New to the NDIS
Getting started with the NDIS
If you do not have NDIS funding yet, this page explains what the NDIS is, who can apply and the steps to ask for access, in plain language.
What it is
The NDIS pays for support related to disability
The National Disability Insurance Scheme is run by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). If you are found eligible, you get a plan with funding for support that relates to your disability, and you choose the providers who deliver it.
A plan can include things like help at home, support to get out into the community, therapy, equipment, and in some cases housing support such as Supported Independent Living (SIL) or Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA).
The NDIS does not pay for everyday living costs that everyone has, like rent, food or bills, and it does not replace health or aged care systems.
Applying is free. You do not need a provider, a lawyer or a paid service to apply, and no one can guarantee you funding.
Who can apply
The access rules, in short
Only the NDIA can decide if you meet the access rules. These are the main things they look at.
- You are under 65 when you apply.
- You are an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa.
- You live in Australia.
- You have a permanent and significant disability that affects your everyday activities, or you need early intervention support.
We cannot tell you whether you will be found eligible, and we are not able to give planning advice. For the full and current access rules, and to apply, go to the official NDIS website.
The steps
How to make an access request
This is the usual path. Timeframes and requirements can change, so check the NDIS website before you send anything in.
1. Make contact
Call the NDIS on 1800 800 110 or start online. You can ask for an access request form, or make a verbal access request over the phone.
2. Gather your information
You will be asked for proof of identity, your age and residency, and information from your doctor or specialist about your disability and how it affects your daily life.
3. Send in the access request
Send the form and your supporting information to the NDIA. They will tell you if they need anything more, and how long they expect to take.
4. If you are found eligible
You will be invited to a planning conversation about your goals and the support you need. Your first plan is built from that conversation.
If you need help with the words or the forms, you can ask a family member, a doctor, or a free advocacy service near you. You can also call the NDIS on 1800 800 110 and ask them to take you through it.
How we can help
What Kintera Care can do, before and after funding
We are a registered NDIS provider, not the NDIA. We cannot decide your access request or write your plan, and we will always say so plainly.
While you are applying
- Answer your questions about how our support and villages actually work.
- Show you what living in a Vertical Village looks like, so you can picture it.
- Point you to the official NDIS information and free advocacy services.
- Keep your details on file and check in as your application moves along.
Once funding is approved
- Talk through the support you want and how it would run week to week.
- Look at homes available now, or add you to a waiting list.
- Set up in home care, community participation or Rise Up.
- Start when you are ready, at your own pace.
Stay in touch
Tell us where you are up to and we will check in
A name and an email is enough. There is nothing to commit to, and we will not send you anything you did not ask for.
Prefer to talk? Call us on 1300 405 260.