What is the NDIS?
The NDIS provides funding for Australians under 65 with a permanent and significant disability. It covers support services, equipment, therapies, and modifications to help people live independently. Funding is individualised — each participant gets a plan based on their specific needs and goals. The scheme supports over 600,000 Australians with annual funding averaging $50,000-70,000 per participant.
Eligibility
- Under 65 years old at time of application
- Australian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Special Category Visa holder
- Have a permanent disability that significantly affects daily life
- The disability is likely to be lifelong
- You need support from a person or equipment to complete daily activities
What's Funded
Core supports: Daily activities, consumables, transport, assistance with social participation. Capacity building: Support coordination, improved living arrangements, relationships, health, learning, work, home modifications. Capital supports: Assistive technology (wheelchairs, hearing aids), home modifications (ramps, bathroom rails), specialist disability accommodation.
Plan Management Options
NDIA-managed: The NDIS pays providers directly. Limited to registered providers only. Plan-managed: A plan manager handles payments — you can use both registered and unregistered providers. Most flexibility with least admin burden. Self-managed: You control all funding and payments. Maximum choice but requires bookkeeping and claims management.
For Chinese Australians
Language barriers can make NDIS access challenging. You're entitled to interpreter services during all NDIS interactions — request Mandarin or Cantonese interpreters. Multicultural disability advocacy services exist in most states. Cultural considerations can be included in your plan — for example, culturally appropriate support workers who speak your language. Some Chinese community organisations provide NDIS support coordination services.