To access the NDIS, you need to meet certain eligibility criteria:

1. Age – You must be under 65 years old when you apply.

2. Residency – You must be:

   • An Australian citizen, OR

   • A permanent resident, OR

   • Hold a Protected Special Category Visa.

3. Disability – You must have a permanent and significant disability that affects your ability to take part in everyday activities. This could be physical, intellectual, cognitive, neurological, sensory, or psychosocial.

4. Early Intervention – In some cases, children under 9 years old with developmental delay may also be eligible under the Early Childhood Approach.

If you’re unsure, you can complete the NDIS Access Checklist on the official NDIS website, or contact the NDIS directly to check your eligibility.

An NDIS service provider is an individual, business, or organisation that delivers supports or services to NDIS participants. Providers can help with a wide range of needs, such as:

• Personal care and daily living assistance

• Community access and social activities

• Allied health therapies (like physiotherapy, speech therapy, psychology)

• Supported Independent Living (SIL) and respite care

• Support coordination and behaviour support

There are two types of providers:

• Registered NDIS Providers – These providers are officially registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission and meet specific quality and safety standards. Some supports (like Specialist Disability Accommodation or Specialist Behaviour Support) can only be delivered by registered providers.

• Non-registered Providers – These providers may still deliver high-quality services but are not formally registered. If your plan is self-managed or plan-managed, you can choose from both registered and non-registered providers. If your plan is NDIA-managed, you must use registered providers.

NDIS support is designed to provide long-term assistance, but how long it lasts depends on each person’s circumstances.

• Ongoing support: If you have a permanent and significant disability, the NDIS will continue to fund supports for as long as you meet the eligibility criteria.

• Plan periods: NDIS plans usually run for 12 months, though in some cases they may be shorter (6 months) or longer (up to 3 years). At the end of each plan period, you’ll have a plan review to check your progress, update your goals, and adjust your supports.

• Early Childhood Approach: For children under 9 with developmental delays, the NDIS may provide early intervention supports. These may not last forever—the goal is to give children the best start in life, and sometimes supports can be reduced or stopped if they are no longer needed.

In summary: NDIS support isn’t “one-off”—it continues as long as you are eligible and your disability-related needs require support.

How do I find an NDIS-registered provider?

Finding the right provider is an important step in getting the most out of your NDIS plan. Here are some easy ways to do it:

1. Use the NDIS Provider Finder

• The official NDIS website has a Provider Finder tool.

• You can search by location, type of support (like therapies, community access, housing), or provider name.

• If your plan is NDIA-managed, you must choose from these registered providers.

2. Check the NDIS Commission’s Database

• The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission keeps a searchable list of registered providers.

• You can filter by service category, location, or provider name.

3. Ask Your Support Coordinator or Local Area Coordinator (LAC)

• If you have Support Coordination in your plan, your coordinator can recommend providers that suit your needs.

• LACs can also guide you through the process and connect you with providers in your area.

4. Browse Trusted Directories

Websites like Clickability, MyCareSpace, or Disability Support Guide list both registered and non-registered providers, often with reviews from other participants.

5. Word of Mouth

• Many participants and families find great providers through recommendations from friends, community groups, or peer networks.

Applying for NDIS funding is a step-by-step process. Here’s how it works:

1. Check Your Eligibility

You may be eligible if you:

• Are under 65 years old

• Live in Australia and are an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Special Category Visa holder

• Have a permanent and significant disability that affects your daily life, OR are a child under 9 years old with developmental delay

👉 You can check using the NDIS Access Checklist on the official NDIS website.

2. Make an Access Request

If you think you’re eligible, you’ll need to complete an Access Request Form (ARF). You can get this by:

• Calling the NDIS on 1800 800 110

• Visiting your local NDIS or Partner in the Community office

• Asking your GP, allied health professional, or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) for help

3. Provide Supporting Information

The NDIS will ask for evidence about your disability, such as:

• Reports from your GP, specialists, or allied health professionals

• Details about how your disability impacts your daily life

• Information about supports you already use

4. NDIS Decision

The NDIS will review your application and let you know in writing whether you’ve been approved. If you’re eligible, you’ll move on to NDIS planning.

5. Create Your First NDIS Plan

You’ll meet with an NDIS planner or LAC to talk about:

• Your goals and aspirations

• The supports you need to achieve those goals

• How your funding will be managed (NDIA, plan, or self-managed)