The National Disability Insurance Scheme can feel overwhelming. This page breaks down what it is, who it's for, how funding works, and how to choose the right provider — without the jargon.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme is an Australian government program that funds reasonable and necessary supports for people under 65 with permanent and significant disability.
Instead of one-size-fits-all services, each participant gets an individual plan with funding they can use to choose the right supports — personal care, housing, transport, therapy, equipment, community participation.
Every plan splits funding across three categories. Knowing which line item covers what makes choosing services a lot easier.
Day-to-day life — assistance with daily activities (showering, dressing, meals), transport, social and community participation, and consumables like continence aids.
Examples we provide: SIL, in-home support (ADL), community participation, short-term holidays (STA).
Skill-building and independence — allied health therapies, employment supports, life skills, finding a home, plan management, support coordination, behaviour support.
Examples we provide: support coordination liaison, life skills programs at the Day Centre, employment-pathway planning.
One-off items and accommodation — assistive technology (wheelchairs, hoists, smart-home tech), home modifications, and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) for participants with very high physical needs.
Examples we provide: SDA-certified homes (Lidcombe Lofts, Olympic Park Apartments), assistive-tech setup in our SIL homes.
Once a plan is in place, participants choose the providers and services that fit. Here are the kinds of support most participants use day-to-day.
Round-the-clock or scheduled support in a shared home with carefully matched housemates. Workers help with daily routines, cooking, medication and goals.
Purpose-built housing for participants with high physical or complex needs — wide doors, ceiling hoists, smart-home tech, accessible bathrooms.
Personal care, household help and companionship delivered in your own home, on your schedule. From an hour a day to full daytime support.
Outings, group activities, swimming, gym, museums, social groups, travel training and our purpose-built Day Centre programs.
Supported holidays and respite breaks — gives participants a change of scenery and primary carers a well-earned rest.
Mobility aids, communication devices, sensory equipment and adaptive tools. Capital funding covers one-off purchases and major upgrades.
You're under 65 when you first apply.
Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible visa holder.
A disability that's permanent and significantly affects everyday life.
Submit an Access Request to the NDIA — they'll confirm eligibility.
Meet a planner or LAC to discuss goals, daily life, support needs.
Approved plan with funding split across Core, Capacity, Capital.
Pick the providers and services that fit your plan. We're here when you're ready.
Most participants are matched and receiving support within 7–14 days.
Plans run for ~12 months and can be reviewed earlier if needs change.
Most participants choose a combination — we accept all three.
You manage payments and providers yourself. Full flexibility — including non-registered providers — but you handle paperwork.
A registered plan manager pays providers and tracks your budget. Flexibility without the admin.
The NDIA pays providers on your behalf. Registered providers only — like Caring Abode.
Submit an Access Request Form to the NDIA — online, by phone (1800 800 110), or by post. They'll let you know if you're eligible, then book a planning meeting. If you'd like help, call us and our intake team will walk you through it.
Core covers daily life — personal care, transport, consumables, social participation. Capacity Building funds skill development like therapies and supported employment. Capital covers one-off items like assistive technology, home modifications and SDA.
Yes, always. The NDIS is built on choice and control. You can stop using a provider with reasonable notice (usually 14 days) and switch at any time.
Most plans run for 12 months. Reviews can also happen earlier if circumstances change — increased support needs, moving house, a new diagnosis.
A Local Area Coordinator helps you with the planning process and links you to mainstream and community supports — free of charge. A Support Coordinator is funded in your plan and helps you implement it, find providers, and manage complex situations.
Generally no, but there are exceptions — particularly for participants in remote areas or with very specific cultural or care needs. We can help you understand what's possible.
Use our referral form on the Contact page, or call 1300 856 616. We accept referrals from participants, families, support coordinators, LACs and other providers.
Our intake team has helped hundreds of families understand NDIS funding. A free 20-minute call, no obligation.