NDIS
Whether you’re new to the NDIS or you’ve been navigating it for a while, having everything in one place helps. Here you’ll find simple explanations of how the scheme works.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is Australia’s main system for funding disability support. It’s there to help people with permanent and significant disabilities build skills, grow independence, and take part in everyday life in ways that matter to them.
The NDIS also links people with disability to things in the community, like local health services, clubs, groups and schools, not just funded supports.
At its core, the NDIS gives people more choice and control. Instead of a one‑size‑fits‑all service, each person has their own plan and funding, shaped around their goals and the supports they need day‑to‑day.
Right now, the NDIS supports hundreds of thousands of Australians, including many children who benefit from early intervention.
Eligibility Criteria
To access the NDIS, you must meet a set of eligibility criteria related to your age, residency, and disability
Australian children aged 0 - 9 with a disability or significant developmental delay.
Australian residents between the age of 7 and 65 with a permanent and significant disability.
Funding is determined by consideration of a person’s individual needs, goals and aspirations.
How does the NDIS work?
Once someone is found eligible for the NDIS, the focus shifts to understanding their goals and what supports will help them live more independently and participate more fully in everyday life. The NDIS is centred on participant choice and control.
Together with the NDIA, people identify what matters to them, things like building skills, improving daily living, accessing the community, strengthening routines, or becoming more confident and independent.
These goals help guide what supports are included and how funding is used.
Supports may include
- Therapeutic supports such as occupational therapy, speech therapy, physiotherapy, psychology, and other allied health services
- Support Coordination to help understand the plan, connect with providers, and navigate the NDIS system
- Plan Management to manage invoices, budgets, and financial admin
- Core supports for daily activities, personal care, community access, and routine support
- Assistive technology or home modifications when equipment or environmental changes are needed
- Short‑term or transitional supports during periods of change or when extra help is needed
Everyone’s supports look different because the NDIS is designed to reflect each person’s unique needs and priorities.
An NDIS plan brings this together, outlining a person’s goals, what’s important day‑to‑day, and the types of supports they can access.
Plans change over time as people grow, needs shift, or life circumstances evolve.
What's in an NDIS Plan?
NDIS funding is divided into different “support budgets.” Each plays a different role in supporting a person’s life and goals.
Some supports are stated and others are flexible. If a support category is stated that means that the funding can only be used in the way it has been specified whereas, a flexible category can be utalised on other services as needed
Core supports
Supports to help you with everyday activities. Some of these are flexible, and some are stated.
Capacity Building Supports
Supports to help you maintain or build your skills and independence (this is where your allied health therapy funding comes from). All capacity building supports are stated.
Capital Supports
Medium and high-cost supports, including assistive technology and home mortifications. All capital supports are stated.
Recurring Supports
Supports the NDIS pay to you directly on a regular basis. This means you don’t need to make a claim for these supports. This can used for transport.
What does NDIS funding help with?
The NDIS funds reasonable and necessary disability‑related supports, things that help with daily activities, participation and building skills, when they relate to a person’s disability and meet the funding criteria.
It won’t fund medical care, daily living expenses, or anything that’s the responsibility of another system like health, education or housing.
What the NDIS does fund
- Disability‑related daily living supports
- Therapy and skill‑building supports
- Assistive technology, and home modifications
- Disability‑related health supports
What the NDIS does not fund
- Medical treatment & clinical health care
- Everyday living costs not related to disability
- Supports covered by other systems
- Insurance and financial costs
Important Information
This page is based on publicly available information and current guidance at the time of publishing.
NDIS policy and implementation processes can change, and further details may become available over time. For the most up-to-date advice about your individual circumstances, contact the NDIA directly or speak with your support team.
Our team is always happy to chat. Call us on 1800 446 448 or send through an enquiry and we’ll be in touch.