How do I access the NDIS?

How to set up and prepare for your NDIS meeting

As long as you meet the accessibility criteria, you don’t need to formally apply for NDIS funding – but you still need to connect with someone from the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to start the process. The NDIA is the government agency appointed to implement the NDIS.

If you already receive disability supports, an NDIS representative will get in touch when it’s time for you to transition to the new system. If you’re not currently receiving disability services and are entering the NDIS as a new participant, you’ll need to contact the NDIS yourself to start the ball rolling.

Alternatively, call us on 1300 139 277 to talk with us about how to register.

The NDIS has contacted me. What happens next?

After your first phone conversation with the NDIS, you’ll be invited to attend a planning meeting. At this meeting, you and your NDIA planner will talk about your life goals and the supports you’ll need to achieve them. This is your opportunity to shape your future and make some significant changes to your life, so it’s important to be prepared.

How do I prepare for my NDIS planning meeting?

Don’t wait until your first meeting with the NDIS to start thinking about your plan. Here are a few ways you can plan ahead:

• Do some background research. Check out our online resources or our Frequently Asked Questions section for a good introduction to the topic
• Get help with pre-planning. Read some example NDIA plans to make sure you’re ahead of the game
• Create a pre-plan. This is essentially a guide to take to your NDIA meeting and will keep the conversation on track. It should focus on your goals in life, how you’d like to achieve them and what supports you’ll need in place to make it all happen. Remember to include an overview of the supports you currently receive
• Our tools and resources page provides a pre-planning booklet available to help you pre-plan, and also a pre-planning app.