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NDIS Guide · Able Aide Pty Ltd

Understanding the NDIS

The National Disability Insurance Scheme funds the supports you need to live life on your own terms. Here's what you need to know — and how Able Aide can help you make the most of your plan.

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What is the NDIS?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is Australia's national system for supporting people with permanent and significant disability. It is managed by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), an independent Commonwealth agency.

Launched in 2013 and fully rolled out nationally by 2020, the NDIS moves away from block-funded, one-size-fits-all disability services toward individualised funding. Each eligible participant receives a personalised plan with a budget they can use to purchase the supports that help them achieve their goals.

Unlike Medicare or the Aged Care system, the NDIS is not means-tested — eligibility is based on the nature and impact of your disability, not your income or assets. Over 600,000 Australians currently have an active NDIS plan.

Managed by
National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA)
Legislation
NDIS Act 2013 (Cth)
Launched
2013 (full rollout 2020)
Participants
600,000+ Australians
Funding model
Individualised, goal-based plans
Regulatory body
NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission

Source: NDIS Act 2013, NDIA Annual Report 2023–24.

Who is eligible for the NDIS?

To access the NDIS, you generally need to meet all four criteria below. If you're unsure whether you or someone you support qualifies, our team can help you understand your options.

  • Age

    Under 65 years of age when you first apply for the NDIS.

  • Residency

    Australian citizen, permanent resident, or holder of a Protected Special Category Visa.

  • Disability

    Have a permanent disability caused by an intellectual, cognitive, neurological, sensory, physical, or psychosocial impairment.

  • Significant impact

    Your disability substantially reduces your ability to participate in everyday activities without support from others or assistive technology.

  • Early intervention

    Children and adults may also qualify under the early intervention requirements if early support is likely to reduce future needs.

Not sure if you qualify? The NDIA makes access decisions on a case-by-case basis. Contact the NDIS on 1800 800 110 , visit ndis.gov.au , or speak with our team — we can connect you with a Local Area Coordinator (LAC) in your area.

How an NDIS plan works

Getting and using an NDIS plan involves a structured process. Here's what to expect at each stage.

  1. 1

    Access request

    Submit an access request to the NDIA. A planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) will contact you to discuss your needs and gather supporting evidence from your treating professionals.

  2. 2

    Planning meeting

    Meet with your NDIA planner or LAC to discuss your goals, daily activities, and what supports you need. You can bring a support person, advocate, or your support coordinator.

  3. 3

    Your plan is approved

    The NDIA approves your plan with funding across one or more support categories. You receive a copy of your plan and your funding is activated in the myplace portal.

  4. 4

    Choose your providers

    You choose which registered (and unregistered, for self-managed participants) providers deliver your supports. Plan managers like Able Aide handle payments on your behalf.

  5. 5

    Annual review

    Your plan is typically reviewed each year. Reviews consider your progress toward goals, any changes in your needs, and whether your funding levels are appropriate.

The three NDIS support categories

Your NDIS plan budget is divided into up to three categories. Understanding each category helps you use your funding effectively and avoid overspending.

  • Support category

    Core Supports

    Fund everyday activities and participation. The most flexible category — includes daily activities, social and community participation, consumables, and transport.

    • Personal care and hygiene
    • Community access
    • Household tasks
    • Transport to appointments
  • Support category

    Capacity Building

    Fund supports that build your independence and skills over time. Includes support coordination, employment, relationships, health and wellbeing, and learning.

    • Support coordination
    • Psychosocial recovery coaching
    • Life skills development
    • Employment support (SLES)
  • Support category

    Capital Supports

    Fund higher-cost assistive technology, home modifications, and specialist accommodation. These funds are tied to specific items and cannot be moved to other categories.

    • Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
    • Assistive technology
    • Home modifications
    • Vehicle modifications

Plan Management funding sits within Capacity Building and is additional to your other supports — it does not reduce your Core or Capital budget.

How Able Aide supports you

As a registered NDIS provider, Able Aide Pty Ltd delivers a full range of supports — from managing your plan administration through to daily living assistance and specialist accommodation.

View all NDIS services

Useful NDIS contacts

NDIS general enquiries
1800 800 110
NDIS Commission (complaints)
1800 035 544
myplace participant portal
my.ndis.gov.au
Able Aide enquiries
0435 039 110

Ready to start your NDIS journey?

Whether you're new to the NDIS or looking for a better provider, our team is here to help. Call 0435 039 110 or get in touch online — we'll respond within one business day.

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