NDIS Guide
Applying for the NDIS can feel overwhelming — especially when you are already managing a disability or caring for someone who is. The good news is that the process follows a clear set of steps. This guide explains exactly how to apply for the NDIS in Australia, who qualifies, what evidence you need, and what happens once your plan is approved. If you are new to the scheme, our guide to understanding the NDIS is a useful starting point.
Who is eligible for the NDIS?
To qualify for the NDIS, you must meet all three of the following criteria set by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). Meeting one or two is not enough — all three must apply.
01
Age
You must be under 65 when you first apply. People aged 65 and over are supported through the aged care system instead.
02
Residency
You must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa and live in Australia.
03
Disability
You must have a permanent or likely permanent disability that significantly affects your ability to take part in everyday activities.
The NDIS does not assess eligibility by diagnosis alone. What the NDIA looks at is how your disability affects your daily functioning — your ability to communicate, move around, self-care, learn, and participate socially. A formal diagnosis matters, but it is not the whole picture.
What conditions does the NDIS cover?
The NDIS does not publish a fixed list of approved disabilities. Conditions commonly supported through the scheme include:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Intellectual disability
- Physical disability — including acquired injuries and degenerative conditions
- Cerebral palsy
- Down syndrome
- Psychosocial disability — serious and persistent mental health conditions
- Sensory disability — vision or hearing impairment
- Acquired brain injury (ABI)
- Spinal cord injury
- Neurological conditions — multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy
- Speech and language disorders
- Global developmental delay (for children under 6)
Conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, and depression may also qualify if they cause a significant, ongoing functional impairment — not just temporary or mild symptoms. The NDIA makes eligibility decisions on a case-by-case basis.
Is the NDIS means tested?
No. The NDIS is not means tested. Your income, savings, assets, or your partner’s finances have no bearing on whether you qualify or how much funding you receive.
Eligibility is determined entirely by your disability and the functional impact it has on your life. This is one of the most misunderstood aspects of the scheme — many Australians who could genuinely benefit from NDIS support do not apply because they assume their financial situation disqualifies them. It does not.
How to apply for the NDIS: 5 steps
Here is the complete process for applying for NDIS funding in Australia.
Step 1: Check your eligibility
Before you fill in any paperwork, review the three eligibility criteria above — age, residency, and disability. The NDIS website also has an NDIS eligibility checklist that takes about five minutes to complete and gives you an initial indication of whether you are likely to qualify.
If you are applying on behalf of a child under 7, the Early Childhood Approach applies. Rather than submitting an Access Request Form, contact your local Early Childhood Partner — they will work with your family to access early intervention supports, with or without a formal NDIS plan.
Step 2: Gather your supporting evidence
Supporting evidence is the most important part of a successful NDIS application. The NDIA needs documentation showing the nature of your disability and how it affects your daily life. Useful evidence includes:
- A letter or report from your GP or treating specialist
- Diagnostic assessment reports (e.g. autism assessment, neuropsychological report)
- Hospital discharge summaries or specialist letters
- Allied health reports — occupational therapy, speech pathology, physiotherapy
- School or early childhood reports (for children)
- Any existing support or care plans
Ask your health professional to complete the NDIA’s Supporting Evidence Form, available at ndis.gov.au. Reports should describe your functional limitations in daily life, not just confirm a diagnosis. The more clearly evidence links your condition to functional impact, the stronger your application.
Step 3: Complete the NDIS Access Request Form
The NDIS Access Request Form is the official application. There are three ways to submit it:
- By phone: Call 1800 800 110 and complete the form verbally with an NDIA staff member. TTY users: 1800 555 677.
- By post: Download the form at ndis.gov.au, complete it, and mail it to GPO Box 700, Canberra ACT 2601.
- In person: Visit your nearest NDIS office or local area coordinator with your completed form and evidence.
You can ask a support person, carer, advocate, or NDIS application support worker to help you complete the form. There is no fee to apply.
Step 4: Wait for the access decision
Once the NDIA receives your Access Request Form and all required evidence, they have 21 days to make an access decision (or 21 days from when they receive any additional information they request). In practice, complex applications can take longer.
The NDIA may contact you or your treating health professionals to request more information. Respond promptly — delays in providing information extend the clock.
If approved, you receive an access decision letter confirming you are an NDIS participant. If your application is not approved, you have the right to request an internal review of the decision, and then appeal to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) if needed.
