The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is designed to support Australians living with a permanent and significant disability to live more independently, build confidence, and stay connected to their community.
Understanding how NDIS funding works can feel overwhelming at first. But with the right guidance, this process becomes much easier to navigate.
Whether you’re applying for yourself or supporting someone you care about, Hunter Care Group is here to help you learn how to get NDIS funding.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through applying for an NDIS plan — from checking eligibility and gathering evidence to attending your planning meeting and using your supports effectively.
1. Confirm your eligibility
Before starting your NDIS application, it’s important to confirm whether you meet the eligibility criteria. The NDIS is designed to support people with a permanent and significant disability who need ongoing assistance to live more independently.
You may be eligible if you:
- Live in Australia and are an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa.
- Are under 65 years old when you apply. If you’re over 65, you may be better supported through the aged care system.
- Have a disability that is permanent or likely to be permanent, and significantly affects your ability to perform everyday tasks, communicate, work, or participate in the community.
For more information, you can:
- Use the NDIS Access Checklist for a quick eligibility guide.
- Talk to a Local Area Coordinator (LAC) who can explain the criteria clearly and help you approach the next steps correctly.
- Call the NDIS directly for personalised guidance.
This step ensures you’re on the right track before gathering documents or submitting an application.
2. Gather supporting documents
After you’ve checked your eligibility, the next step is to build a clear picture of your support needs.
Once you’ve confirmed you’re eligible, the next step is to collect clear, detailed evidence that helps the NDIS understand your support needs. The NDIS doesn’t just look at your diagnosis — it looks at how your disability affects your everyday life and what assistance you require to live safely and independently.
Start by gathering documents that show:
- Who you are: Proof of identity, such as a Medicare card, passport or birth certificate.
- How your disability impacts you: Reports or letters from your GP, specialists, therapists, or psychologist. These should describe:
- The nature of your disability or condition: How it affects your daily activities (e.g., showering, mobility, communication, attending appointments, working, or managing tasks)
- Whether your condition is permanent or likely to be permanent
- The types of supports, equipment, or assistance you currently rely on
- What supports you already receive: Statements from carers, family members, or support workers can help paint a fuller picture of the assistance you need day-to-day.
The strongest evidence is practical and specific.
For example, rather than saying “has difficulty with self-care,” a more useful statement might be: “Requires physical support to shower safely due to limited balance and muscle strength.”
If you’re unsure what to request, don’t worry — your GP, allied health providers, or a LAC can guide you on what reports are needed and help you request them.
Taking the time to collect clear, supportive documentation now will help make your NDIS application smoother and more likely to reflect the level of support you truly need.
3. Complete an NDIS Access Request Form
Now, you’re ready to formally apply by completing an NDIS Access Request Form. This is the form that officially asks the NDIS to consider you (or the person you care for) as a participant.
Now, you’re ready to formally apply by completing an NDIS Access Request Form. This is the form that officially asks the NDIS to consider you (or the person you care for) as a participant.
You can get the form in a few different ways:
- Call the NDIS and request that the form be emailed or posted to you.
- Visit your local NDIA office and collect a copy in person.
- Apply online through the myplace portal.
- Download the form from the NDIS website and print it at home.
The form will ask for details about who you are, where you live, and information about your disability and daily support needs. If you’re filling it out for someone else, you’ll just need to note your relationship and provide consent where required.
Take your time when completing the form — the information must match the supporting evidence you’ve already gathered. If you’re unsure about any section, an LAC, Support Coordinator or health professional can help guide you through it.
Once submitted, the NDIS will review your application and contact you if they need anything further.
4. Submit your application
Once you’ve completed your Access Request Form and gathered your supporting evidence, it’s time to submit your application to the NDIS. Choose the method that feels easiest and most comfortable for you:
- By phone: You can call the NDIS directly and complete parts of the application over the phone. They may still ask you to email or post your supporting documents.
- By post: Mail your completed form and supporting documents to the address provided in the form instructions.
- In person: Visit your nearest NDIA office to hand everything in. This can be reassuring if you’d like confirmation that your documents have been received.
Before submitting, it’s a good idea to double-check that your documents are clear, up to date, and explain how your condition affects your daily life.
5. NDIS eligibility check
Once you’ve submitted your application, the NDIS will perform an eligibility check. Essentially, they will review the information and documentation you’ve provided to determine whether you meet the criteria.
This process can take some time, typically up to 21 days. During this period, the NDIS may request additional information or clarification from you or your healthcare providers. Try to respond as quickly as possible to avoid delays.
6. Attend an NDIS planning meeting
If your application is approved, you’ll be invited to an initial planning meeting with an NDIS Planner or LAC. This is where your personal NDIS plan starts to take shape, making it a pivotal part of the overall process.
