If you've just heard the letters "NDIS" for the first time, you're not alone. Lots of people meet the scheme at a stressful moment, like after a diagnosis, a hospital stay or a change at home. This article explains what the NDIS is, who it's for and how the pieces fit together, without assuming you've ever seen a plan.

## The short version

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is Australia's national scheme for people with disability. If you're eligible, the NDIS gives you a plan with funding for the supports you need in everyday life and to work towards your goals.

You don't have to be eligible to get some help, though. The NDIS can also connect people with disability to supports in their local community, whether or not they become a participant.

## Who runs it

Three groups are involved. The NDIA runs the scheme, partners in the community help you apply and use your plan, and the NDIS Commission regulates providers. Here's what each one does:

- **The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA)** is the government organisation that delivers the NDIS. It decides who is eligible and builds participants' plans with them.
- **Partners in the community** work with the NDIA. A *local area coordinator* is usually the main contact for people aged 9 and over. An *early childhood partner* works with children under 9 and their families.
- **The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission** (usually called the NDIS Commission) is a separate body. It registers and regulates providers, and anyone can make a complaint to it about a provider.

## Who the NDIS is for

The NDIS is for people who meet three sets of requirements: age, residence, and disability or early intervention. You need to meet all three to become a participant. Here's what each one means:

1. **Age.** You need to be younger than 65 on the day you apply.
2. **Residence.** You need to live in Australia and be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident or the holder of a protected special category visa.
3. **Disability or early intervention.** Under the *disability* requirements, you have one or more impairments that are, or are likely to be, permanent. They substantially affect your ability to do everyday activities, and you're likely to need NDIS supports for life. Under the *early intervention* requirements, getting support now is likely to reduce the support you need later. Children under 6 with developmental delay can also be eligible this way.

The NDIS website has an eligibility checklist if you'd like to see where you might stand.

## How it works, step by step

Getting started with the NDIS takes six steps, from your first contact to renewing your plan. A local area coordinator or early childhood partner can help you with each one, so you don't have to work it out alone.

### 1. Connect with a partner

A good first step is to contact your local area coordinator, or an early childhood partner for children under 9. They can explain the requirements and the evidence you'll need. They can also submit the application for you, so you don't have to fill in the access request form yourself. You can also contact the NDIA directly on 1800 800 110.

### 2. Gather evidence and apply

The NDIA needs evidence of your identity, age and residence. It also needs evidence of how your impairments affect your daily life: moving around, communicating, socialising, learning, looking after yourself and organising your life. That evidence should come from a professional who has treated you for at least 6 months, such as your GP or a specialist.

### 3. Get a decision

Once the NDIA has a complete application, it will make a decision within 90 days. If you're eligible, you'll get a letter confirming the date you became a participant and the next steps. If you're not eligible, the NDIA will explain why and tell you how to ask for a review. You can also apply again later if your situation changes.

### 4. Build your plan

The NDIA aims to approve a first plan within 56 days of you becoming a participant, or within 90 days for a child under 9. You'll have a plan meeting with an NDIA planner, who will talk about your living situation, your goals and the help you already get from family, friends and your community. You can bring someone with you.

### 5. Start using your plan

After your plan is approved, you'll be offered an implementation meeting within 7 days. This is a session to help you understand what's in your plan and how to start using it. You choose your providers, and you decide how your funding is managed. There are three ways to do this, explained in our article on plan management.

### 6. Check in and renew

The NDIA will usually arrange a check-in at least once a year. You can ask for changes if your situation changes. About 3 months before your plan's reassessment date, the NDIA will contact you about your next plan.

## What the NDIS can and can't fund

NDIS laws set out what the scheme can pay for. These are called *NDIS supports*. There are two official lists:

- **Supports that are NDIS supports**, which covers 37 categories, such as help with daily personal activities, assistive technology and help to take part in the community.
- **Supports that are not NDIS supports**, which covers 15 categories. These include everyday living costs, things another government system should fund, and anything illegal.

Funding has to be spent on NDIS supports that relate to your disability and are in line with your plan. If funding is used for something else, the NDIA can ask for it to be paid back.

## Where to start

If you're not sure whether the NDIS is right for you, you can call the NDIS on 1800 800 110 or contact your local area coordinator. They can talk you through the requirements before you apply.