Getting ready for the NDIS can feel like a lot. This guide splits the journey into four clear stages — check your eligibility, prepare for your planning meeting, choose how your funding is managed, and connect with practitioners who fit your goals.
A quick note on 2026. The NDIS is being reformed. A new support-needs assessment (the I-CAN tool) is rolling out from mid-2026 for participants aged 16+, plan periods are getting longer, and a full move to functional-capacity assessment is expected by 2028. The four eligibility requirements below still apply right now — but rules are changing, so always confirm the current detail at ndis.gov.au or on 1800 800 110.
Before you apply, it helps to know what the NDIA looks at. There isn't a fixed list of "qualifying conditions" — what matters is how your disability affects your everyday life. You can be eligible through the disability requirements, the early intervention requirements, or both.
You'll need to satisfy each of these. The NDIA asks for evidence for every one.
You're under 65 when you apply.
You live in Australia and are a citizen, permanent visa or Protected Special Category visa holder.
A permanent impairment that significantly affects your daily life.
Support now would reduce the help you'll need in future.
The NDIA weighs functional impact across six areas of daily life. Tick the ones that ring true for you — it's a useful map for the evidence you'll gather.
Strong applications describe function — what's hard, how often, and what support you need to do it safely.
Not on a diagnosis list? You can still apply. Clear evidence of functional impact is what carries an application.
Once you're approved, you'll meet with an NDIA planner or Local Area Coordinator to build your plan. Everything you say feeds into the funding you receive — so a little preparation goes a long way. Meetings run about an hour, by phone, video or in person, and it's your choice which.
Walk through an average day, week and month. Where do you already get help — from people, from services, from routine?
Every support in your plan links to a goal. Jot a few down — big or small, short or long term.
Send reports ahead of time if you can — it can speed up approval.
"I need more funding" is hard for a planner to act on. Tie the ask to evidence and a goal instead:
"I need 10 hours a week of personal care, as recommended by my OT, to shower, dress and cook safely — so I can keep living independently."
Your plan can be self-managed, plan-managed, agency-managed — or a mix across different budgets. It's one of the biggest choices you'll make, and you're never locked in: you can change how you're managed at a plan review or variation.
You hold the reins. Use any provider — registered or not — and negotiate rates outside the price limits to stretch your funds.
The trade-off
You pay invoices (often up front), claim reimbursement through the my NDIS portal in about 2–7 business days, and keep records for five years. Real time each week.
A plan manager pays your invoices, tracks your budget and sends you reports. You keep provider choice — including unregistered providers — at the price limits.
The trade-off
Very little. The plan manager is funded on top of your plan, so it doesn't touch your other budgets. You just forward invoices.
The NDIA pays your providers directly. Zero admin, and every provider is NDIS-registered, so there's a built-in safety net.
The trade-off
Less flexibility. You can only use registered providers, and you can't negotiate rates.
A plan is only as good as the people delivering it. The right provider listens first, works to your goals, and makes the everyday feel lighter. If you're plan-managed or self-managed you can choose any provider — including us.
Wherever you are on the journey — still checking eligibility, prepping for a meeting, or ready to start services — our team can talk it through, no pressure. We'll help you understand your options and where we fit.
