Step 1. Accessing the NDIS

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is Australia's national funding program for people with a permanent and significant disability. If you're new to the NDIS, understanding your eligibility and how to apply is the first step. We're here to make that process straightforward.

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

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

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.