NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme)

Australia’s national scheme that funds supports for people with permanent and significant disability.

What it means

The NDIS, or National Disability Insurance Scheme, is Australia's national way of funding supports for people who live with a permanent and significant disability. Rather than being a welfare payment, it works on an insurance model: the whole community invests so that anyone who acquires a lifelong disability can get the help they need over their lifetime.

The scheme funds supports that are considered reasonable and necessary, meaning they relate directly to your disability, help you pursue your goals, and represent good value. It is run by an agency called the NDIA, and it is separate from the Disability Support Pension, which is an income payment through Centrelink.

In practice

If you become a participant, you receive an individual plan with funding you can use for things like therapy, personal care, equipment, and support to build skills or take part in your community. You have a real say in how that funding is used, and your plan is reviewed over time as your needs and goals change.

The NDIS does not replace mainstream services such as health, education or housing. Instead, it works alongside them, funding the disability-specific supports that these systems do not cover. This lifelong, whole-of-life approach is what makes the scheme different from short-term programs.

A real example

For example, Aisha lives with cerebral palsy and became an NDIS participant in her twenties. Her plan funds regular physiotherapy, a support worker who helps her get to TAFE, and a modified wheelchair. Because the scheme is lifelong, her supports can be adjusted as her goals shift from study to employment.

NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) — FAQs

What does NDIS stand for?
NDIS stands for the National Disability Insurance Scheme. It is Australia's national scheme that funds reasonable and necessary supports for people with a permanent and significant disability. It is built on an insurance model and provides lifelong support, and it is run by an agency called the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).
Who is eligible for the NDIS?
Generally, you need to be under 65 when you first apply, be an Australian citizen or hold a permanent or special category visa, and have a permanent and significant disability, or a child with developmental delay who may benefit from early intervention. Eligibility is assessed through a formal access request, usually with supporting evidence from your treating professionals.
Is the NDIS the same as the Disability Support Pension?
No. The NDIS funds disability-related supports and services, such as therapy, equipment and personal care. The Disability Support Pension is a regular income payment through Centrelink to help with everyday living costs. They are separate, and you can receive both at the same time if you meet the criteria for each.
What supports does the NDIS fund?
The NDIS funds supports that are reasonable and necessary because of your disability, including therapies, personal care, assistive technology and equipment, home or vehicle modifications, and help to build skills or join community activities. It does not fund day-to-day living costs everyone has, or supports better provided by health, education or other mainstream services.
Is the NDIS free?
Yes, the supports in your NDIS plan are funded by the scheme, so you do not pay for approved supports out of your own pocket. The NDIS is funded by government and works on an insurance basis. You may still have everyday costs the scheme does not cover, such as rent, food and general living expenses.

Explore more NDIS resources

Official NDIS sources

Novida is an independent directory, not the NDIA. We explain each form in plain English and link you to the official copy — always download and submit the current version from the official website, as forms are updated from time to time.