For service providers, understanding what is NDIS helps you give better care and support. It keeps you compliant and helps your disability services business grow.
Let’s explore what is NDIS and what you need to know as a provider in 2025.
What is NDIS?
The NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) is a government program that gives Australians with disabilities and their families long-term and personalised support. The “Insurance” shows that it is an investment in people’s futures. It helps them get services that meet their goals and lifestyle.
The scheme is run by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). The NDIS Commission keeps an eye on things to make sure everything is done properly. This way, your participants get the right support and services. So, it is important for you to know what is NDIS.
How Does It Work?
NDIS funding is made for each participant. The eligibility is not based on income or assets. Once someone is found eligible, they work with an NDIA Planner to create a plan. This plan shows their goals, needs and the support required.
Participants can choose how their plan is managed. NDIS plans include funded support like therapy, home modifications, transport, help with everyday activities, etc.
Advantages for Participants and Providers
The NDIS has multiple advantages:
- For participants: It allows them to become more independent, improve their quality of life and engage more in their communities.
- For families and carers: It makes daily care easier to manage.
- For providers: Understanding how NDIS funding and compliance work helps you provide the right support, keep your services high-quality and make participants happier.
What Support Does NDIS Provide?
NDIS aims to help participants achieve independence, personal development and their goals. Funded supports include:
- Personal daily care
- Transport
- Therapy sessions
- Home modifications and helpful technology
- Support for education and work
- Community engagement activities
These supports are made to help your participants gain life skills, participate in society and live more independently.
Eligibility
Participants must meet some criteria to get access to the NDIS. It includes:
- Age: They should be under 65 at the time of application
- Residency: They should be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or holder of a Protected Special Category Visa
- Disability: They should have a permanent and significant disability that affects their daily life
Some people may also qualify for early intervention support if it can help reduce the long-term effects of their condition.
Funding
As a provider, you must know that NDIS funding is made to support each of your participants’ needs, goals and preferences. There is no set amount of funding. It is determined individually. Every plan is flexible and it can change as a participant’s needs and goals evolve.
What Disabilities Are Covered?
The NDIS covers a wide range of disabilities. It includes:
- Physical disabilities: It can include cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury etc
- Intellectual disabilities: They can include Down syndrome and developmental delays
- Sensory disabilities: They can include hearing loss, vision blindness
- Cognitive impairments: Acquired brain injuries
- Psychosocial disabilities: It can be schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or depression
You should understand that eligibility is based on functional impact, not just diagnosis. These are all important for you to know about what is NDIS.
What Are NDIS Covered Services?
The NDIS funds are supported through three main budgets. They are:
| Budget | Purpose | Examples |
| Core Supports | Daily living needs and personal care | Household tasks, personal care and consumables |
| Capacity Building Supports | Skill development for independence | Therapy, education, work support, training |
| Capital Supports | One-off purchases for long-term benefit | Equipment, home modifications, assistive technology |
These budgets are flexible and they change as participants’ goals evolve.
Summarising
Understanding what is NDIS is important for you. It is an evolving program that empowers people with disabilities and they support you to deliver quality services. You can make sure your business supports participants properly by knowing what funding, eligibility and services are available. Understanding these basics helps your business stay compliant and run smoothly.
For you, knowing what is NDIS and how it works helps you plan, organise and grow in the sector. Understanding the scheme properly helps you give real support and achieve better results for participants across Australia.