The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an Australian Government program designed to support people with a permanent and significant disability to lead more independent and enriched lives. Instead of a one-size-fits-all system, this funding centres around choice and control.
Through the NDIS, eligible individuals known as NDIS participants receive personalised financial assistance to help reach their goals. This may include support to build everyday skills, access healthcare therapies, attend education, find employment, and connect with the local community.
In this guide, we’ll explain how the NDIS works, who it’s designed for, what supports it can fund and how to make the most of your NDIS plan. Whether you’re new to the NDIS or simply want a clearer understanding of your options, this article is here to help you navigate the system with confidence.
What is the difference between the National Disability Insurance Scheme and the National Disability Insurance Agency?
While the National Disability Insurance Scheme and the National Disability Insurance Agency are closely linked, they aren’t the same thing.
The NDIS is the program that provides funded support to eligible Australians with a permanent and significant disability. It helps participants access services such as personal care, therapy, assistive technology, home modifications and community support.
On the other hand, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is the Australian Government agency responsible for running the NDIS. It assesses applications, determines eligibility, approves funding, develops participant plans and pays registered providers.
Essentially, the NDIS is the scheme that delivers support, while the NDIA is the organisation that manages and administers it.
What is the aim of the NDIS?
Launched in 2013, the NDIS aims to help Australians with a permanent and significant disability live a life that feels meaningful, supported and their own.
Instead of fitting people into a standard system, the scheme is built around the individual, their needs, goals, strengths and hopes for the future.
At its heart, the NDIS is about choice, dignity and independence. It empowers participants to take part in daily life, develop new skills, connect with their community, pursue education or work, and maintain important relationships.
Just as importantly, it recognises the role of families and carers, helping them continue to provide support in a sustainable way.
By offering long-term, tailored disability support, the NDIS strives to create a more inclusive Australia where we all have genuine opportunities to thrive.
How the NDIS works
Importantly, NDIS funding is not given as cash. Instead, it is approved and allocated within an NDIS plan, which outlines the supports and services a participant can use.
This may include skill building for daily activities, help with personal care, therapies such as physiotherapy or speech therapy, mobility aids, home or vehicle modifications, transport support and help accessing the community.
Once an NDIS plan is in place, participants can decide how supports are delivered. This means choosing providers, choosing when supports are scheduled and using funding in a way that aligns with personal goals, within NDIS guidelines.
By tailoring funding to the individual, the NDIS helps people build confidence, enjoy greater independence and work towards goals that truly matter to them.
What can the NDIS help with?
The NDIS currently supports more than 739,000 Australians with disabilities, helping participants access services that nurture wellbeing, build skills and encourage community participation.
Once your NDIS plan is approved, you’ll receive a personalised funding package designed to assist with daily life, independence and long-term goals.
This financial support is allocated across four funding categories, based on what is considered reasonable and necessary for your individual circumstances:
Core Supports
Core Supports are the most common and flexible part of an NDIS plan. This funding helps with everyday activities, such as personal care, household tasks and community participation, so you can work towards your life goals.
Core Supports may include both flexible and stated items, allowing your supports to adapt as your individual needs change.
Capital Supports
Capital Supports fund specialist items and modifications that reduce the impact of disability on daily living. This may include assistive technology, equipment or home modifications.
Capital funding is not flexible and is approved for specific items discussed during your planning meeting. Many purchases require quotes from providers before approval.
Capacity Building Supports
Capacity Building Supports focus on developing skills, confidence and independence. This funding can support therapies, support coordination, employment assistance and help build social and daily living skills.
These supports are clearly outlined in your plan and cannot be moved to other budget categories.
Transport Supports
Transport funding helps cover the cost of getting around when disability affects your ability to use public transport independently.
These funds are usually paid directly to your nominated bank account on a regular basis, giving you flexibility to choose transport options such as buses, trains, taxis or rideshare services.
How to manage an NDIS plan
A key part of any NDIS plan is deciding who will manage funding and pay providers. The NDIS offers several plan management options, so that you can choose the level of support, flexibility and responsibility that suits you best.
NDIA-managed NDIS plans
With an NDIA-managed plan, the National Disability Insurance Agency takes care of all payments for you. After a service is delivered, your provider claims payment directly through the NDIS system, so you don’t need to worry about invoices or budgeting.
