How to Apply for NDIS Funding

Key Information

• You must be under 65, live in Australia as a citizen or eligible visa holder, and meet either disability or early intervention requirements. Eligibility allows you to apply but doesn’t guarantee funding.
• Applications require proof of identity and supporting evidence from health professionals showing how your disability impacts daily life. From mid-2026, the new I-CAN assessment model will simplify eligibility by removing the need for specialist evidence.
• You can apply via the NDIS Access Request Form (ARF), with help from a Local Area Coordinator or directly through the NDIS, then submit online, by email, or post.
• The NDIA reviews your application, may request more information, and if approved, works with you to develop an NDIS plan based on your goals

 

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is designed to provide supports for Australians living with disability. However, getting started can seem like a daunting prospect for those new to the system. Who can do it, and what do you need?

We’ve created this step-by-step guide to demystify the process, so you can be confident that your application is ready to go.

Who is eligible for the NDIS?

The first thing to ask is, “Am I (or my loved one) eligible to be an NDIS participant?”

Here’s the basic requirements:

1. You’re an Australian citizen or hold a Permanent or Protected Special Category Visa. This means you can prove Australia is your home, and that you spend most of your time here.
2. You’re under 65 years of age when you apply.
   1. Children under 9 can be supported by the NDIS Early Childhood Approach, or by the incoming Thriving Kids program.
   2. Adults over 65 are typically supported by other programs, such as Continuity of Support, Commonwealth Home Support, or Home Care Packages.

 

Disability requirements & early intervention requirements

Under the disability requirements, you would be living with one or more impairments, due to disability, that are likely to be permanent. This would impact your ability to do daily life activities, social activities, work, or study without disability-specific NDIS support.

Under the early intervention requirements, receiving support now would likely reduce your needs for supports in future. You may have one or more impairments that are likely to be permanent, or you may have developmental delay.

You can be eligible under one or both of these areas. For the latest eligibility information, it’s always best to check with the NDIS directly via their How to Apply page.

Note: Eligibility doesn’t mean you are guaranteed funding – this is just the minimum threshold to determine whether you can apply.

Related: Does the NDIS Cover Psychology for Autism?

Preparing to apply for the NDIS

For the actual application, you’ll need to be able to show who you are and that you’re eligible. You will need to prepare:

1. Proof of identity such as your birth certificate or passport.
2. Any information or documents to show your eligibility (such as evidence from your treating health professional).

 

Important changes to the NDIS assessment model in 2026

From mid-2026, the NDIS will be using a new model for assessment called I-CAN. This is a significant change to the NDIS system, aiming to make assessing people’s disability support needs a better, clearer process. This will remove the need for specialist evidence, which means applicants can stay focused on their journey rather than worrying about the time and cost involved in evidence-gathering.

You can read more about this change in our article about what the new NDIS Needs Assessment Model means for Participants in 2026.

How to apply: Step-by-step guide for NDIS applicants

1. Getting in touch with the NDIS

If you live in a partner area, you can get in contact with your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or Early Childhood Partner (ECP) to help you through the application process – or, you can contact the NDIS directly on 1800 800 110 to discuss your options.

2. Completing the NDIS Access Request Form (ARF)

The ARF is the standard form used to apply for NDIS funding. You can download an access request form online, or request one be sent to you by the NDIS. You can take all the time you need to complete the form, so don’t worry about rushing it off before you have everything in place!

Your treating health professional will need to complete section 2, or if you’re using proof you already have (i.e. existing reports or assessments) you can attach them with your completed form.

Keep in mind that if you complete the form digitally, you will need to sign the form last. If you make any changes to the form after signing, you’ll need to complete the digital signature again. This ensures the NDIS knows that everything on the form has been seen by you, and nothing has been altered without your knowledge.

