NDIS guide
The NDIS, explained in plain English
Everything you need to understand the National Disability Insurance Scheme - and how to turn your plan into support that makes a real difference.
What is the NDIS?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is Australia's national program that funds reasonable and necessary supports for people with a permanent and significant disability. It is run by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and is designed to give participants choice and control over the supports they receive and who provides them.
Rather than a one-size-fits-all service, each participant receives an individual plan built around their goals - whether that is living more independently, joining the workforce, learning new skills or being more involved in the community.
Who is eligible?
In general, to access the NDIS you must:
- be aged under 65 when you apply;
- be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or hold a Protected Special Category Visa;
- live in Australia; and
- have a permanent disability that substantially affects your ability to take part in everyday activities, or need early support to reduce your future need for support.
Children under 9 with developmental delay or disability may be supported through the early childhood approach. Always check current eligibility rules with the NDIS website.
How NDIS funding works
Your plan is divided into budgets. The three you will hear about most are:
| Budget | What it is for | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Core Supports | Everyday activities and your current support needs. Usually flexible between categories. | Personal care, household tasks, community access, transport, consumables |
| Capacity Building | Building skills and independence so you need less support over time. | Life skills training, employment support, therapy, support coordination |
| Capital Supports | One-off purchases and investments. | Assistive technology, home or vehicle modifications, SDA |
Ways to manage your plan
- NDIA-managed (agency-managed): the NDIA pays providers directly. You can only use NDIS-registered providers - like Safe Path.
- Plan-managed: a plan manager pays invoices on your behalf. You can use registered and unregistered providers.
- Self-managed: you pay providers and claim from the NDIS yourself, giving you maximum flexibility.
Many participants combine these options. Because Safe Path is registered, we can work with all three.
How to access the NDIS
- Check your eligibility using the NDIS eligibility checklist.
- Apply by calling the NDIA on 1800 800 110 or completing an Access Request Form, with evidence of your disability.
- Plan - once approved, you meet with an NDIA planner or Local Area Coordinator to create your plan.
- Choose providers - you decide who delivers your supports. That is where we come in.
- Review - your plan is reviewed regularly and can be changed if your circumstances change.
Tip: Before your planning meeting, write down your goals in your own words - big and small. Clear goals help your planner fund the supports you actually need.
Starting with Safe Path
Once you have a plan, getting started with us is easy. We explain your options, prepare a transparent service agreement, match you with the right support workers and keep you informed every step of the way.
Useful links
Official NDIS resources
Ready to take the next step?
Talk to our friendly team about your goals. There is no cost and no obligation - just honest advice about how we can help.