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Getting Started with the NDIS

New to the NDIS or helping someone who is? This guide explains who the NDIS is for, how to apply, and what to expect at your first planning meeting.

STEP 1
What is the NDIS?

Learn who can access the NDIS and what “reasonable and necessary” supports mean.

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STEP 2
Applying (Access Request)

What information you need, who can help, and tips for getting reports right.

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STEP 3
Your First Planning Meeting

What to expect, what to bring, and questions to ask so your plan reflects your goals.

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1. What Is the NDIS & Who Is It For?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides funding to eligible Australians with permanent and significant disability, so they can access the supports they need in everyday life.

Who the NDIS Is For

  • People with a permanent and significant disability that affects their everyday activities.
  • People who are usually under 65 when they first enter the scheme.
  • Australian citizens, permanent residents, or holders of a Protected Special Category Visa.

If someone doesn’t meet NDIS access, other community and mainstream supports may still be available.

What “Reasonable & Necessary” Means

The NDIS funds supports that are:

  • Clearly related to your disability.
  • Likely to help you work towards your goals.
  • Good value for money compared with other options.
  • Not the responsibility of other systems (like Medicare, housing, education, or the justice system).
Where to Learn More About Supports

The NDIS uses registration groups to describe different types of supports.

You can read more about these on our Registration Groups page.

2. How Do I Apply? (Access Request)

To access the NDIS, you (or someone supporting you) need to complete an Access Request. This can be done over the phone or using forms and reports.

Quick Checklist: Before You Apply

  • Confirm basic eligibility: age, residency, and disability requirements.
  • Choose a key contact person: this may be you, a family member, or a support person.
  • Gather medical and therapy reports: especially those explaining how your disability affects daily life.
  • Think about your goals: what you’d like to do more independently at home, in the community, or at work/study.

Information the NDIS Usually Needs

The NDIS often asks for:

  • Diagnostic information confirming your disability (e.g. medical or specialist reports).
  • Functional impact – how your disability affects daily tasks like mobility, communication, self-care, learning, and social participation.
  • History of supports – any therapy, equipment, or support services you already use.

You can ask your GP, therapist or specialist to complete NDIS-friendly reports that clearly describe your needs and support recommendations.

Who Can Help With an Access Request?

  • GPs and health professionals – to write reports and explain functional impact.
  • Current support providers – to describe what works well and what else is needed.
  • Family, carers or guardians – to help describe day-to-day challenges and safety concerns.
  • Local Area Coordinators (LACs) – in some regions, they can help you collect information and submit your request.

If your access request is declined, you still have rights to ask for an explanation and, in some circumstances, request a review.

Our Complaints & Feedback page explains how to raise concerns and seek support.

3. Your First NDIS Planning Meeting

Once your access is approved, the NDIS (or a partner organisation) will invite you to a planning meeting. This meeting is about understanding your life, your goals, and what supports you need.

What to Expect in the Meeting

  • Questions about your daily life – what’s working well and what is hard.
  • Discussion about your goals for the next year or two.
  • Talking about family, carers, and other supports already in place.
  • Discussing risks or safety concerns and how to manage them.

You can bring a support person (or people) with you, and you can ask for an interpreter if you need one.

What to Bring With You

  • Recent reports from therapists, doctors, or support providers.
  • A simple weekly schedule showing what you currently do and what you’d like to add.
  • Notes about goals – things you want to learn, improve, or take part in.
  • Any quotes you have already collected for equipment or supports.

Simple Preparation Checklist

  • Write down 3–5 goals you’d like to work towards.
  • Ask your therapist or GP for any updated reports.
  • Bring a list of supports you already use and how often.
  • Think about whether you might want Support Coordination or Plan Management.

Next Steps & Related Resources

After your first plan is in place, these pages can help you use and review your funding:

NDIS Reviews
NDIS Reviews Informed choices, better control.