Step 5: Attend your planning meeting
After approval, the NDIA contacts you to arrange a planning meeting — in person, by phone, or via video call. This is where your first NDIS plan is developed.
During the meeting, you will discuss:
- Your goals — short-term and long-term
- Your current informal supports (family, community, mainstream services)
- What support gaps exist and what funded supports might address them
- How you want your plan managed (NDIA managed, plan managed, or self managed)
Prepare a written list of your goals and daily challenges before the meeting. You are entitled to bring a support person, carer, or disability advocate — and doing so often results in a stronger plan.
What happens after you are approved?
Once your NDIS plan is approved, you receive a plan document showing your total annual funding, divided into support categories — Core Supports, Capacity Building Supports, and Capital Supports. You then need to decide how your plan is managed.
There are three options:
The NDIA pays registered providers directly from your plan. Straightforward, but you can only use NDIS-registered providers.
A registered plan manager handles your invoices and payments. You can use both registered and unregistered providers, giving you far greater choice. Funded separately — does not reduce your other support budget.
Chosen by 66% of participants
You manage your own funding and pay providers directly. Maximum flexibility, but more administrative responsibility.
Plan management is funded by the NDIA at approximately $104.45 per month. This comes from a separate budget line — it does not reduce your Core or Capacity Building supports. It is essentially a free upgrade that gives you more provider choice and less paperwork. Learn exactly how to add plan management to your NDIS plan.
Choosing the right plan manager has a real impact on how well your plan works in practice. See our independent comparison of the best NDIS plan managers in Australia to find one that suits your situation.
How to Get Free Support With Your NDIS Application
You do not have to navigate the application process alone. The following services can assist you at no cost:
- Local Area Coordinators (LACs): NDIA-funded staff who help eligible Australians apply for the NDIS and connect with community supports. Find your local LAC at ndis.gov.au.
- Early Childhood Partners: For children under 7, help families access early intervention supports during and after the application process.
- Disability advocacy organisations: Independent advocates who can help you prepare your application, attend planning meetings, and request reviews of decisions. Advocacy services are funded separately and are free to use.
- NDIS Information Line: 1800 800 110, Monday to Friday 8am–8pm (local time). Interpreters available.
Once approved, a registered NDIS plan manager can take the administrative load off your hands — processing invoices, tracking your budget in real time, and helping you connect with providers that match your goals.
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Find my plan manager — submit a free inquiryFrequently Asked Questions About Applying for the NDIS
How long does the NDIS application take?
The NDIA has 21 days to make an access decision once all required information is received. Allow 4–12 weeks from start to finish, depending on how quickly supporting evidence can be gathered from health professionals.
Is the NDIS means tested?
No. The NDIS is not means tested. Income, savings, and assets do not affect eligibility or funding levels. Eligibility is based entirely on the functional impact of your disability.
Can I apply for the NDIS online?
Not currently. The NDIS Access Request Form must be submitted by phone (1800 800 110), by post to GPO Box 700 Canberra ACT 2601, or in person through your local area coordinator or NDIS office. The myNDIS portal and myGov are used to manage your plan once it is approved.
What is the NDIS Access Request Form?
The NDIS Access Request Form is the official form that initiates the eligibility assessment process. It collects information about your disability, how it affects your daily functioning, and your contact details. It must be accompanied by supporting evidence from a treating health professional.
What if my NDIS application is rejected?
You can request an internal review of the decision within 3 months of receiving it. If the internal review is unsuccessful, you can appeal to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). A disability advocate can help you through the review process at no cost to you.
Who qualifies for the NDIS?
To qualify for the NDIS, you must be under 65, be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and have a permanent or likely permanent disability that significantly affects your daily functioning. There is no fixed list of approved diagnoses — functional impact is the key criterion.
How does NDIS funding work?
Once approved, the NDIA creates an individualised plan with funding allocated across support categories — Core, Capacity Building, and Capital. You choose whether the funding is managed by the NDIA, a registered plan manager, or yourself. Plans are reviewed annually or when your circumstances change significantly.
How do I apply for NDIS funding for a specific support?
Specific supports are requested during your planning meeting, not through a separate application. Bring detailed information about the supports you need and how they relate to your goals. Your LAC or support coordinator can help you articulate this clearly before the meeting.