The NDIS can feel overwhelming with its terminology, processes, and rules. New participants and experienced ones alike have questions about how things work. This FAQ addresses the most common questions we hear from NDIS participants in Canberra and across Australia.
Eligibility and Access
Who is eligible for the NDIS?
To be eligible for the NDIS you must be under 65, an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and have a permanent and significant disability that affects your ability to participate in everyday activities. The disability must be likely to be permanent (lifelong), and you must need support from a person or equipment to do everyday activities. Your disability must have started before age 65 even if you apply later.
How do I apply for the NDIS?
Contact the NDIA on 1800 800 110 to request an Access Request Form. Complete the form with help from your doctor or health professional who can provide evidence of your disability. Submit the form with supporting medical reports. The NDIA will assess your eligibility and contact you within 21 days with a decision.
NDIS Plans and Funding
How long does an NDIS plan last?
Most NDIS plans run for 12 months, though some are shorter (6 months for children or new participants) or longer (24 months for stable participants with consistent needs). Your plan states the exact start and end dates. Plan reviews typically happen shortly before your plan ends to create your next plan.
What's the difference between plan-managed, self-managed, and NDIA-managed?
Plan-managed means a plan manager pays your providers and handles invoices whilst you choose any provider. Self-managed means you manage all payments and claiming yourself with complete provider choice. NDIA-managed means the NDIA pays providers directly and you can only use registered NDIS providers. Many participants use a combination — plan-managed for some supports, self-managed for others.
Can I change how my plan is managed?
Yes, you can request to change between plan-managed, self-managed, and NDIA-managed at any time. Contact the NDIA or request a plan review to change your management type. The change typically takes 2-4 weeks to process.
Using Your NDIS Funding
What can I spend my NDIS funding on?
You can spend NDIS funding on supports that are reasonable and necessary, related to your disability, represent value for money, and help you pursue your goals. This includes personal care, community participation, therapy, assistive technology, home modifications, and supported independent living. The NDIS doesn't fund supports unrelated to your disability, everyday living costs everyone has, or supports that are other systems' responsibility like healthcare or education.
What happens to unused funding?
Unused funding doesn't roll over to your next plan. If you significantly underspend, the NDIA may reduce funding in your next plan assuming you don't need that level of support. However, if you underspent due to provider gaps, service issues, or changed circumstances, explain this during your plan review to maintain appropriate funding levels.
Providers and Services
Can I change providers?
Yes, you can change providers at any time. Check your service agreement for the required notice period (usually 7-14 days). You don't need NDIA permission to switch providers. Your funding stays in your plan regardless of which provider you use.
What if I'm unhappy with my provider?
First, discuss concerns directly with the provider — many issues can be resolved through communication. If problems persist, terminate the service agreement with proper notice and find a new provider. For serious misconduct or safety concerns, contact the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission on 1800 035 544 to lodge a complaint.
Plan Reviews and Changes
How do I get my plan reviewed?
You can request a plan review at any time if your circumstances significantly change. Contact the NDIA explaining what's changed and why you need a review. Provide evidence from doctors, therapists, or other professionals supporting the change. The NDIA will assess whether a review is warranted. All plans are reviewed at the end of each plan period regardless.
What if I disagree with my plan?
Request an internal review within 3 months of receiving your plan. The NDIA will reconsider the decision. If still unsatisfied, you can appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). Get support from an advocate or support coordinator to help navigate the review process and strengthen your case with evidence.
Need Help with NDIS Questions?
Support coordinators can answer questions specific to your situation and help you navigate NDIS processes. If you don't have support coordination in your plan, request it at your next review.
Still Have Questions?
Life Assist Abilities Support can answer your NDIS questions and help you make the most of your plan.
Get in TouchMore Common Questions
How much NDIS funding will I receive?
Funding varies dramatically based on your individual disability, support needs, and goals. There's no standard amount — plans range from $5,000 to $300,000+ annually. The NDIA assesses your needs during planning meetings and allocates reasonable and necessary funding to achieve your goals.
Can my family be paid to support me?
Generally no. The NDIS doesn't fund family members to provide supports they'd normally provide. However, family can be paid in exceptional circumstances if they have specialist qualifications or there's evidence of market failure (no providers available in your area).
Does NDIS funding affect Centrelink payments?
No. NDIS funding is not considered income and doesn't affect Disability Support Pension, Carer Payment, or other Centrelink benefits. You can receive both NDIS funding and Centrelink payments simultaneously without one affecting the other.
What is the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission?
The NDIS Commission regulates providers and handles complaints about NDIS services. They investigate serious incidents, enforce standards, and protect participants from poor quality or unsafe services. Contact them on 1800 035 544 for complaints about providers or concerns about service quality.
Can I travel with my NDIS funding?
NDIS funding can pay for disability-related supports whilst travelling (like support workers or equipment transport), but not holiday costs everyone pays (flights, accommodation, meals, activities). Some participants use Core Supports funding to employ support workers during travel within Australia or overseas.