In this meeting, you’ll talk about:
- Your goals — what you want to be able to do now and in the future (e.g., living more independently, building daily life skills, improving mobility, studying, working, joining community activities).
- The support you need to achieve those goals — such as therapy, assistive technology, support workers, transport, or social/community programs.
- How your funding will be structured — and whether your plan will be self-managed, plan-managed, or NDIA-managed.
To help the meeting run smoothly, it’s a good idea to come prepared. Spend some time thinking about:
- What’s currently challenging in your day-to-day life
- What you’d like more independence with
- What outcomes are important to you over the next 12 months and beyond
You’re welcome to bring someone with you — a family member, friend, advocate, or support worker — to help communicate your needs and ensure you feel comfortable and supported.
This meeting is your opportunity to design a plan that genuinely supports the way you want to live. It’s absolutely okay to ask questions, take your time, and speak openly about what would make the biggest difference in your life.
7. Create your NDIS plan
After your planning meeting, the NDIS will put together your personalised NDIS plan. This plan outlines the supports you’re eligible for and how your funding is allocated across different support categories. It’s your roadmap for accessing the services, therapies, equipment and programs that best support your goals and daily life.
Your plan will usually include a mix of NDIS funding categories:
- Core Supports: Help with everyday activities, personal care, community access, transport and support workers.
- Capacity Building Supports: Therapies, skill-building programs, employment support, and services that help you become more independent over time.
- Capital Supports: Larger or one-off investments, such as assistive technology, communication devices, wheelchair prescriptions, or home modifications.
Your plan will also show:
- How long your plan lasts (most commonly 12 months)
- How your funding is managed (self-managed, plan-managed, or NDIA-managed)
- When your plan will be reviewed
Once you receive your plan, take time to read through it carefully. If something doesn’t seem right or you feel your funding doesn’t match your needs, you have the right to request a plan review. You can also ask a Support Coordinator or LAC to help you understand your plan and start connecting with providers.
This step marks the beginning of your NDIS journey, where supports become real and meaningful in your day-to-day life.
8. Use your NDIS funding
Now you can start using your NDIS funding to access supports that will help you work towards your goals. Think of this stage as putting your plan into motion.
First, you’ll need to choose your service providers for funded supports like therapy and allied health, support workers and daily living assistance, and community access programs.
Look for providers who understand your needs, communicate clearly and feel like a good fit. Depending on how your plan is managed, you may be able to choose from both registered and non-registered providers.
Your plan will specify one of the following management types:
- Self-managed: You organise services, pay invoices, and claim reimbursements yourself. This gives the most flexibility.
- Plan-managed: A Plan Manager handles budgeting and provider payments for you.
- NDIA-managed: The NDIA pays registered providers via the NDIS portal.
If you’re unsure how to get started, a Support Coordinator (if included in your plan) or an LAC can guide you step-by-step, help with bookings, and explain your funding categories.
This stage is all about making your plan work for you. Pick supports that empower you to feel confident, comfortable and capable of living the life you want.
9. Review your plan regularly
Your needs, goals and circumstances may change over time, and your NDIS plan should change with you. Most NDIS plans are reviewed every 12 months, but you can request a review sooner if your situation shifts or you feel your current supports aren’t meeting your needs.
During your plan review, you’ll discuss:
- What has worked well
- Any challenges you’ve experienced
- New or updated goals
- Whether you need more, less, or different supports moving forward
To make the review process easier, try to track your progress throughout the year. This could include notes from therapists, feedback from support workers, or even your own reflections on what’s helping and what’s still difficult.
If you feel your plan doesn’t reflect your needs anymore, you can request a plan review at any time. You don’t have to wait for your annual review date.
This ensures your NDIS support stays flexible, relevant and genuinely helpful as your life evolves.
Tips for a successful NDIS application
Applying for the NDIS can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure where to start or what information you need to provide.
The good news is that you don’t have to navigate the process alone. Below are some practical tips to help you feel confident and prepared every step of the way.
1. Gather your evidence early
Before you apply, take time to collect all relevant documents and assessments. This may include medical reports, specialist letters, therapy notes, or functional assessments that explain how your disability affects your daily life.
Having this information ready at the start helps prevent delays and gives the NDIS a clear picture of the support you need.
2. Be clear about your goals
Think about what you want your life to look like with the right supports.
For example, you might want to:
- Become more independent at home
- Improve communication or social skills
- Access the community more confidently
- Work or study with the right assistance
Write your goals in simple language and explain why they matter to you. The clearer your goals are, the easier it is for the NDIS to match funding to your needs.
