How to apply for the NDIS


You will only be able to access the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) if you meet all of the eligibility criteria and if the Scheme is available in your area.

If you would like to become an NDIS participant and you meet the eligibility criteria, you can either:

Within the form you will be asked to confirm your identity and answer a number of questions to see if you meet the NDIS access requirements. You may also be asked for some additional information about your disability.

Once all the sections of your Access Request Form have been completed it must be submitted to the NDIA for consideration.

If your application has been approved you will need to wait until you are contacted by the NDIA or a Local Area Coordinator to arrange a planning meeting.

It is important to note that for some applicants, there can be a wait for your application to be processed or between being accepted as an NDIS participant and having your planning meeting.

While you wait you may be able to access privately-funded supports or get a referral from your General Practitioner (GP) to access specific services.

If you are waiting to be contacted about your first planning meeting and you have already been provided access to the NDIS, you can call 1800 800 110 to talk to someone about your situation.

For children under seven

Under the NDIS, the approach that supports children up to the age of seven who have a disability or developmental delay, is called Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI).

To access early intervention services children don’t need a formal diagnosis of disability.

If you have concerns about your child’s behaviour or development, you can call the NDIS hotline on 1800 800 110 and request access to ECEI support.

Alternatively, you can contact an Early Childhood Partner directly. To find one near you, visit the Disability Support Guide’s provider finder tool.

You can also be referred by your GP, family nurse, paediatrician or child care educator.

Related content
Am I eligible for the NDIS?
What support can I get on the NDIS?
Early intervention under the NDIS