How Does the NDIS Work?
The NDIS funds disability supports for Australians with permanent and significant disabilities. Here is how it works — from your first eligibility check to getting the most out of your plan.
Last reviewed: July 2026
The NDIS in five steps
Most people start with eligibility. Already a participant? Jump to managing your plan.
Check your eligibility
You may be eligible if you have a permanent and significant disability, are under 65 when you apply, and live in Australia as a citizen or permanent resident.
Check eligibility →Submit an Access Request
You will need supporting evidence from your treating professionals. The NDIA assesses your request and confirms whether you qualify.
Access Request form →Prepare for your planning meeting
Bring your goals, daily routines and current supports. A clear picture of your needs leads to a stronger plan.
Planning tips →Choose how to manage your plan
Self-managed, plan-managed or NDIA-managed — each has trade-offs. 69% of participants have their funding plan managed (NDIA data, 30 June 2026).
See your options →Plan review and reassessment
Your plan is reassessed when it ends, and the NDIA can also review it at other times. Prepare evidence of what your current plan has and has not covered to support a strong outcome at review.
Plan review guide →Three ways to manage your plan
You can mix and match — for example, plan-manage your therapies but self-manage your transport. There is no single right answer.
Lowest admin, least flexibility
The NDIA pays providers on your behalf. You can only use NDIS-registered providers.
- No paperwork for you
- Registered providers only
- NDIA pricing applies
All providers, no extra cost
A plan manager pays your invoices and tracks your budget. Funded separately — does not reduce your plan.
- Any provider, registered or not
- No cost to you
- Real-time budget tracking
Maximum control, more admin
You pay providers directly and claim back from the NDIA. Maximum flexibility — including non-registered providers.
- Most freedom and choice
- You hold the records
- You handle the claims
How long does the NDIS process take?
From your first enquiry to having an active plan, the NDIS involves several stages. Knowing what to expect at each reduces uncertainty — and helps you prepare the right evidence at the right time.
Access decision: within 90 days of a complete application
Once your application is complete, the NDIA decides within 90 days and sends you a letter with the date it must decide by. If it asks for more information, it has 14 days after you provide it. Sending complete evidence from your treating professionals at the start helps, because the clock only starts when your application is complete.
Planning: your first plan within 56 days
Once you become an NDIS participant, the NDIA or your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) will contact you about your plan. The NDIA's Participant Service Guarantee says it must approve your first plan within 56 days after you become a participant. Preparing your goals, current supports, and daily routine before the meeting leads to a more comprehensive plan.
Plan approved: start using your supports
Once your plan is approved, you will receive a copy through the myNDIS portal. From this point you can begin engaging providers and setting up your chosen plan management arrangement.
First payment: once your plan manager processes your first invoice
Once your plan is active and your plan manager is in place, providers submit invoices directly to your plan manager. Processing times differ between plan managers, so ask yours how quickly it processes invoices. Faster processing helps your relationships with support workers and service providers.
Why 69% of participants have a plan manager
It is free, it removes paperwork, and it opens up a wider pool of providers — all without touching your therapy or support worker budgets.
- Free$104.45 per month (the 2026-27 NDIS price limit) funded by the NDIA separately, does not reduce your other supports
- Any providerUse registered or unregistered providers, including sole traders
- No invoicingProviders send invoices directly to your plan manager, not you
- Budget visibilityReal-time tracking via a portal or app
- Error protectionPlan managers catch overbilling before it is claimed
- Review supportSpending data helps build your case at plan renewal
Common questions, plainly answered.
If your question is not here, talk to our team or browse the blog.
Is plan management free?
Yes. Plan management is funded in your plan as a stated support in your capacity building budget (the Improved life choices category), at up to $104.45 a month in 2026-27. It does not reduce your therapy, support worker or equipment funding.
How long does NDIS approval take?
Once your application is complete, the NDIA decides within 90 days and sends you a letter with the date it must decide by. If it asks for more information, it has 14 days after you provide it. After you become a participant, the NDIA must approve your first plan within 56 days. Gathering your evidence comes on top of these timeframes.
Can I switch plan managers?
Yes, at any time with no penalty. Check your service agreement for any notice period, sign a new service agreement, and your new plan manager takes over. See our guide on how to switch plan managers.
Do I need a support coordinator and a plan manager?
They do different things. A support coordinator helps you find and connect with providers. A plan manager pays your bills and tracks your budget. Many participants have both — funded separately in the plan.
What is "reasonable and necessary"?
The NDIA's test for whether a support gets funded. It must relate to your disability, represent value for money, and help you pursue your goals.
Ready to find an NDIS plan manager?
Answer five quick questions and we will match you with the right registered plan manager — free, independent, no obligation.