How to Apply for NDIS Funding
A simple, step-by-step guide written in plain language - so you know exactly what to do, who to call, and what to expect at every stage.
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9 simple steps
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A simple, step-by-step guide written in plain language - so you know exactly what to do, who to call, and what to expect at every stage.
Before you apply, you need to check that you meet the basic requirements. The NDIS is for people with a permanent disability - a condition that will not go away - that makes everyday life harder without support.
To be eligible, you need to meet all three of these:
If you are already 65 or older, you cannot start a new NDIS application. Instead, you may be supported through My Aged Care. Call them on 1800 200 422 - they can help you access home care and other supports.
Not sure if your disability qualifies? Do not guess - call us or the NDIS and ask. Many people assume they won't qualify but actually do. It costs nothing to check.
Free call • Monday to Friday, 8am - “ 8pm • TTY: 1800 555 677
The easiest way to start your NDIS application is to pick up the phone and call the NDIS. You do not need to use a computer or go anywhere. Just call and they will guide you through it.
Free call • Monday to Friday, 8am - “ 8pm
Say: "I would like to make an access request to join the NDIS."
When you call, the NDIS staff member will:
Helpful tip: Have a family member or support person sit with you when you call. They can write down what the NDIS person says so you don't forget anything.
Call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) first on 131 450 and they will connect you to an interpreter who can help you talk to the NDIS in your language - completely free.
Starting your application is called making an "Access Request." It just means you are officially asking to join the NDIS. You can do this three ways - choose whichever feels easiest for you:
Option 1 - By phone (easiest): Call 1800 800 110 and ask to make an Access Request. The NDIS person will fill in the form for you while you talk. This is the simplest option.
Option 2 - Paper form: The NDIS can post you a printed form to fill in at home and post back. Call 1800 800 110 and ask them to send you the Access Request Form in the mail.
Option 3 - Online (for those comfortable with computers): You can do it through the NDIS website. However, if you are not comfortable with computers, please just call - that is perfectly fine.
The Access Request does not guarantee you will receive NDIS funding. It is the first step that starts the assessment process. You will find out if you are approved within 21 days.
After you submit your Access Request, you will receive a reference number. Write this number down and keep it safe - you will need it when you call back.
The NDIS needs proof of your disability from a doctor or specialist. This is called evidence of disability. Start collecting these as soon as possible - it is the step that can take the most time.
The most important documents are:
A letter from your regular doctor explaining your diagnosis, how long you have had it, and how it affects your daily life.
Reports from any specialists you see - for example, a neurologist, psychiatrist, physiotherapist, or paediatrician.
Any official letters confirming your diagnosis. If you do not have these, ask your doctor to write one for you.
A copy of your Medicare card and one photo ID (such as a driver's licence or passport).
A form the NDIS may ask your doctor to complete. You can download it from the NDIS website or ask the NDIS to post it to you.
Any hospital letters, therapy records, or previous assessments that show you have been receiving treatment for your condition.
Ask your doctor for help. Tell your GP you are applying for the NDIS and need a letter. They do this regularly and will know what to write. It usually takes 1 - “2 weeks to get a letter.
Once you have sent all your documents, the NDIS will review them and decide whether you are eligible. They have 21 days to give you an answer after they receive everything they need from you.
You will receive a letter in the mail telling you the outcome. There are two possible results:
Approved: You are eligible for the NDIS. You will move on to Step 6 - a planning meeting to decide what supports you will receive.
Not approved: The NDIS did not find enough evidence of eligibility. You can ask for a review of the decision - this is called an "internal review." You have 3 months to ask for one. Call 1800 800 110 to request a review.
If the NDIS needs more information from you, they will contact you before the 21 days are up. Make sure the phone number you gave them is correct and that you answer calls from unknown numbers during this time.
If you are not approved, don't give up. You can get more evidence from your doctors and apply again, or contact a disability advocate who can help you challenge the decision for free. Call the Disability Advocacy NSW on 1300 365 085.
Once you are approved, the NDIS will contact you to book a planning meeting. This is a conversation - in person, over the phone, or by video - where they ask about your life and what support you need.
This meeting is very important. What you say here shapes the funding you receive. Think about it like this: the more you can explain what is hard for you each day, the better your plan will be.
Before the meeting, think about these questions:
You are allowed - and encouraged - to bring a family member, friend, or support person to the planning meeting. They can help you remember things, speak up for you if you get confused, and make sure nothing important is left out. You can also have a disability advocate attend with you.
Write things down before the meeting. Make a list of everything you find hard, even the small things. People often forget to mention important things when they are nervous. If you would like help preparing, call us on 0485 553 397 - we offer free pre-planning support.
We provide free support coordination guidance to help you get the best possible plan outcome.
After your planning meeting, the NDIS will create your NDIS Plan. This is an official document that sets out the funding you will receive and what it can be spent on.
Your plan will arrive in the mail and through the myGov app (if you have one). It will include:
There are three ways your plan can be managed. The NDIS will discuss this with you:
NDIA-managed (Agency-managed): The NDIS pays your providers directly. You do not have to handle money, but you can only use registered NDIS providers.
Plan-managed: A "Plan Manager" (a registered company) handles the payments for you. You still get to choose your providers - both registered and unregistered. This is the most popular option.
Self-managed: You manage your own budget and pay providers yourself, then claim the money back. This gives you the most flexibility but requires more paperwork.
Not happy with your plan? You can ask for an internal review if you feel the funding does not reflect your needs. You have 3 months from the date of the plan to ask for a review. Call 1800 800 110.
Now that you have your plan, it is time to choose who will deliver your supports. These are called providers - organisations like Safe Hands that provide the services listed in your plan.
You have the right to choose any registered NDIS provider. Here is how to think about it:
When you choose a provider, they will ask you to sign a Service Agreement. This is a simple document that says what services you will receive, when, and how much it will cost from your NDIS funding. Read it carefully - or have someone read it with you - before you sign.
We provide daily living support, community participation, support coordination, therapy, and more. Call us to ask about availability.
Congratulations - you have done it! Your NDIS plan is active and you can begin using your supports straight away. Your providers will arrange your first sessions and get everything set up for you.
A few things to keep in mind as you get started:
Before your plan ends, the NDIS will contact you to book a plan review meeting - similar to the original planning meeting. This is your chance to update your goals, report on what worked, and request changes to your funding. Start thinking about what you want to say about 2 months before your plan end date.
A Support Coordinator can manage everything for you. If all of this still feels overwhelming, a Support Coordinator is a person funded by your NDIS plan who handles the organising - finding providers, setting up services, checking your budget, and more. Ask about this in your planning meeting.
Applying for the NDIS can feel confusing, but you do not have to do it alone. Safe Hands has helped many people in Newcastle and the Hunter Region through this process - from the very first phone call to starting their first support session.