The NDIS supports Australians under 65 with permanent and significant disability. But knowing if you're eligible—and how to apply—can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down eligibility criteria, the application process, and common mistakes to avoid.
What the NDIS Is and Who It Supports
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides funding for disability supports that help you live independently, work, and participate in your community. It covers assistive technology, therapies, personal care, transport, and more.
The NDIS is NOT income support—it's specifically for disability-related costs. To access it, you must meet age, residency, and disability requirements.
NDIS Eligibility Criteria in Plain English
You must meet ALL of these:
- Age: Under 65 when you apply
- Residency: Australian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Special Category Visa holder
- Disability: Permanent and significant impairment that affects daily life, requiring support now and likely for your lifetime
'Significant' means your disability substantially reduces your ability to participate in activities or perform tasks without support.
Step-by-Step NDIS Application Process
Step 1: Contact the NDIA
Call 1800 800 110 or talk to an NDIS partner.
Step 2: Fill out and send the access request form
Fill out an access request form and send it through the NDIA's service hub, by mail, or in person at your local office.
Step 3: Provide Evidence
Medical reports, allied health assessments, functional capacity evaluations. The NDIA needs proof your disability is permanent and significantly impacts daily life.
Step 4: Wait for Decision
The NDIA will tell you if you're eligible within 90 days once your application and all your supporting evidence is submitted.
Step 5: Create Your Plan
If approved, meet with a planner to create your first NDIS plan
Common Application Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Mistake 1: Submitting Incomplete Evidence
Applications fail when medical evidence is missing or outdated.
Fix: Include recent (within 12 months) reports from doctors, specialists, or therapists. Clearly describe how your disability affects daily tasks.
Mistake 2: Not Explaining Functional Impact
The NDIA needs to understand what you can't do, not just your diagnosis.
Fix: Don't just say what your disability is—explain what you can't do without support (cooking, showering, working, socialising).
Mistake 3: Applying Without Professional Help
Complex applications benefit from expert review.
Fix: Ask a support coordinator, allied health professional, or plan manager to review your application before submitting.
What Happens After NDIS Approval & How Plan Management Helps
Once approved, you'll receive your first plan with funding across Core, Capacity Building, and Capital categories. You choose how your plan is managed:
- Self-managed (you do admin)
- Agency-managed (NDIA pays registered providers)
- Plan-managed (plan manager handles invoices and budgets)
Plan management gives you flexibility to choose registered or unregistered providers, except supports that must use a registered provider, such as SIL, SDA and some behaviour supports, without the paperwork burden. Forward Planning Plus processes valid, correctly submitted invoices within 1–2 business days, tracks your budget and helps you understand how your funding is being used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get the NDIS Plan Management Guide by email
Related reading
Valid, correctly submitted invoices are processed within 1–2 business days*
*Processing is the step we control. Final payment timing can also depend on NDIA processing and whether we need to clarify details with a provider. Terms