3. Ask for help when you need it
Help is always available. Family members, friends, support workers, health professionals, and LACs can all help you understand the process or gather evidence.
If you feel overwhelmed at any point, a quick call to ask a question or confirm details can help avoid confusion and keep your application moving forward.
4. Take your time and be honest
Don’t rush. Describe your daily experiences truthfully, including what is difficult or what you need help with. Remember that it’s okay to talk about challenges. Being honest ensures your plan reflects your real needs.
FAQs
What is the NDIS?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a government-funded program that provides personalised support to Australians living with a permanent and significant disability. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, the NDIS tailors funding to each participant’s individual goals and needs.
This funding can help with everyday living activities, mobility equipment, therapies, community access, learning new skills, employment support, and more. The aim is to give people greater independence, choice, and control over how they live their lives and who provides their support.
What does the NDIS fund?
The NDIS funds supports that are considered “reasonable and necessary” — meaning they genuinely help you work towards your goals and improve your day-to-day life.
To be funded, a support must:
- Relate directly to your disability
- Help you work toward your personal goals
- Improve your independence or participation in daily life
- Represent value for money
- Be proven to be effective and beneficial
- Work alongside your informal supports (family, carers, community networks)
Examples of funded supports include therapies, assistive technology, home modifications, personal care, transport assistance, and skill-building programs.
What supports are not funded by the NDIS?
The NDIS doesn’t fund supports that are unrelated to your disability. These include:
- Everyday living expenses such as groceries, rent, or utility bills
- Medical services that are already covered by Medicare or the public health system
- Items that are unsafe, illegal, or lack evidence of benefit
- Services that are another government’s responsibility, like hospital care, education, or employment programs
If a particular support isn’t eligible, the NDIS may still help you find or fund a suitable replacement that helps you live safely and/or independently.
Your NDIS planner or Support Coordinator can guide you through what applies to your plan and circumstances.
How long does it take for an NDIS application to be approved?
Most NDIS access applications are processed within 21 to 90 days.
The timeframe can vary depending on how quickly evidence is provided and whether further assessments are needed.
If you’re ever unsure about your application progress, you can check in with the NDIA or ask an LAC for guidance and support along the way.
How is NDIS funding paid out?
How your NDIS funding is paid depends on the way your plan is managed. There are three main options:
- NDIA-managed: The provider claims payment directly from the NDIS portal. You don’t need to handle invoices or payments.
- Plan-managed: A registered Plan Manager takes care of paying your providers for you and helps you keep track of your budget.
- Self-managed: You pay providers yourself and then claim the cost back from your NDIS funding. This option offers the most flexibility in terms of who you can work with, including non-registered providers.
Your NDIS plan will clearly state which management type applies. If your current setup isn’t working for you, you can request to change how your plan is managed at your next plan review.
Can I change or increase my NDIS funding?
Yes. If your needs, circumstances, or goals change, you can request an NDIS plan review.
To do this, you’ll need supporting evidence, such as updated reports, assessments, or letters from your GP, therapist, or other allied health professionals.
These documents help explain why your current funding no longer meets your needs and what supports would be more suitable.
The NDIS will assess this information and may adjust your funding to make sure your plan better aligns with your daily needs, independence goals, or long-term progress.
If you’re unsure where to start, your Support Coordinator or Plan Manager can guide you through the review process and help gather the right evidence.
Do I need a Coordinator of Supports to access services?
No, you don’t need a Coordinator of Supports to use your NDIS plan — but many participants find having one makes things much easier.
A Coordinator of Supports helps you understand your plan, connect with the right services, and get the most value from your funding. We can:
- Explain your plan and budget in simple, everyday language
- Recommend and connect you with suitable providers in your area
- Assist with service agreements, scheduling and budgeting your supports
- Help you prepare for plan reviews and gather the right evidence
Importantly, Coordination of Supports needs to be included in your plan to be funded. If you feel you’d benefit from this extra guidance, you can request Support Coordination at your next plan review or submit a change of circumstances request.
Organise NDIS support services in Newcastle and the Hunter
Understanding how to get NDIS funding is the first step in accessing the supports that can enhance your independence, confidence and daily quality of life.
By confirming your eligibility, gathering the right documentation, submitting your application and attending your planning meeting, you’ll be well-prepared to secure a plan that reflects your needs and goals.
If you’re in Newcastle or the Hunter, Hunter Care Group can guide you through this process. We specialise in Coordination of Supports, Supported Independent Living and psychosocial recovery coaching, working closely with you to pinpoint your needs, navigate your plan, and connect you with the right services.
To learn more, call (02) 4950 2269 or enquire online.