What is the NDIS?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an Australian Government initiative that provides funding for supports and services to help people with disability live more independently and participate in their community. The scheme is administered by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).
Unlike a one-size-fits-all program, the NDIS is individualised. Each participant receives a plan based on their goals, functional needs, and circumstances. Funding is used to purchase disability support from NDIS providers — businesses and professionals who deliver services listed in your plan.
The NDIS replaced many state-based disability systems. It now operates across Australia with consistent rules about eligibility, planning, and funding — though local providers and community services still vary by region.
Who is eligible for the NDIS?
You may be eligible if you are under 65 when you first apply, live in Australia as an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa, and have a permanent and significant disability that affects your ability to take part in everyday activities.
Eligibility is based on functional impact, not diagnosis alone. The NDIA looks at how your condition affects mobility, communication, social interaction, learning, self-care, and self-management. Children under 9 may access the early childhood approach before a full plan.
If you are unsure, speak with a Local Area Coordinator (LAC), advocate, or the NDIA before you apply. Gathering medical and allied health reports early can speed up the access process.
How to apply for the NDIS
To apply, submit an access request to the NDIA with evidence about your disability and how it affects daily life. You can apply online, by phone, or with help from an LAC or advocate.
After access is approved, you attend a planning conversation to discuss goals and supports. Your planner or LAC helps translate your needs into funded categories in your NDIS plan.
- Check age, residency, and disability requirements.
- Collect reports from GPs, specialists, or allied health professionals.
- Submit your access request to the NDIA.
- Attend a planning meeting if access is granted.
- Receive your NDIS plan and begin engaging providers.
Understanding your NDIS plan
Your NDIS plan sets out your goals and the funded supports that will help you achieve them. It includes budgets grouped into support categories and states how funding is managed — by the NDIA, a plan manager, or yourself (self-managed).
Plans are usually reviewed every one to three years, or sooner if your circumstances change. Keep notes on what works, what does not, and any unmet needs before your review so you can request adjustments.
Your plan may also include funding for support coordination to help you find providers and set up service agreements. Not every participant has this, but it can be valuable when you are new to the NDIS or have complex needs.
Types of NDIS supports
NDIS funding is organised into three broad budget types. Core supports help with daily living and community participation. Capacity building supports develop skills and independence — including therapy, employment help, and support coordination. Capital supports cover assistive technology, equipment, and home or vehicle modifications.
Each support must be reasonable and necessary to meet your goals. Your planner decides what fits within NDIS rules; providers deliver the services within price limits set by the NDIS Support Catalogue.
- Core: daily personal activities, transport, consumables, social participation
- Capacity building: therapy, support coordination, plan management, employment
- Capital: assistive technology, home modifications, specialist disability accommodation
Support coordination and plan management
Support coordination is a capacity building support that helps you understand and use your plan, find NDIS providers, and set up service agreements. Levels range from support connection to specialist support coordination for complex situations.
Plan management is different: a plan manager pays invoices from your NDIS funding so you do not handle all admin yourself. Many participants use a plan manager while still choosing their own disability support providers. A good plan manager explains how invoices are processed and keeps you informed about remaining budgets in your NDIS plan.
You can be NDIA-managed, plan-managed, self-managed, or use a combination. How your plan is managed affects which providers you can use and how payments are processed. If you are unsure which option suits you, ask your planner or LAC during your next NDIS plan conversation.
Finding and choosing NDIS providers
NDIS providers deliver supports in your plan — from disability care and therapy to plan management and support coordination. Compare experience, location, availability, and whether they are registered for the services you need.
Use our provider directory to search by state and category, read profiles, and contact providers directly. For a step-by-step approach to comparing providers, read our NDIS provider guide.
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Read the NDIS provider guide
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Request a provider match
Registered vs non-registered providers
Registered NDIS providers have met requirements set by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission and can usually be paid directly from agency- or plan-managed funding.
Non-registered providers can still deliver excellent disability support, especially if your plan is self-managed or plan-managed. Check qualifications, insurance, references, and cultural fit — registration is one quality signal, not the only one.
NDIS across Australia
The NDIS operates in every state and territory. Local providers understand regional transport, hospitals, schools, and community programs. Browse by state to compare disability support options near you.
Metro areas often have more choice of NDIS providers and shorter wait times. Regional participants may use a mix of local disability care, visiting therapists, and telehealth. Plan travel and transport funding early if providers are spread out.
States and territories all follow the same NDIS legislation, but community services and advocacy groups differ. Connect with local peers or advocates to learn what works in your area.
NDIS plan reviews and plan management options
Your NDIS plan is not fixed forever. Plan reviews — usually every one to three years — are your chance to discuss what disability support is working, what has changed, and whether you need different funding. Before a review, gather notes from providers, family, and support workers about progress toward your goals.
Many participants add or change plan management at review time. A plan manager can reduce paperwork if you prefer not to pay invoices yourself, while self-management offers maximum choice of providers. Your planner will explain how each option fits your NDIS plan budgets and reporting obligations.
If your circumstances change significantly before a scheduled review, you can request an unscheduled plan review from the NDIA. Examples include moving home, a change in care needs, or losing a key provider. Keep service agreements and progress notes handy so you can show how your NDIS plan should adjust.
Support coordination funding in your NDIS plan can help you prepare for reviews — collating reports, comparing providers, and setting new goals. Whether you use a plan manager, support coordinator, or both, review meetings are easier when your records are organised.
Free tools and trustworthy resources
Disability Providers offers free NDIS tools including a searchable Price Guide (Support Catalogue) and Budget Calculator. For official eligibility rules and complaints, use ndis.gov.au and the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.
Participants often combine our directory with official NDIA resources: the myplace portal for claims and bookings, LAC networks for local advice, and advocacy organisations if you need help resolving disputes.
Read our NDIS provider guide for practical steps on comparing providers, understanding service agreements, and building a disability support team that fits your plan.
Find NDIS providers by category
Explore disability support services by type and open provider profiles to compare options.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between the NDIA and the NDIS?
- The NDIS is the scheme that funds supports. The NDIA is the government agency that runs the NDIS, assesses access, approves plans, and pays for supports according to plan rules.
- Is Disability Providers part of the NDIS?
- No. Disability Providers is an independent NDIS provider directory in Australia. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the NDIA or the NDIS Commission.
- How do I find NDIS providers near me?
- Open our provider directory, choose your state or region, and filter by support category. You can also read our NDIS provider guide for tips on comparing providers.
- What is support coordination?
- Support coordination helps you implement your NDIS plan — understanding budgets, connecting with providers, and building skills to manage disability support over time.
- Can I use a plan manager and still choose my own providers?
- Yes. A plan manager handles invoices and reporting. You still choose which NDIS providers deliver your supports, subject to your plan and service agreements.
- What is disability support under the NDIS?
- Disability support includes any funded service in your plan — daily care, therapy, equipment, community access, support coordination, and more — delivered by qualified providers.
Ready to find NDIS providers?
Search registered and independent providers across Australia by location and disability support category.
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Disability Providers is an independent online directory. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, or the Australian Government. Always confirm eligibility, funding, and provider registration on official sources.
