The National Disability Insurance Scheme, known as the NDIS, provides support for eligible Australians with permanent and significant disability.

The NDIS is designed to give participants more choice and control over the supports they receive. This can include help with daily living, therapy, equipment, community participation and other supports linked to a person’s goals.

Understanding how the NDIS works can make it easier to use your plan with confidence.

What support can the NDIS fund?

NDIS funding is based on each participant’s needs and goals. The supports included in a plan can vary from person to person.

Common NDIS supports may include:

• Personal care and daily living support
• Therapy, such as occupational therapy, physiotherapy or speech therapy
• Mobility equipment or home modifications
• Support to take part in social and community activities
• Employment support or skill development

The aim is to help participants build independence, take part in everyday life and work towards their goals.

How do you access the NDIS?

To access the NDIS, you need to meet the eligibility requirements and apply through the National Disability Insurance Agency, known as the NDIA.

The process generally includes:

• Checking whether you meet the access requirements
• Providing evidence from health professionals
• Submitting an access request
• Attending a planning meeting
• Receiving an approved plan
• Choosing providers and starting supports

It can help to prepare early by gathering reports, assessments and other evidence that explains your support needs.

Who is eligible for the NDIS?

To be eligible for the NDIS, you usually need to:

• Be under 65 when you apply
• Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or hold a Protected Special Category Visa
• Have a permanent, or likely permanent, disability that significantly affects everyday life

Some people may also be eligible for early intervention support if getting help early could reduce their future support needs.

The NDIA reviews the information you provide to decide whether you meet the access requirements.

How can you manage your NDIS plan?

There are different ways to manage your NDIS funding.

You may choose between:

• Self-management, where you manage payments and records yourself
• Plan management, where a plan manager handles invoices, payments and budget tracking
• NDIA management, where the NDIA pays registered providers directly

The best option depends on how much support you want with the financial side of your plan.

Plan management can be helpful if you want choice and control over your providers, while also having support with invoices, payments and keeping track of your budget.

Making the most of your NDIS plan

To get more from your NDIS plan, it can help to:

• Understand what is included in your plan
• Set clear goals
• Keep track of your spending
• Choose providers who suit your needs
• Ask questions when something is unclear
• Prepare early for plan reviews

Your needs may change over time, so it is important to review your supports and speak up if something is no longer working for you.

Common NDIS challenges

The NDIS can be helpful, but it can also feel confusing at times. Some participants may find it difficult to understand the process, manage budgets, find suitable providers or prepare for plan reviews.

Keeping clear records, asking for support and staying informed can make the process easier.

A plan manager can also help by processing invoices, paying providers and giving you clearer information about your plan spending.

How Health Assure can help

Health Assure provides NDIS plan management support to help make the financial side of your plan easier to manage.

Our team can help with invoice processing, provider payments, budget tracking and general plan management questions. You also have access to your plan information through our app and portal, helping you stay informed and in control.

With clear communication and responsive support, Health Assure is here to help you manage your NDIS plan with more confidence.