Introduction
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funds reasonable and necessary supports so people with disability can pursue their goals, build independence and take part in community life. On this page, we explain what the NDIS is, who is eligible, how to apply, how NDIS funding works, pricing, plan reviews, your rights and complaints options, and a short glossary.
What is the NDIS?
The NDIS is a national program that provides funding for supports related to disability — things like help with daily activities, community participation, life skills, therapy supports, assistive technology and more. Funding is individualised to your goals and support needs. You choose your providers and how you’d like to manage your plan.
Who is eligible ?
In general, you need to:
Be under 65
when you apply
live in Australia and be a citizen, permanent resident or Protected Special Category Visa holder
have a permanent and significant disability that affects everyday activities.
Children under 9
If your child is younger than 9, the NDIS Early Childhood Approach can help you connect with supports, check development concerns and, if appropriate, help you apply to the NDIS. For children younger than 6 with developmental delay, you can access early supports without needing a diagnosis first.
How to apply
To apply, you (or your representative) complete an Access Request Form (ARF) and provide supporting information about age, residency and how disability impacts daily life. You can:
download the ARF (PDF) and
post it with evidence
or
call 1800 800 110 to request the form (they can email or mail it)
or
visit an NDIS office to
get a printed copy
What evidence helps?
ecent letters or reports from your GP or specialist and allied health assessments (for example, OT, physio, speech, psychology) describing functional impact — not just diagnosis. Factsheets outline what to include.
What happens next?
you’ll start planning your first NDIS plan.
Planning your first NDIS plan
You’ll meet (in person or by phone) with an NDIA planner or a Local Area Coordinator (LAC) to talk through your goals, supports and how you want to manage funding. LACs usually support people aged 9 and over, while Early Childhood partners help families with children under 9.
You can view your plan and budgets in the my NDIS app (or myplace portal). The app sits alongside the portal to make plan management and, for self-managed plans, claims easier on your phone.
Ways to manage your plan funding
There are three options — and you can mix them:
Core
everyday support (for example, daily living, transport community access).
Capacity Building
building skills and independence (for example, therapy supports, support coordination, life skills).
Capital
assistive technology or home and vehicle modifications. Your exact mix depends on your goals and the NDIA’s decision.
Pricing:
NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits (PAPL)
The NDIS sets maximum prices (price limits) for many supports. Providers and participants negotiate the actual price, but it can’t exceed the relevant limit. Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits are reviewed annually; the 2025–26 arrangements are effective from 1 July 2025.
Good to
know:
PAPL outlines which supports are price-limited and
what claim types (for example, travel, non-face-to-face) may apply.
The NDIA publishes the full PAPL document and
Support Catalogue each year.
We follow the current PAPL and explain line items in plain English during onboarding.
Using your plan (day to day)
● Choose providers that suit your goals and preferences.
● Agree a service schedule and service agreement (plain English) covering what’s included, where, when
and how changes or cancellations work.
● Keep receipts and invoices (especially if self-managed).
● Use the my NDIS app or the myplace portal to see budgets, bookings and claims.
Getting help:
●Local Area Coordinators (LACs) support participants 9+ to understand and use plans, connect to
supports and problem-solve.
● Early Childhood partners support families of children under 9.
Plan reassessments (reviews) and changes
Plans are reassessed regularly. The NDIA usually starts the process around 56 days before your plan review date; funding continues automatically while your next plan is being finalised. You can also request a reassessment sooner if your situation changes.
What to expect:
The NDIA will check in near your plan end date to book your reassessment meeting.
You’ll talk about what worked, what didn’t, and what’s changed (goals, health, school or work, living situation).
Allied health reports can help show outcomes and support needs.
If your circumstances change during the plan (for example, health, housing, carers), let the NDIA know —
it may affect your plan.
Disagree with a decision?
If your circumstances change during the plan (for example, health, housing, carers), let the NDIA know — it may affect your plan.
Your rights, feedback and complaints
You have the right to safe, respectful services. If something isn’t right, please tell us — we take feedback seriously and act quickly. If you prefer, you can also contact the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission by phone or via their online form. For emergencies, call 000. The Commission provides easy-read guidance and explains what happens after you lodge a complaint.
Talk to us about your plan