The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is Australia’s national system for supporting people living with permanent and significant disability. If you or someone you love is newly eligible — or just starting to explore whether the NDIS applies — this guide walks you through every step in plain language.
What is the NDIS?
The NDIS provides funding to eligible Australians under 65 who have a permanent disability that significantly affects their daily life. It is not means-tested — it is based on your support needs, not your income. Funding can cover personal care, therapy, community participation, assistive technology, home modifications, and much more.
Step 1 — Check your eligibility
To access the NDIS you generally need to:
- Be under 65 years of age when you first apply
- Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Special Category Visa holder
- Have a permanent disability that significantly impacts your daily activities
If you are unsure whether you qualify, call the NDIS on 1800 800 110 or speak with your GP, specialist, or a Local Area Coordinator (LAC). At Surf Coast Support Services, we help families work through eligibility questions every week — feel free to call us too.
Step 2 — Make an Access Request
Once you believe you are eligible, you submit an Access Request to the NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency). You can do this by:
- Calling 1800 800 110
- Visiting your nearest NDIS office
- Asking a Local Area Coordinator to assist you
You will need to provide evidence of your disability — usually a report from a GP, specialist, or allied health professional describing how your condition affects your daily functioning. The more specific and functional this evidence is, the smoother your application will be.
Step 3 — Wait for your eligibility decision
The NDIA will review your access request and notify you of their decision. This can take up to 21 days. If approved, you will be contacted to begin planning. If your application is declined, you have the right to request a review — and we can help you understand your options.
This is one of the most important steps. A planning meeting (with an NDIA planner or Local Area Coordinator) is where your NDIS plan is built. Before the meeting, we recommend:
- Writing down your goals — what do you want to do, achieve, or improve in your life?
- Listing all the supports you currently use and what gaps exist
- Bringing a support person, family member, or advocate if that helps you feel confident
- Asking your treating professionals to write supporting letters outlining your functional needs
Be specific about what you need day-to-day. The more clearly you can describe how your disability affects your life, the better your plan will reflect your actual needs.
Step 5 — Receive and review your plan
After your planning meeting, the NDIA will send you your approved NDIS plan. It will outline your goals and the funding allocated across different support categories. Read it carefully. If you feel something is missing or the funding does not reflect your needs, you can request a plan review.
Step 6 — Choose your supports and providers
With your plan approved, you can now choose the providers and supports that work for you. Depending on how your plan is managed (self-managed, plan-managed, or NDIA-managed), you may have different levels of flexibility in choosing providers.
At Surf Coast Support Services, we work with participants across all three management types. We will sit down with you, go through your plan together, and help you make the most of every dollar.
Step 7 — Start your supports and review regularly
Your first supports can begin as soon as your plan is active and your Service Agreement is signed. Plans are typically reviewed every 12 months — but you can request an unscheduled review any time your circumstances change significantly.
Need help getting started?
Navigating the NDIS does not have to be overwhelming. Our team at Surf Coast Support Services helps people across Geelong, the Surf Coast, and the Bellarine Peninsula through every stage of the NDIS process — from first enquiry to ongoing support.
send an email to info@surfcoastsupport.com.au — the first conversation is always free.