan sets out your goals and the funding allocated to support them, usually across categories such as core supports, capacity building and capital.
The plan is not a shopping list. The funding must relate to your disability and be reasonable and necessary. That is the test used at review, and it is why providers ask what a support is for, not just what it is.
Plan management, in one table
| Arrangement | Who pays | Provider choice | Admin for you |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-managed | You pay, then claim | Registered or unregistered | High |
| Plan-managed | Your plan manager | Often registered or unregistered | Low |
| NDIA-managed | The NDIA | Registered providers | Low |
What it can pay for at home
Personal care, domestic assistance, meal preparation, shopping, transport, gardening, nursing and support coordination can all appear in a plan, depending on the disability and the goals. The test is whether the support helps you pursue a goal and is reasonable and necessary.
It does not pay for ordinary living costs that everyone has, supports already funded by another system, or things that are not related to your disability.
If you are refused
Ask for the decision in writing with the reasons. You can ask for an internal review, and then external review through the Administrative Review Tribunal. Deadlines apply, so act quickly.
Free advocacy services can help. Ask your local disability advocacy organisation or a social worker.
Keep the evidence
Reports, assessments and letters from treating professionals carry more weight than a description of difficulty. Ask your GP, occupational therapist or specialist to write down the functional impact, not just the diagnosis.
Where home care providers fit
A provider delivers the support. They do not decide eligibility or manage your plan, unless they are separately engaged as a plan manager or support coordinator. Be wary of any provider who blurs those roles.
Common questions
Is the NDIS means-tested?
No. Eligibility is based on disability and support needs, not income or assets.
Can I use an unregistered provider?
If you are self-managed, generally yes. If you are plan-managed, it depends on your plan manager. If you are NDIA-managed, generally no.
How long does a plan last?
Usually 12 months, though some plans are longer. Reviews can happen sooner if your needs change.
What if my plan is not enough?
Ask for a review with evidence of the shortfall. A support coordinator or advocate can help.
Does the NDIS pay for rent or groceries?
No. It funds disability-related support, not ordinary living costs.
Sources and further reading
This guide is general information, not medical, legal or financial advice. If you are worried about your health, call your GP. In an emergency, call 000.