The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a federal scheme that funds supports and services for eligible Australians with permanent and significant disability, helping them build skills, independence, and connection to their community.

You generally need to be aged 0 to 64 when you apply, live in Australia as a citizen, permanent resident, or eligible visa holder, and have evidence that your disability or psychosocial disability is caused by a permanent (or likely permanent) impairment that significantly affects your daily life

You can start by calling the NDIA, or completing an Access Request Form with supporting evidence from your treating health professionals. A Local Area Coordinator can also guide you through the process at no cost.

Funding can cover supports that are "reasonable and necessary" for your disability — things like daily personal activities, household tasks, transport, community participation, therapy, and equipment, depending on what's in your individual plan.

• Agency-managed: the NDIA pays providers directly on your behalf — you can only use registered providers.

• Plan-managed: a registered plan manager handles payments for you — you can use registered or unregistered providers.

• Self-managed: you manage your own funding and pay providers directly — you have the most choice, including unregistered providers.

This varies, but plans are typically reviewed periodically to check your supports still match your goals and circumstances. The NDIA is moving toward longer plan periods and fewer reviews as part of changes being phased in from mid-2026, so it's worth confirming your specific review date with your planner

You can request an internal review within 3 months of the decision, and if you're still unhappy with that outcome, you can apply to the Administrative Review Tribunal within 28 days of the internal review decision

Registered providers have been formally assessed by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission against the NDIS Practice Standards, including audits and worker screening. Unregistered providers haven't gone through that process, but still must follow the NDIS Code of Conduct and have a complaints process

It depends how your plan is managed. If you're agency-managed, you can only use registered providers. If you're plan-managed or self-managed, you can use either.

Think about the specific supports you need, your location, your budget, and how comfortable you feel with the provider's communication and approach. It's okay to ask questions before committing — a good provider will welcome them.

A Service Agreement is a simple written agreement between you and your provider setting out what supports will be delivered, how often, and at what cost. It protects both of you and makes expectations clear from day one.

You can raise it directly with the provider, or go straight to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission on 1800 035 544 — you don't have to complain to the provider first if you'd rather not.

Not necessarily. Unregistered providers set their own prices and often charge below the NDIS Price Guide due to lower overheads, though some charge more for specialised services — it varies by provider either way