Are you applying for NDIS plan?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is one of the most important initiatives for people with disability in Australia. But applying to the NDIS for the first time, which may involve an application fee, can feel like you’re trying to decode a complex manual—especially without the right help.
That’s where Re.Connect Support Services, which is one of the registered ndis providers, comes in.
We’ve broken down the full application process into clear steps so that NDIS participants, their families, carers, and supporters can confidently access the supports including the ndis they need—without the guesswork or overwhelm.
What Is the NDIS?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is Australia’s landmark social reform that changes how people with disability access the care and services they need to live their best life. It’s not just a funding model—it’s a personalised, empowering approach to support that puts the individual at the centre of their care journey.
The NDIS provides eligible Australians with permanent and significant disability access to funding that covers reasonable and necessary supports. These supports, along with where community supports generally happens, are designed to help people achieve their personal goals, participate fully in their communities, and live as independently as possible.
Unlike traditional government funded services like aged care or public health, the NDIS is built on the principle of choice and control. This means NDIS participants, their families, and carers can decide who provides their supports, when they receive them, and how they’re delivered. For the first time, Australians with disability have the ability to tailor their funding to meet their unique life goals—whether that’s gaining employment, accessing education, joining community organisations like peer support networks, or improving daily living activities.
Types of Supports Funded by the NDIS
The NDIS funds a wide range of support categories, including:
- Core Supports: Assistance with daily activities, transport, consumables, and community access
- Capacity Building Supports: Training, therapies, and education to develop independence
- Capital Supports: Equipment, home modifications, and assistive technology
Importantly, the NDIS does not replace other funded services like health, education, or housing. It works in partnership with these systems to deliver holistic support. For example, while the NDIS might fund therapy to support speech or mobility, it doesn’t pay for general medical costs covered by Medicare.
Who Administers the NDIS?
The scheme is delivered by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA)—a government body tasked with making eligibility decisions, coordinating plans, and managing funding allocations. The NDIA works alongside NDIS partners like Local Area Coordinators (LACs) and early childhood partners to help people access and use the scheme effectively.
Why the NDIS Matters
Before the NDIS, many Australians living with disability relied on inconsistent, state-based systems with capped funding and limited flexibility. The NDIS introduced a national standard and individualised plans that adapt to a person’s changing needs over time. It acknowledges that no two people with disability including their families are the same—and their support should reflect that.
It’s especially valuable for people in areas without an NDIS partner or those whose partner have complex needs that require multiple support services. The NDIS allows people to build lasting connections to services, independence, and their community.
Who Can Apply for the NDIS?
To be eligible for the NDIS, you must provide identity documents and meet the following criteria:
- Age: You must be under 65 years of age at the time of your application.
- Residency: You need to be an Australian citizen, hold a permanent visa, or a valid Australian visa with Protected Special Category status.
- Disability: You must have a permanent and significant disability that affects your ability to complete everyday tasks.
The NDIS also provides support to children younger than 9 through Early Childhood Partners—this may require documents like a marriage certificate . These NDIS partners can help all people, even those without an NDIS partner in their area, get the right start to life.
Step-by-Step Guide: Applying for NDIS
Step 1: Collect Identity Documents
Before anything else, you’ll need to prove who you are. Acceptable identity documents include:
- A current Australian passport
- A birth certificate
- Immigration papers
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Documentation for any nominee or authorised representative
Step 2: Prepare Medical Evidence
Your application must include recent evidence showing how your disability impacts your life. GPs and health professionals should prepare reports that explain your condition, daily limitations, and any current therapies or medications.
This information is crucial to showing why you may benefit from government funded services like the NDIS or funded services like health supports.
Step 3: Submit Your NDIS Application
Applying for NDIS in several ways:
a. Online Application
While the NDIS continues to work toward making its NDIS in accessible formats more widely available, the best option currently may be to complete the manual Access Request Form.
b. Phone Application
Call us on 1800 800 110 to request the Access Request Form or to apply over the phone with NDIS staff.
c. Mail It to PO Box
Download the manual application form, complete it with supporting documents, and mail it to po box 700, Canberra ACT 2601.
