If you’re applying for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) for the first time, it’s normal to feel unsure about where to start. Local Area Coordinator (LAC) partners, family members, carers, and disability advocates can help you understand the process and get the support you need.
This guide is written in plain language to help you feel confident and prepared.
Step 1: Check if you’re eligible
Before applying, make sure you meet the basic requirements:
- You are under 65 years old.
- You live in Australia and are an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
- You have an ongoing disability that affects your ability to do everyday tasks. This may be intellectual, cognitive, neurological, sensory, physical, or psychosocial.
If you’re not sure, call the NDIS on 1800 800 110 or visit the NDIS website to check.
Step 2: Collect your documents
You’ll need to show proof of your identity and provide information about your disability. Gather:
- ID documents (e.g. birth certificate, Medicare card, passport)
- Medical reports from your General Practitioner (GP) or health specialist
- Therapy reports (e.g. from physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists)
- School or work reports if they show how your disability affects your life
These documents help the NDIS understand your situation and needs.
Step 3: Describe your daily life
Think about your daily routine. What do you find difficult to do on your own? This might include:
- Getting dressed
- Cooking or cleaning
- Going out or using transport
- Communicating with others
- Participating in the community
Write down what support you currently get and what extra help you need.
Step 4: Set your goals
NDIS funding is designed to help you reach your goals. These can be small or big, like:
- Learning new skills
- Becoming more independent
- Joining a local group or activity
- Finding a job or volunteering
Think about what you want to achieve and how support can help you get there.
Step 5: Get support from professionals
Ask your GP, therapist, or support worker to write reports that explain:
- Your diagnosis
- How your disability affects your life
- What support you need
The more detail they give, the better your chances of getting the right funding.
Step 6: Fill out the NDIS Access Request Form
You can get this form by:
- Calling the NDIS on 1800 800 110
- Downloading it from the NDIS website
Fill it out carefully and attach all your documents. If you need help, ask your NDIS Support Coordinator or Local Area Coordinator (LAC).
Step 7: Send your application
Once everything is ready, send your application by:
- Sending an enquiry through the contact page on the NDIS website.
- Post it to: National Disability Insurance Agency, GPO Box 700, Canberra, ACT 2601
- Giving it to your LAC
Keep a copy of everything you send.
Step 8: Prepare for your planning meeting
If your application is accepted, you’ll be invited to a planning meeting by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) who manage the NDIS.
This is where you talk about your goals and the supports you need. You can bring a family member, friend, or Support Coordinator with you.
Be open and clear about what you need. This helps the NDIA planner create a plan that suits you.
Step 9: Review your NDIS Plan
After the meeting, you’ll receive your NDIS plan. Check it carefully:
- Does it include the supports you asked for?
- Are your goals listed?
- Is anything missing?
Ask your family member, carer or Support Coordinator to go through it with you if you’re unsure.
Tips for first-time applicants
- Start early: Gathering documents and writing about your needs takes time.
- Be open: Don’t downplay you’re the barriers your experience. The NDIA needs to understand your situation to prepare a plan that works best for you.
- Ask for help: You don’t have to do it alone. Family members, guardians, carers, Support Coordinators or LACs can help.
- Keep records: Save copies of forms, reports, and emails.
- Stay positive: The process can be slow, but it’s worth it to get the support you need.
Understanding the I-CAN Assessment Tool
The NDIS is making changes to help people with disability get the right support more easily. A new tool called I-CAN (Instrument for Classification and Assessment of Support Needs) will be used to better understand what support each person needs.
I-CAN looks at your support needs, not just your disability. Trained assessors will meet with people aged 16 and over to talk about their daily life, environment, and challenges. This helps build a fair and personalised NDIS plan.
If someone has more complex needs, extra assessments will be used. The tool has been tested and improved over 20 years and is already used in other disability programs.
The NDIA is working with experts to make sure I-CAN works well for everyone. It will be rolled out in stages from mid-2026, giving people time to share feedback and help shape the process.
Final thought
Applying for NDIS funding is a big step, but you’re not alone. With the right help and preparation, you can build a plan that supports your goals and improves your quality of life.
NDIS Support Coordinators can assist first-time applicants with general advice and connecting to the right services for guidance with the application process. Call us at 08 9314 8900 or read how our NDIS Support Coordinators can support you, your client, or a loved one.