3. Submitting your application

There are several ways you can return your ARF and any supporting information:

• By sending an enquiry through the NDIS contact page
• By post (to GPO Box 700, Canberra, ACT 2601)
• By email (this is the quickest way to receive information back about your request)

 

While you can absolutely attach relevant evidence, the NDIS has stated they can’t access and use information on stored USBs or CDs – so if you’re posting your form back, please provide everything in hard copy.

However you submit your application, be sure to include your email address (or the email of someone you trust) so the NDIS can contact you about your request.

4. NDIA processing – what to expect

Once your application’s submitted, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) will review and check all the information and supporting evidence. They might even ask for additional information, or check on certain details for more clarification.

During this time, it’s important to check regularly to see if you have communications from the NDIA. Responding quickly to any requests can help avoid delays!

If you’re approved, you’ll then receive an “access decision” letter to confirm your eligibility and outline next steps.

5. NDIS Planning

The planning process is where you will need to discuss any goals you want to pursue, or tasks you want to achieve, with your local area coordinator or NDIA planner.

Your goals are a really important part of your NDIS plan, so the NDIA will ask you want you want to work towards – then, they will use this and the evidence you have supplied to help determine which supports to provide in your plan.

Once the NDIA has approved your plan, you can start using your budgets.

4 Common pain points for applicants

As with any process, there are a few traps for new players – we’ve made a list so you can know and avoid them!

1. Not enough supporting evidence. Under the current system, applicants need to supply evidence to demonstrate the impact their disability has on daily life. Some applications are rejected because the evidence is unclear or isn’t strong enough.
2. Confusion about requirements. Having a diagnosis for impairment isn’t always enough; the NDIA needs evidence of how it impacts your everyday functioning.
3. Difficulty accessing LAC or ECP. If you live in remote or non-partner areas, you can still get in touch with the NDIS directly – you don’t need to go through an LAC, and not every region will have an NDIS representative physically present.
4. Stress and uncertainty during the process. The process of gathering evidence, applying and waiting for a response can feel overwhelming to applicants and their loved ones. We suggest asking for support where you can, such as from family members, trusted friends, or more official sources from the NDIS who can provide clarity about the process.

 

What happens if you’re not eligible for NDIS funding?

If your Access Request isn’t successful, you can try looking for other services and supports to help you live your best life. This might mean community groups or charities, or other government programs outside of the NDIS. You should also check if your informal supports(your family and friends) can help bridge any gaps, even short-term while you find a more sustainable option.

If you would like, you can always re-apply or ask for an internal review of your access decision. If you ask for an internal review, this must be completed before you can submit a new ARF.

Related: 8 Tips to Make Your NDIS Evidence More Effective

Your NDIS journey: One step at a time

While the process can seem complicated and sometimes frustrating, many people do successfully access NDIS funding. Being informed, prepared and organised can help you to enter and navigate the NDIS system – for more information about the system, try our free participant toolbox equipped with forms, guides and FAQs about all things NDIS.

Remember, just take it one step at a time! There’s no set limit between starting and submitting a finished application. You can do it in your own time, with support from the right people, to make sure you have all relevant information and evidence.

The role of Plan Management in your NDIS plan

One of the supports you may have in your budget is plan management (Capacity Building budget: Choice and Control). With this funding, you can use a third-party provider to help you manage the financial side of your NDIS plan.

Your plan manager can offer strategic support throughout your NDIS journey, such as being available to answer questions about how your budget can be used. For example, NDSP’s free call 1800 63 63 77 number has an average response time of 75 seconds (Monday to Friday, 8.30AM to 5.30PM ACT) – this means you can get fast answers to your budget questions from our friendly team!

This provides peace of mind for NDIS participants or their nominees because it gives you more breathing room to tackle your everyday challenges. Plan management can be a great choice for NDIS participants who:

• Are time-poor
• Have complex situations or support needs
• Want a stress-free alternative to self-management
• Are new to their NDIS journey and want more choice than agency management provides

If you’re a new NDIS participant looking to engage with a plan manager, why not contact NDSP today– if you have questions about plan management, our friendly team has the answers!