Tip: Keep copies of everything you send, and include all required forms to avoid delays.
What Happens After You Apply?
The application is reviewed by a person at the NDIA, who may contact your treating specialists for additional details. This application process generally happens over several weeks.
If you’re deemed eligible for the NDIS, you’ll be invited to a planning meeting to develop your first NDIS plan.
Planning Your NDIS Supports
Once approved, you’ll work with a Local Area Coordinator or planner to develop a personalised plan. If your NDIS partner have complex support requirements to address, this is where they’ll be identified and prioritised, especially if they need an ndis worker check .
You can receive a mix of informal supports (like family and community based groups religious or social), government funded services like healthcare, and NDIS-funded support.
What If You’re Not Approved When Applying For NDIS?
You have the right to request an internal review of the decision. This means a different staff member at the NDIA will review the same evidence (or new information you provide) to determine whether your application should be reconsidered.
Who Can Support Me Through This Process?
The best way to improve your application success, and avoid any unacceptable risk, is by working with someone who knows the system.
At Re.Connect Support Services, we support applicants every step of the way—from completing the online application, gathering documents, and preparing for the planning meeting, to understanding your rights, budget, and services.
Whether you’re in an area without an NDIS partner or you’re helping a friend or family member apply, we’re here to help.
NDIS Participants, Their Families, and Complex Needs
Many NDIS participants, their families, and carers face challenges in understanding what supports are available. When your partner have complex support needs—such as services like health mental or dual diagnoses—it’s even more important to have guidance.
That’s why our role doesn’t stop at applications. We also help link you with community connections like peer support, housing, transport, employment services, and more.
A Note on NDIS Providers and Worker Screening When Applying For NDIS
Registered NDIS Providers
If you want to offer services to NDIS participants, you must become a registered NDIS provider through the NDIS Commission. This involves:
- Completing an online application
- Undergoing an audit
- Meeting the NDIS Practice Standards
- Providing details about key personnel
- Ensuring your workforce complies with NDIS worker screening
NDIS Worker Screening and Risk Assessed Roles
Anyone working directly with participants—whether in care, therapy, or administration—must pass the NDIS worker check. This is especially true for workers in a NDIS risk assessed role, monitored by the worker screening unit . These roles often involve:
- Incidental contact with participants
- Child related work
- Involvement in sensitive areas like medication, behaviour support, or transport
NDIS employers are responsible for ensuring that every NDIS worker in a risk assessed role has the appropriate NDIS clearance.
Criminal History and Worker Screening
The worker screening unit in each state or territory is responsible for processing applications for the NDIS clearance. This includes assessing:
- Criminal history
- Workplace misconduct findings
- Professional registration concerns
If someone is assessed as posing an unacceptable risk, they will not be cleared to work in the NDIS space.
Expand or Collapse Sub Sections for More Information When Applying For NDIS
If you’re navigating the NDIS website, you’ll often see headings like “expand or collapse sub” or “collapse sub menu” on each section. These menus help simplify content but can make it harder to spot key facts quickly. If you’re confused, don’t hesitate to contact us directly and we’ll break things down for you.
General Information Online Event Provider Support
You can also access general information online event provider sessions hosted by NDIS or local organisations to better understand your responsibilities as a participant or provider. These events include event date schedules, checklists, and guest panels.
Final Thoughts on Applying for NDIS
Applying for the NDIS to become an ndis participant doesn’t need to be stressful, confusing, or frustrating. At Re.Connect Support Services, we simplify every step—from eligibility for a self managed participant to planning—and ensure your voice is heard throughout the process.
Whether you’re seeking help as a participant, an NDIS employer, or a parent of a child with disability including ndis participants, we’re here to support you.
Let’s get started—together.
