The NDIS — National Disability Insurance Scheme — is one of Australia’s most significant social reforms. For families who have recently received a diagnosis, it can be a lifeline that opens the door to meaningful support. It can also feel completely overwhelming. And it is always changing.
This guide is designed to cut through the complexity and give you a clear, practical starting point.
Am I eligible for the NDIS?
To access the NDIS you must:
- Be under 65 years of age when you first apply
- Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa
- Have a permanent or significant disability that affects your ability to take part in everyday activities
Conditions that commonly meet NDIS eligibility criteria include Autism (in some cases), ADHD (in some cases), cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, intellectual disability, developmental language disorder, and acquired brain injury, among others.
How to apply
The application process involves completing an Access Request Form (ARF) with personal details and information about how your disability affects daily life. You may also need supporting evidence from a medical professional or specialist.
You can apply: online at ndis.gov.au, by calling 1800 800 110, or with support from a Local Area Coordinator (LAC). In our area this is the Brotherhood of St Laurence.
What happens after you apply?
The NDIS will assess your application and decide whether you meet the access criteria. If approved, you’ll be contacted to arrange a planning meeting where your NDIS plan is developed. Prepare by thinking carefully about:
- What your biggest challenges are in everyday life
- What goals you want to work toward over the next 12 months
- What types of support you think would help most
Understanding NDIS funding categories
Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living
This is the category that funds therapy with allied health professionals including speech pathologists, OTs, and psychologists. It’s the most commonly used category for families working with Peninsula Plus.
Capacity Building — Support Coordination
If you have Support Coordination funding, you can work with a Support Coordinator to help you set up and manage your services — particularly helpful in the early stages.
Core Supports — Assistance with Daily Life
This category can fund Inclusion Support Workers who assist with daily activities and community participation.
Choosing how to manage your NDIS funds
Self-managed
You manage your own funds and pay providers directly. This gives the most flexibility, including using non-NDIS-registered providers.
Plan-managed
A Plan Manager handles payments on your behalf. You can use registered and unregistered providers without handling invoices yourself.
Agency-managed
The NDIS pays registered providers directly. Peninsula Plus is a registered NDIS provider, so we can work with agency-managed participants.
What if my application is declined?
If the NDIS decides you don’t meet the access criteria, you have the right to request an internal review, and from there an external review through the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). Many families are successful on review with additional supporting evidence.
Navigating the NDIS is genuinely complex — but you don’t have to do it alone. Our team is happy to answer questions about how your funding might apply to our services.
Ready to take the next step?
If you’d like to learn more about our NDIS-funded allied health services, our friendly team is here to help. Give us a call on 59751500 to speak to our intake coordinator. We also have our Thrive Team ready to support.