How the NDIS works
A simple guide to the National Disability Insurance Scheme – what it is, who can apply, and how plans and funding work.
Talk to our team
- Registered NDIS provider (ID 4-L0XFW3J)
- Support plans tailored to your goals
- Office in the Melbourne CBD
+61 449 982 584
Monday to Friday, 10 am – 5:30 pm
In short
The NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) funds reasonable and necessary supports for Australians with a permanent and significant disability. It is run by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). If you’re eligible, you get an NDIS plan with funding for the supports you need to reach your goals.
Step 1
Who can apply?
To join the NDIS you generally need to:
- be under 65 when you apply
- be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident or hold a Protected Special Category Visa
- live in Australia
- have a disability that is permanent and significant, or need early intervention support
Children younger than 9 usually start through the NDIS early childhood approach.
Step 2
Applying.
You can apply by contacting the NDIA on 1800 800 110 or through a Local Area Coordinator. You’ll usually need evidence of your disability from your doctor or other health professionals.
If you’re not sure where to start, call us. We can explain the process step by step.
Step 3
Your NDIS plan.
Once you’re approved, you’ll have a planning meeting with an NDIA planner or a Local Area Coordinator. You’ll talk about your goals, your daily life and the support you need. You’re welcome to bring a family member, friend, carer or support provider along.
Your plan then sets out your goals and the funding for your supports. Funding is grouped into three main budgets:
Core Supports
Everyday support, like personal care, help around the home and community participation.
Capacity Building
Support to build skills and independence – including support coordination.
Capital Supports
Assistive technology, equipment and home modifications.
Step 4
How your plan is managed.
There are three ways to manage your funding. You can also use a mix.
NDIA-managed
The NDIA pays your providers directly. You can only use registered NDIS providers, like Timeless Services VIC.
Plan-managed
A plan manager pays your providers and tracks your budget. You can use registered and unregistered providers.
Self-managed
You manage your funding and pay providers yourself, which gives you the most flexibility.
As a registered NDIS provider, we can support you however your plan is managed.
Step 5
Using your plan.
- Choose your providers – it’s your choice who supports you
- Agree on a service agreement with each provider, so everyone is clear about what’s provided and what it costs
- Start your supports and keep track of how they’re going
- Check in before your plan reassessment date about what’s working and what you need next
This page is general information only. NDIS rules can change, so always check the latest information at ndis.gov.au or call the NDIA on 1800 800 110.
How we can help
Bringing your plan to life.
Our coordinators are based across Melbourne, so help is close to home. We can answer your questions over the phone and meet you face to face whenever you need. Here are some of the ways we help turn your plan into real support:
Support Coordination
Help to understand your plan, choose providers and get the most from your funding.
Learn more
Housing and living options
Supported Independent Living, plus short and medium-term accommodation.
Learn more
Community participation
Group activities and outings to build skills, confidence and friendships.
Learn more
Your NDIS journey
Keep reading.
Reviewing your NDIS plan
Plan reassessments, and what to do if you disagree with a decision.
Learn more
From our blog
NDIS guides and news.
Practical articles about the NDIS, support at home and living well in Melbourne.
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How Do NDIS Support Services in Melbourne Help With Housing, Daily Living, and Independence?
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FAQ
NDIS questions.
Still not sure? Call us or send a message and we’ll help you work it out.
How much does the NDIS cost me?
The NDIS is not means-tested and doesn’t affect income support such as the Disability Support Pension. Supports in your plan are paid from your NDIS funding.
What is a Local Area Coordinator?
Local Area Coordinators help people understand and access the NDIS, and help participants use their plans.
Can Timeless Services VIC help me apply?
We can explain the process and point you in the right direction. If you have support coordination in your plan, we can help you put your plan into action.
What does a support coordinator do?
A support coordinator helps you understand your plan, find and connect with providers, set up service agreements and use your funding well. Support coordination is funded from your Capacity Building budget, if it is included in your plan. Read about our support coordination.
What is the difference between SIL and SDA?
Supported Independent Living (SIL) funds the help you get with daily tasks – like personal care, cooking and getting out and about – in a shared or individual home. Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) funds the home itself: housing designed for people with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. Some people have both: SDA for the home and SIL for the support inside it.
How do I choose the right NDIS provider?
Look for a provider that offers the supports in your plan, covers your area and works the way you want. You can check whether a provider is registered on the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission’s provider register at ndiscommission.gov.au. It also helps to ask how they will keep in touch with you and who will be supporting you.
Let’s talk about the support you need.
Call us, message us on WhatsApp or send an enquiry. Our office is open Monday to Friday, 10 am to 5:30 pm.
Contact us
Send an enquiry.
Tell us a little about what you need. A friendly member of our team will get back to you during business hours.
Outside office hours? Send us an enquiry and our office team will reply during business hours. In an emergency, call 000.
Call us+61 449 982 584
WhatsAppSend us a message
24/7 supportHelp is available around the clock for the participants we support.