
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
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 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.
Australians are currently supported by the NDIS
Committed by the government for 2024–25
You must be under 65 years old when you first apply for the NDIS
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.
You must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa and live in Australia.
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.
Accessing the NDIS happens in stages. Here's what the journey typically looks like from first contact to receiving funded support.
Contact the NDIA (1800 800 110) or complete an Access Request Form. Provide evidence of your disability from a treating professional.
The NDIA reviews your request and supporting evidence. They'll contact you with a decision - usually within 21 days.
If approved, you meet with an NDIA planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) to discuss your goals, current supports and what funding you need.
You receive your NDIS plan — a document showing your funded budget across support categories. Plans are typically reviewed every 12 months.
Use your funding support to engage registered providers like The Y. You have the choice and control over who you work with.
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:
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.
Personalised support in your home, from daily living skills to household tasks and personal care.
Learn moreGet out, get involved, and stay connected with a dedicated support worker by your side.
Learn moreUnforgettable all-abilities camp experiences across Victoria, adventure, fun, and new friendships.
Learn moreWeekly and monthly groups, sports, WRAP, something for everyone.
Learn moreExpert support coordinators to help you get the most from your plan and connect with providers.
Learn moreWhiSKHA Days holiday program, action-packed, inclusive days during school holidays.
Learn more