Frequently Asked Questions

NDIS stands for National Disability Insurance Scheme. It's Australia's way of providing support for people with permanent and significant disability, their families and carers.

The NDIS is run by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), which is an independent government agency.

The NDIS began as a trial in 2013 and has been gradually rolling out across Australia. It's now available in all states and territories.

Unlike previous systems, the NDIS is an insurance scheme that gives you choice and control over your supports. It focuses on your goals and what you want to achieve, rather than just providing services.

The NDIA aims to make access decisions within 21 days of receiving your complete application. However, it may take longer if additional information is needed.

If your application is rejected, you can request a review of the decision within 3 months. You can also reapply with additional evidence or when your circumstances change.

You must be under 65 when you first apply for the NDIS. If you're already an NDIS participant when you turn 65, you can continue to receive supports.

While a diagnosis can be helpful, it's not always required. The NDIS focuses on how your disability affects your daily life and your ability to participate in activities.

NDIS plans are typically reviewed every 12 months. However, you can request an earlier review if your needs change significantly.

Yes, you can request a plan review at any time if your circumstances change or if your current plan isn't meeting your needs.

Core supports help with daily activities, capital supports are higher-cost items like equipment, and capacity building supports help you develop skills and independence.

Funding amounts vary based on your individual needs, goals, and circumstances. The NDIA determines what's 'reasonable and necessary' for your situation.

Yes, you have choice and control over who provides your supports and services. You can choose registered or unregistered providers depending on your plan management.

Registered providers have been approved by the NDIA and meet quality standards. Unregistered providers haven't gone through this process but may still provide quality services.

Yes, you can change service providers at any time. You're not locked into contracts and have the right to choose providers that best meet your needs.

You can search the NDIS provider finder, ask for recommendations, read reviews, and interview potential providers to find the best fit for your needs.

There are three ways: NDIA-managed (NDIA pays providers directly), self-managed (you manage payments), or plan-managed (a plan manager handles payments for you).

A Support Coordinator helps you understand and implement your NDIS plan, connect with providers, and build your capacity to coordinate your own supports over time.

NDIS funding can only be used for supports that are reasonable, necessary, and related to your disability. It can't be used for everyday living costs that everyone has.

Unused funding doesn't roll over to your next plan. However, if you consistently under-spend, it may affect your future funding levels.