You can still stay informed by logging into the MyPlace portal at any time to check your plan, view past payments and see how much funding remains.
This option offers the least administration and works well if you prefer a hands-off approach. The trade-off is that you can only use NDIS-registered providers, and some purchases need approval. For many people, the simplicity and peace of mind make this a comfortable choice.
Self-managed NDIS plans
A self-managed NDIS plan gives you the most choice and independence. You or your plan nominee takes responsibility for paying providers, submitting claims and keeping records.
Invoices are sent directly to you, and you can choose whether to pay the provider first and claim the funds back, or submit a claim and pay once the money is transferred to you. You can use both registered and unregistered providers, including mainstream services, as long as the supports meet NDIS guidelines.
Self-management suits people who feel confident handling finances and paperwork. Many participants choose to use a separate bank account to make managing payments easier.
Plan-managed NDIS plans
With a plan-managed NDIS plan, a registered plan manager looks after the financial side of your plan, giving you support without taking away your choice. This option sits comfortably between NDIA management and self-management.
Your plan manager pays invoices, submits claims, tracks your budget and keeps everything organised, while you remain free to choose both registered and unregistered providers. It’s a popular option for people who want flexibility without the stress of paperwork.
Plan management is fully funded by the NDIS under Capacity Building – Improved Life Choices and does not reduce your funding for therapies, equipment or daily supports.
It covers:
- A one-off set-up fee at the start of each plan
- An ongoing monthly fee to manage invoices, budgets and reporting
All fees are set by the NDIS and paid directly to your plan manager, so you never pay out of pocket. For many participants, plan management offers reassurance, clarity and the freedom to focus on what matters most: living life with the right supports in place.
FAQs
Who is eligible for NDIS funding?
The NDIS is designed for people who need ongoing support, rather than short-term or medical treatment alone.
To be eligible, you must be under 65 years of age when you apply, live in Australia, and be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa.
You also need to have a permanent and significant disability that substantially affects your ability to take part in everyday activities such as mobility, communication, self-care or learning.
H3: How do I apply for the NDIS?
To apply for the NDIS, contact the NDIA online, over the phone, or with support from a Local Area Coordinator (LAC).
The application process starts with an Access Request Form, where you provide personal details and evidence from health professionals confirming your disability.
If your application is approved, you will be invited to a planning meeting to discuss your supports and goals.
Learn more about how to get NDIS funding.
What counts as reasonable and necessary for NDIS supports?
To be considered reasonable and necessary, a support must meet specific criteria set by the NDIS. In general, an NDIS support must:
- Be directly related to your disability and help improve independence, social participation or daily functioning.
- Provide value for money, meaning the cost is fair when compared to the benefits it delivers over time.
- Be likely to be beneficial, based on evidence or accepted best practice, and contribute to improved quality of life or capacity.
The NDIS will also consider whether the support is something that families, carers, the community or other government services would usually provide, as these supports are not funded by the scheme.
Importantly, the NDIS does not cover everyday living expenses that are not disability-specific, such as rent, groceries or utility bills.
Can I choose my own NDIS service providers?
Yes. One of the core principles of the NDIS is choice and control. You can choose the service providers that best suit your needs, values and preferences, whether that means registered NDIS providers or, in some cases, independent providers.
This flexibility allows you to build a support team that helps you develop skills, maintain well-being, and adapt your plan as your life and goals change over time.
When will my NDIS plan be reviewed?
Most NDIS plans are reviewed every 12 months to make sure your supports are still suitable.
That said, if your situation changes, such as your health, living arrangements or support needs, you can request a plan review at any time.
Regular reviews help ensure your plan continues to reflect your goals and provides the right level of support as your life evolves.
Make the most of your NDIS plan with Hunter Care Group
Now that you understand what the NDIS is, how it works and why, you can take the next step in your journey towards an easier, more fulfilling day-to-day life.
With the right guidance and resources, NDIS funding can be used in a practical and manageable way that genuinely supports your personal goals.
At Hunter Care Group, we work alongside participants to turn NDIS plans into meaningful, everyday support. Our services include Support Coordination, Supported Independent Living and psychosocial recovery coaching, all delivered with a strong focus on choice, dignity and individual goals.
If you’re looking for trusted NDIS support services in Newcastle, our friendly and experienced team is here to help. Call us on (02) 4950 2269 or enquire online today.