A step-by-step guide to Apply for NDIS Funding
Applying for the NDIS involves several key steps to ensure you receive the support you need. This process can seem daunting, but we’ve created a step-by-step guide to help make it a little easier for you.
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Ensure you meet the basic eligibility criteria, which include age, residency, and the nature of your disability. You must be under 65, an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and have a permanent and significant disability.
Tip: If you think you are eligible for the NDIS, you can:
contact your local NDIS Office or local NDIS partner and ask them to support you to connect with local disability supports or apply to the NDIS if eligible.
phone the NDIS on 1800 800 110 to be supported to apply to the NDIS.
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Collect evidence of your disability from relevant health professionals. This documentation is crucial for your application.
Tip: Learn about the kinds of information and evidence you need to provide as supporting information, based on each ‘primary disability’.
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Contact the NDIS to request an Access Request Form. You can do this by calling 1800 800 110 or visiting your local NDIS office. Alternatively, you can download and complete the NDIS Access Request Form.
Tip: Your NDIS partner will help you to gather information and evidence for your NDIS application. Information and evidence that you will need to provide includes documents proving:
You are an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
Your personal details, like name, date of birth, and address.
Your disability is permanent and significant. external website
An explanation of your functional capacity, informal, other mainstream and community supports.
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Complete the Access Request Form and submit it along with your supporting documentation. This can be done by mail, email, or in person at an NDIS office.
Tip: Once you have your information and evidence, your NDIS partner will complete the application with you, entering all the information you provide into their computer system.
Alternatively, you can email your completed NDIS Access Request Form to enquiries@ndis.gov.au with your supporting information.
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The NDIS will review your application and supporting documents. You will be notified by letter of their decision (This is called an ‘access decision’) regarding your eligibility and the next steps.
Tip: Find out how long this takes in their Participant Service Guarantee.
If you are eligible for the NDIS, you will be contacted to arrange a planning meeting to discuss your support and funding needs.
If you are not eligible for the NDIS, you can still get information and help from an LAC or early childhood partner to access supports and services in your community.
There are a range of supports within the community which can provide support to people who are found not eligible for the NDIS.
If you have new evidence about the impact of your disability or developmental delay on your everyday life, you may need to complete a new access request.
If your situation changes in the future you can make a new access request. You have the right to ask the NDIA for an internal review of your access decision.
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If approved, an NDIS representative will contact you to develop a personalised NDIS plan that outlines the supports and services you need.
By following these steps, you can successfully apply for NDIS funding and access the support services you require.
Tip: More information about the time it takes to get an NDIS plan can be found here.
Additional Resources
How the NDIS works
Am I eligible?
How do I apply?
Receiving your access decision
Factsheet: Creating your plan (PDF)
Easy Read: Creating your plan (PDF)
Braille: Creating your plan (ZIP 3KB)
Factsheet: Your plan meeting (PDF)
Easy Read: Your plan meeting (PDF)
Braille: Your plan meeting (ZIP 3KB)
Using your plan
How NDIS Participants can access supports through their funding
NDIS participants can access a range of support services through their funding to help them achieve greater independence and improve their quality of life. The NDIS funding is divided into three categories: Core, Capital, and Capacity Building. Core supports cover assistance with daily living activities, which includes services like domestic cleaning and gardening. Participants with funding under "Assistance with Daily Living" can utilise their plan to hire registered providers for these essential services, ensuring they maintain a clean and safe living environment, which is crucial for their wellbeing and independence.
Capital supports provide funding for higher-cost assistive technologies, home modifications, and equipment that help participants improve their living conditions and accessibility. This can include items like wheelchairs, vehicle modifications, and communication devices. Capacity Building supports aim to enhance participants' skills and independence through various programs and therapies. This category includes funding for education, employment support, social participation, and health and well-being activities, all designed to help participants build their capabilities and reach their long-term goals
Where does Sistability come in?
As a registered NDIS Provider, Sistability can assist NDIA managed, plan managed and self-managed participants with the upkeep of their homes and gardens through Core Support funding. Our services enable our clients to live independently in their own homes with a focus on client safety and wellbeing.
If you already have an NDIS plan, or you’re simply doing your Provider research, our friendly team is here to help. Click on the following links for more information on our domestic cleaning or gardening services.
