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NDIS Information Hub

An easy guide to the National Disability Insurance Scheme - how it works, what it funds, how to access it, and how The Y can support you through it.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme

The NDIS is an Australian Government program that funds supports and services for people with permanent and significant disability. It's built on the principle that people with disability deserve the same opportunities as everyone else, to live independently, participate in their communities, and pursue their goals.

Unlike older block-funded systems, the NDIS is individual. Each participant gets their own plan and their own budget and has the choice and control to decide how it's used and who provides their support.

The NDIS is managed by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and is available across all of Australia.

  • 670,000+

    Australians are currently supported by the NDIS

  • $41.9B

    Committed by the government for 2024–25

  • Under 65

    You must be under 65 years old when you first apply for the NDIS

Who can access the NDIS?

  • Age requirement

    You must be under 65 years old when you first apply for the NDIS. There is no minimum age, children from birth can access early childhood supports.

  • Residency requirement

    You must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa and live in Australia.

  • Disability requirement

    You must have a permanent disability that significantly affects your ability to participate in everyday activities, caused by an impairment that is likely to be permanent.

How does accessing the NDIS work?

Accessing the NDIS happens in stages. Here's what the journey typically looks like from first contact to receiving funded support.

  • Step 1: Access request

    Contact the NDIA (1800 800 110) or complete an Access Request Form. Provide evidence of your disability from a treating professional.

  • Step 2: Eligibility decision

    The NDIA reviews your request and supporting evidence. They'll contact you with a decision - usually within 21 days.

  • Step 3: Planning meeting

    If approved, you meet with an NDIA planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) to discuss your goals, current supports and what funding you need.

  • Step 4: NDIS plan approved

    You receive your NDIS plan — a document showing your funded budget across support categories. Plans are typically reviewed every 12 months.

  • Step 5: Choose providers

    Use your funding support to engage registered providers like The Y. You have the choice and control over who you work with.

What can NDIS funding cover?

NDIS funding is divided into support categories. Each category covers different types of support. Your plan will show which categories you have funding in and how much. The Y provides services across these key categories:

In home support

Assistance with Daily Life

Supports to help with daily personal activities, personal care, domestic assistance, meal prep and life skills at home.

Explore 1:1 Home support
One-on-one community support

Assistance with Social & Community Participation

Supports to help you participate in community, social and recreational activities with others.

Explore 1:1 Community support
Support working smiling on the phone

Support Coordination

Assistance to understand and use your NDIS plan — connecting with providers, setting up supports and building your capacity to manage them.

Y Support Coordination
Y Clients smiling to camera

Increased Social & Community Participation

Group-based programs and activities to build skills, confidence and community connection in a supported environment.

See our group programs
Boy on swing bridge at respite camp

Short Term Accommodation (STA)

Funded stays away from home, respite camps, overnight accommodation and supported short breaks for participants and carers.

Y Respite Camps
Early Childhood support program

Early Childhood Supports

Supports for children aged 0–7 with developmental delay or disability, focused on early intervention and family capacity building.

Our EYES Program

What is STA and how much can I access?

Short Term Accommodation (STA) covers the cost of staying away from home in a supported environment, including respite camps, overnight accommodation and short breaks. It covers the participant's accommodation, personal supports, food and activities during the stay.

STA funding is included in your NDIS plan if it's identified as a reasonable and necessary support. The amount varies based on your individual support needs - typically expressed as 28 days or nights per year. You can use it flexibly: a few nights at a time, a full week at camp, or spread across the year.

How The Y can help

  • 1:1 Home Support

    Personalised support in your home, from daily living skills to household tasks and personal care.

    Learn more
  • 1:1 Community Support

    Get out, get involved, and stay connected with a dedicated support worker by your side.

    Learn more
  • Respite Camps

    Unforgettable all-abilities camp experiences across Victoria, adventure, fun, and new friendships.

    Learn more
  • Social Group Programs

    Weekly and monthly groups, sports, WRAP, something for everyone.

    Learn more
  • Support Coordination

    Expert support coordinators to help you get the most from your plan and connect with providers.

    Learn more
  • Holiday Programs

    WhiSKHA Days holiday program, action-packed, inclusive days during school holidays.

    Learn more

NDIS FAQs

More useful resources