What is the NDIS

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an Australian Government program that aims to provide funding for supports for eligible people with permanent and significant disability.

It is designed to support functional capacity, independence, community participation, and social and economic inclusion. It is not a general health insurance scheme.

 

The NDIS is administered nationally and operates under specific legislation with set rules and regulations.

 

How the NDIS is funded

In general, the NDIS is co funded in part by the Australian Government and contributions from state and territory governments. Funding arrangements are outlined through inter-government agreements and legislation.

 

Funding decisions are made within a defined policy and legislative framework.

 

The NDIS does not replace other services such as Medicare, public hospitals, education systems, or housing services.

 

What the NDIS may fund

For eligible participants, the NDIS may fund supports considered reasonable and necessary to help a person manage the impact of their disability.

 

Supports may include:

• Assistance with daily living activities

• Allied health therapy

• Assistive technology

• Home modifications

• Support coordination

• Support with community participation

 

The NDIS generally focuses on disability-related functional support however funding decisions depend on legislative criteria and individual circumstances.

 

The existence of a diagnosis does not automatically determine eligibility or funding levels.

 

What the NDIS does not mean

The NDIS:

• Does not guarantee funding for every requested support

• Does not replace Medicare or public hospital care

• Does not determine clinical treatment decisions

• Does not remove the role of other service systems

 

Other, non NDIS services such as health, education, and housing continue to operate separately. Responsibility between systems may vary depending on the type of support and the individual case.

 

Who decides eligibility and funding

Eligibility and funding decisions are made by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) as guided by the governing legislation.

 

In general, eligibility considerations may include:

• Age requirements

• Residency status

• The presence of permanent and significant disability

• The impact of disability on functional capacity

 

Healthcare professionals may provide clinical reports or assessments, but they do not determine NDIS eligibility. Decisions are made within legislative and policy frameworks.  Please note this website does not determine eligibility, entitlement, or funding outcomes.

 

How people can be considered for NDIS support

In general, individuals may:

• Submit access request to the NDIA

• Provide supporting information

• Receive a decision regarding eligibility

• Participate in a planning process if eligible

Plan reviews and funding adjustments may occur over time in accordance with legislation and policy.  Access to services and providers may vary by location, workforce availability, and market capacity.

 

Variation and system interaction

The NDIS operates alongside other systems, including but not limited to:

• Medicare and the broader health system

• State and territory disability services

• Education systems

• Aged care services

There are strict rules, regulations and policies for each system and depending on the specific case and/or situation, there may be more than one system involved.  Access to supports can vary depending on location, service availability, and individual circumstances.

 

For up to date information please refer to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) website at https://www.ndis.gov.au/

 

 

Important information

This page provides general educational information only. It does not provide personalised advice and does not create a professional, advisory, or clinical relationship. Clinical decisions are made by healthcare professionals. For emergency medical situations, contact emergency services or seek urgent medical care.  This page provides general educational information about the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia. It is not medical, legal, financial, or eligibility advice. Health system rules, funding arrangements, and eligibility criteria can change. Official government sources prevail.

 

Last reviewed: February 2026