Understanding the NDIS application process
Oct 5, 2026 | emmaodell | Inclusion | NDIS, NDIS application, NDIS guide
Understanding the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) application process can feel like a lot to take in, especially if this is your first time dealing with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), the Australian Government body that runs the NDIS. If you are looking into how to apply for the NDIS in Victoria, this guide walks through the steps in plain language.
The NDIS funds supports for eligible people with permanent and significant disability. Whether you are applying for yourself, a child, or a family member, knowing what to expect at each stage can make the process feel more manageable.
This guide covers general eligibility, the access request itself, what documents help, and what tends to happen after you submit your application.
Who can apply for the NDIS
Broadly, to apply for the NDIS a person generally needs to be under 65 years old at the time they make their first access request, and be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or New Zealand citizen who holds a Protected Special Category Visa.
A person also generally needs to have a permanent and significant disability that substantially affects their ability to take part in everyday activities, or to meet early intervention requirements. These are general guidelines rather than a checklist you can self-assess against. The NDIA makes the final decision on eligibility for each individual, based on the evidence provided. If you are unsure whether you or someone you support might be eligible, the NDIS website (ndis.gov.au) or an NDIS partner in your community is the best place to check your specific situation.
Step 1: Contact an NDIS partner or call the NDIS
The first practical step is contacting an NDIS partner organisation in your community, or calling the NDIS directly on 1800 800 110, to talk through whether an access request makes sense for you. This conversation is a good opportunity to ask questions before you commit time to gathering paperwork.
Step 2: Gather supporting evidence
Next, it helps to collect evidence from treating health professionals, such as doctors, allied health practitioners or specialists, that describes how the disability affects daily life. This evidence supports the access request and helps the NDIA understand your situation.
Step 3: Complete the access request form
You then complete an Access Request Form. An NDIS partner can help you fill this out if you would like support with the process, which can be useful if the terminology feels unfamiliar.
Step 4: Submit your application
The completed form and supporting evidence can generally be submitted via the NDIS website, by post, or in person, depending on what suits you best.
Step 5: Receive a decision
After submitting, you wait to hear back from the NDIA. Processing times can vary, so it is worth checking the current expected timeframe directly with the NDIA or your NDIS partner rather than relying on a fixed number.
What happens after approval
If your access request is approved, the next stage is planning, where you work with the NDIA or a Local Area Coordinator to develop your NDIS plan and the funding categories within it. This is a separate process from the access request itself, and it is where decisions about your specific supports and funding are made.
How Y Inclusion Services can help
Y Inclusion Services provides NDIS Home and Community supports, Support Coordination, Respite Camps and Holiday Programs across the City of Whittlesea and surrounding areas. While the access request and planning stages sit with the NDIA and your Local Area Coordinator or planner, once you have a plan in place we can talk through how our services might fit your goals.
Ready to take your first steps?
Applying for the NDIS involves several stages, and it is normal to have questions along the way. If you would like to talk through what the process might look like for you or someone you care for, our team is happy to have a conversation about what the process looks like in practice. To find out more applying for NDIS funding, you can phone the Y Inclusion Services on 1300 699 622 or use our enquiry form.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a diagnosis to apply for the NDIS?
Evidence from treating health professionals about how a disability affects daily life is part of the access request. Speak with your NDIS partner or the NDIA about exactly what evidence is needed for your situation.
Can someone help me fill out the access request form?
Yes, an NDIS partner in your community can support you to complete the Access Request Form if you would like help with the process.
What if my access request is not approved?
The NDIA can explain the outcome of a decision and your options. This is a conversation to have directly with the NDIA or your NDIS partner rather than something we can advise on.
Is there a cost to apply for the NDIS?
Applying for the NDIS access request itself is not something Y Inclusion charges for, as it is a process managed by the NDIA.