Applying for the NDIS

Getting into the NDIS starts with an access request — telling the NDIA who you are and giving evidence of the disability. It is the gate everything else sits behind, and it is worth getting the evidence right the first time.

Are you eligible?

Broadly: under 65 when you apply, an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and living with a permanent disability that significantly affects everyday life. "Permanent and significant" is the phrase that matters, and it is about lasting impact rather than a particular diagnosis.

If you are not sure, that is normal — you do not have to decide it yourself. Call the NDIA on 1800 800 110 and they will talk you through whether to apply.

Making the access request

You can start it by phone on 1800 800 110, or with an Access Request Form. The heart of it is evidence from a treating professional — a GP, paediatrician, specialist or allied health professional — describing the disability and how it affects daily life.

Good evidence is the single biggest factor in a smooth application. Ask the professional to be specific about impact, not just diagnosis, and to follow the NDIS evidence guidelines if they can.

Applying for a child

For young children the way in is often the early childhood approach rather than a full application — an early childhood partner can help directly, sometimes without a plan at all. For older children it is the standard access request, with evidence usually from a paediatrician or the treating team.

Either way, start with 1800 800 110 and say the child's age; they will point you to the right path.

How long it takes

Once the NDIA has your access request with the evidence, it has a set period to decide — a few weeks in the ordinary case, longer if they come back asking for more. If you are found eligible, the next step is a planning conversation to build your first plan.

The single biggest cause of delay is thin evidence, which is why the effort goes in at the request stage rather than after a knock-back.

If you are not approved

A no is not the end of it. You can ask the NDIA to review the decision, and the usual reason a review succeeds is stronger evidence about how the disability affects daily life — so that is where to put the work.

A support person, an advocate, or the treating professional can help you put a review together. You do not have to argue it alone.

What AskFam does and does not do

AskFam works out what you need and points you at services that already exist. It does not employ anyone, does not arrange the work, and takes no fee or commission — from you or from them.

It also has not checked anybody. Where you see a business listed, that is a public listing, not a recommendation. Where somebody offers on a job you posted, that is them describing themselves, in their own words. Ask for what matters to you, and take your time about it.