Applying for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can feel confusing when you are unsure about eligibility, the evidence required or what happens after approval. Understanding each stage can help you prepare the right information and approach the process with greater clarity.
An NDIS plan is personalised around an eligible participant’s disability-related needs, circumstances and goals. This guide explains NDIS eligibility, how to apply, what supporting evidence may be required and what to expect from your first NDIS plan.
What Is an NDIS Plan?
An NDIS plan is a personalised document created for an eligible NDIS participant. It includes the participant’s goals, current supports and any NDIS-funded supports approved by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).
Every NDIS plan is different. Depending on individual needs, goals and approved funding, a plan may include support relating to:
- Daily personal activities
- Independent living skills
- Social and community participation
- Employment or education
- Travel and transport
- Capacity building
- Support coordination
Being eligible for the NDIS does not mean every requested service will automatically be funded. The NDIA decides which supports are included based on individual circumstances and NDIS funding criteria.
Step 1: Check Your NDIS Eligibility
Before applying, check whether you may meet the NDIS access requirements.
Age Requirements
You generally need to be under 65 years of age when applying to access the NDIS.
Residence Requirements
You generally need to live in Australia and be:
- An Australian citizen
- A permanent visa holder, or
- A protected Special Category Visa holder
Disability Requirements
You may meet the disability requirements if you have an impairment that is likely to be permanent and substantially affects your ability to complete everyday activities or participate in social or economic life.
The NDIS may consider how your impairment affects areas such as:
- Mobility
- Communication
- Social interaction
- Learning
- Self-care
- Self-management
A diagnosis alone does not automatically determine NDIS eligibility. Evidence showing how your impairment affects your functional capacity and everyday life is also important.
Early Intervention Requirements
Some people may meet early intervention requirements if receiving support now is likely to reduce future support needs or help maintain or improve their functional capacity.
Eligibility is assessed according to each person’s individual circumstances.
Step 2: Contact the NDIS
If you believe you may be eligible, contact the NDIS or connect with an NDIS partner.
Depending on your age and circumstances, an early childhood partner or local area coordinator may help you understand the application process and identify the information you need.
If an NDIS partner is unavailable in your area, you can contact the NDIS directly to discuss the appropriate application pathway.
Step 3: Gather Supporting Evidence
Supporting evidence is an important part of an NDIS application. It should explain your impairment, whether it is likely to be permanent and how it affects your everyday activities.
Evidence may be provided by relevant treating health professionals, such as:
- General practitioners
- Occupational therapists
- Physiotherapists
- Psychologists
- Psychiatrists
- Speech pathologists
- Medical specialists
Useful evidence may explain:
- Your impairment or disability
- How long you have had it
- Whether it is likely to be permanent
- Relevant treatments you have received
- How your functional capacity is affected
- The type of assistance you require
Specific examples are often more useful than general statements.
Instead of only saying, “I have difficulty with daily activities,” explain the actual impact. For example, you may require assistance to prepare meals safely, need prompting to complete personal routines or be unable to access the community independently.
Your information should accurately describe your usual support needs without minimising or exaggerating them.
Step 4: Apply for the NDIS
Once you have gathered the required information and evidence, you can proceed with your application.
Depending on your circumstances, you may apply with help from an NDIS partner or through the appropriate process provided by the NDIA.
You may need to provide information about:
- Your identity and age
- Your Australian residence status
- Your impairment
- Whether the impairment is likely to be permanent
- How it affects your everyday life and functional capacity
Review your application before submitting it and make sure your supporting documents are relevant, clear and complete.
Step 5: Receive an Access Decision
After your application is submitted, the NDIA assesses the information and supporting evidence. It may request additional information if more detail is required.
If you are found eligible, you can move to the next stage of the NDIS process and begin developing your first plan.
If you are found not eligible, you should receive information explaining the decision. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to request a review.
Preparing for Your First NDIS Plan
After being accepted into the NDIS, preparation can help you clearly explain your everyday support needs and personal goals.
Before your planning conversation or assessment, consider:
- What does a typical day look like?
