What Is the NDIS?
A straightforward guide to the National Disability Insurance Scheme and what it means for you.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is Australia's national support system for people with a permanent and significant disability. It provides funding for individualised supports and services that help people with disability achieve their goals, participate in the community and live more independently.
Unlike previous disability funding models, the NDIS puts you in control. You choose your own providers, decide which supports to access and set the goals that matter most to you. Your NDIS plan is built around your life — not the other way around.
The scheme is managed by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), which is the government body responsible for implementing and administering the NDIS across Australia.
Why Was the NDIS Introduced?
Before the NDIS, disability support in Australia was inconsistent and often unfair. The type and level of support a person received depended on where they lived, how they acquired their disability and which state or territory they were in. Many people missed out on the help they needed entirely.
The Australian Government introduced the NDIS in July 2013 following the Productivity Commission's inquiry into disability care and support. The goal was to create a fairer, more consistent system that gives people with disability genuine choice and control over their supports. The scheme was rolled out progressively across the country and reached full national coverage in mid-2020.
What Does the NDIS Fund?
The NDIS funds supports and services that are considered “reasonable and necessary” to help you pursue your goals, increase your independence and participate in your community. The supports funded through your plan are specific to you and your circumstances — there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
NDIS funding can cover a broad range of supports, including:
Who Is Eligible for the NDIS?
To be eligible for the NDIS, you generally need to meet the following criteria:
Age
You must be under 65 years of age at the time of your application.
Residency
You must be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or a New Zealand citizen holding a Protected Special Category Visa.
Disability
You must have a permanent and significant disability that affects your ability to communicate, move, care for yourself or manage your daily life.
Early Intervention
You may also qualify if you have a condition where early intervention could substantially improve your functional capacity or reduce your future support needs.
How Is Your NDIS Funding Managed?
Once you have an NDIS plan, your funding can be managed in one of three ways — or a combination:
NDIA Managed
The NDIA manages your funding and pays your providers directly. You choose from registered NDIS providers.
Plan Managed
A registered plan manager handles your invoices and payments, giving you access to both registered and unregistered providers.
Self-Managed
You manage your own funding, pay providers yourself and keep your own records. This gives you the most flexibility and choice.
Top Disability Care Australia and the NDIS
Top Disability Care Australia is a registered NDIS provider based in Parramatta and Strathfield, Sydney. We provide a range of NDIS-funded supports including Supported Independent Living, Specialist Disability Accommodation, Home Care, Community Participation, Respite, Activities of Daily Living and Specialised Substitute Residential Care for children.
As a family-run organisation, we understand that navigating the NDIS can feel complicated — especially if you are accessing it for the first time. Our team is here to walk you through the process, answer your questions and help you connect with the right supports for your situation.
Have questions about the NDIS?
Our team is happy to help you understand the scheme and how to access the supports you need. Get in touch today.