Plain-English guide

New to the NDIS?

The NDIS can feel confusing at first, with lots of new words and acronyms. This page explains the basics in plain English. If you still have questions, call us on 0485 001 730. We’re happy to talk it through.

What is the NDIS?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an Australian Government scheme that funds support for people with permanent and significant disability. It’s run by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).

If you’re accepted into the NDIS, you’re called a participant. You get a plan with funding to pay for the supports you need to live your life and reach your goals. You choose which providers you use, like Vision Care Disability.

Your NDIS plan

Your plan is created with the NDIA, often with help from a Local Area Coordinator. It sets out your goals, the supports you need, and how much funding you have. Plans are reviewed regularly, and you can ask for a review if your needs change.

The three types of funding

Your plan’s funding is split into three main types, called support budgets.

Core supportsHelp with everyday life. For example, personal care, help around the home, getting out in the community, and transport. This budget is usually the most flexible.

Capacity Building supportsHelp to build your skills and independence. For example, therapy, learning life skills, help to find a job, support coordination and plan management.

Capital supportsBigger one-off costs. For example, equipment like wheelchairs, home modifications, and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA).

Three ways to manage your plan

This is about who pays your providers. You can choose, and you can use a mix.

NDIA-managed (agency-managed)The NDIA pays your providers directly. You can only use providers registered with the NDIS Commission. Vision Care Disability is a registered provider.

Plan-managedA plan manager pays your invoices and tracks your budget for you. You can use both registered and unregistered providers. Plan management is funded separately in your plan.

Self-managedYou pay your providers and claim the money back from the NDIA. This gives you the most control and choice, but you manage the paperwork.

We work with participants using all three.

Who helps you

Local Area Coordinator (LAC)Helps you understand the NDIS, create your plan and connect with community services.

Support coordinatorHelps you use your plan: finding providers, setting up services and getting ready for your plan review. It must be funded in your plan.

Plan managerLooks after the money side: paying invoices and tracking your budget.

Providers (like us)The people and organisations who deliver your supports, such as support workers and therapists.

Not sure what the difference is? See support coordination and plan management.

Common NDIS words

Participant: A person who is accepted into the NDIS and has an NDIS plan.
Nominee: A person who is chosen to make decisions for a participant, if they need help.
Service agreement: A written agreement between you and your provider. It explains what support you’ll get, when, and how much it costs.
Registered provider: A provider that has met the NDIS Commission’s quality and safety standards. Our NDIS registration number is 4050131897.
Price limits: The maximum prices providers can charge for NDIS supports. They’re set by the NDIA in the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits.
Support worker: A person who helps you with everyday tasks, personal care and activities.
SIL: Supported Independent Living: help with daily tasks for people living in a shared home or on their own, who need a high level of support. Learn about SIL.
SDA: Specialist Disability Accommodation: specially built or modified housing for people with very high support needs.
OT: Occupational therapy: therapy that helps you do everyday tasks more easily and safely. Learn about OT.
Plan review: A meeting to check how your plan is going and update it for the next period.
NDIS Commission: The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. It regulates providers and handles complaints. How to make a complaint.
TIS National: The Translating and Interpreting Service. Call 131 450 for a free interpreter.

Not on the NDIS yet?

To apply for the NDIS, you generally need to:

be younger than 65 on the day you apply
live in Australia and be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa
have a permanent and significant disability that affects your everyday life, or need early support (called early intervention) to reduce the future impact of a disability

For children younger than 9, the NDIS early childhood approach can help. An early childhood partner can support families, even before they apply. To check if you’re eligible or to apply, visit ndis.gov.au or call the NDIA on 1800 800 110.