- Which activities can you complete independently?
- Where do you need assistance, supervision or prompting?
- How does your disability affect your daily life?
- What support do family members or carers currently provide?
- What would you like to do more independently?
- Are community participation, education or employment important goals?
Writing down practical examples can help provide a clearer picture of your circumstances.
It may also be useful to consider three types of days:
A good day: What can you do when things are going well?
A typical day: What assistance do you normally require?
A difficult day: How are you affected when your support needs are greater?
This can provide a balanced and accurate explanation of your everyday needs.
Setting Meaningful NDIS Goals
Your goals describe what you would like to work towards through your NDIS plan.
Goals should be personal and relevant to your life. Examples may include:
- Becoming more independent with daily routines
- Developing independent living skills
- Increasing confidence in the community
- Building social connections
- Improving communication
- Developing employment-related skills
Focus on the outcome you want to achieve rather than requesting only a particular service.
For example, instead of saying, “I want a support worker,” you could say:
“I want to develop the skills and confidence to participate more independently in my community.”
The supports that may help you work towards your goals can then be considered according to your circumstances and NDIS funding criteria.
What May Be Included in Your First NDIS Plan?
There is no standard list of supports included in every NDIS plan.
Depending on your needs, goals and approved funding, your plan may include:
Assistance With Daily Living
Support with eligible personal activities and everyday tasks.
Social and Community Participation
Support that may help you access community activities, build confidence and increase social participation.
Capacity Building
Supports designed to help develop skills and encourage greater independence.
Support Coordination
If included in your plan, support coordination can help you understand and use your plan, connect with suitable providers and build the skills to manage your supports.
Plan Management
Plan management can assist with financial administration, including processing provider invoices and helping you monitor your NDIS budget.
What Should You Do After Receiving Your Plan?
When your first NDIS plan is approved, carefully review:
- Your goals
- The supports included
- Your approved funding
- How your funding is managed
- The duration of your plan
Avoid entering service agreements before understanding what has been funded and whether a provider’s services align with your goals and budget.
Take time to understand your options and choose providers that respect your preferences, needs and right to choice and control.
How Seven Angels Can Support You
Receiving an NDIS plan is the beginning of using your approved supports and working towards your personal goals.
At Seven Angels Care and Support Services, we provide personalised support based on each participant’s needs, preferences and goals.
Depending on your approved plan and funding, our services may include:
- Support Coordination
- NDIS Plan Management
- Assistance with Daily Personal Activities
- Supported Independent Living
- Development of Daily Living and Life Skills
- Community Participation
- Travel and Transport Support
Our person-centred approach focuses on supporting greater independence, confidence and meaningful participation in everyday life.
Seven Angels does not determine NDIS eligibility or decide what funding is included in a participant’s plan. These decisions are made by the NDIA. Once your plan is approved, our team can discuss which services may align with your goals, needs and available funding.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an NDIS plan?
The process generally involves checking your eligibility, contacting the NDIS or an NDIS partner, gathering supporting evidence and submitting an application. If you are found eligible, you can move to the planning stage.
Does a diagnosis guarantee NDIS eligibility?
No. A diagnosis alone does not guarantee access. The NDIS also considers whether an impairment is likely to be permanent and how it affects everyday life and functional capacity.
How long does it take to get an NDIS plan?
Timeframes vary depending on individual circumstances, the evidence provided and whether additional information is required.
Can I choose my own NDIS provider?
Provider choice may depend on how your funding is managed and the support involved. Participants generally have choice and control when selecting providers within the requirements of their plans.
Start Your NDIS Journey With Greater Clarity
Getting an NDIS plan involves understanding the eligibility requirements, gathering relevant evidence and clearly explaining how your disability affects your everyday life.
After receiving your first plan, take time to understand your funding, goals and support options before choosing providers.
Seven Angels Care and Support Services provides personalised NDIS support for participants across Melbourne and Victoria. If you have an approved NDIS plan and would like to explore services that may support your goals, contact our team today.
Call: 1800 009 924
Email: info@sevenangels.com.au
