The National Disability Insurance Scheme

What is NDIS?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) supports people with disabilities, their families, and carers in Australia. Funded jointly by the Australian and state governments, it rolled out nationally in 2016 (except WA, where trials continue).

Main Components

NDIS delivers individualized support packages and helps people with disabilities to:

      • Access mainstream services like health, housing, and education.
      • Engage with community services such as sports clubs and libraries.
      • Maintain informal supports from family and friends.

Support Categories

  • Daily living: building independence in everyday tasks.
  • Home: supports to live independently.
  • Health & wellbeing: physical and mental supports.
  • Learning: lifelong skills development.
    Work: getting and keeping a job.
  • Community: social and community participation.
  • Relationships: building and sustaining connections.

Objectives and Principles

The NDIS Act 2013 established objectives to:

      • Foster independence and participation.
      • Provide reasonable and necessary supports.
      • Enable choice and control for participants.
      • Ensure a nationally consistent approach.
      • Promote high-quality and innovative supports.

Eligibility and Access

To qualify for NDIS, you must:

  • Be under 65 years of age.
  • Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Special Category visa holder.
  • Have a permanent and significant disability affecting daily life.

Learn More

Find detailed information on the official NDIS website.