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How to Get NDIS Funding: Your 5-Step Roadmap

how to get ndis funding is revealed to a participant as they sit at a desk

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

Let me explain what NDIS funding actually is. 

It’s money the government provides to help you access supports. These supports help you achieve your goals and live the life you want. 

Getting NDIS funding can feel complicated. I get it. 

That’s why I’m giving you a clear, 5-step roadmap today. This is the authoritative guide you’ve been looking for. 

I’m going to walk you through exactly what you need to do. From checking if you’re eligible right through to using your approved plan. 

Let’s get started.

Key Takeaways

  • NDIS funding helps individuals access supports to achieve their goals and live their desired life.
  • To qualify for NDIS funding, applicants must meet criteria related to age, residency, and permanent significant disability.
  • Gather detailed evidence demonstrating how your disability impacts daily life, focusing on functional impairment.
  • After applying, if approved, attend a planning meeting to discuss goals and required supports.
  • Choose a plan management option that suits you, and start utilizing your NDIS funding to access necessary supports.

Table of contents

Step 1: Check Eligibility (The Foundation) 

First things first. You need to know if you’re eligible for the NDIS. 

There are three main criteria you must meet. 

Age 

You must be under 65 when you apply. That’s the cut-off age. 

Residency 

You need to be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa. You also need to live in Australia. 

Permanent and Significant Disability 

This is the big one. Your disability needs to be permanent and significantly impact your daily life. 

The key concept here is functional impairment. That means your disability makes it hard for you to do everyday activities. 

Think about things like getting dressed, cooking meals, managing money, or going to work. If your disability makes these things difficult or impossible without support, that’s functional impairment. 

The NDIS isn’t just about having a diagnosis. It’s about how that diagnosis affects your ability to function in daily life. 

Step 2: Gather Your Evidence (The Preparation) 

This step is crucial. The quality of your evidence matters more than the quantity. 

You need to show how your disability impacts your daily life. Not just that you have a disability. 

Required Documents 

Start with your ID. You’ll need proof of identity and residency. 

Essential Supporting Evidence 

Here’s what really counts. Reports from specialists. 

These might include occupational therapists, GPs, psychologists, psychiatrists, or other relevant health professionals. The more detailed, the better. 

Your evidence must explain how your disability impacts your daily life. Generic letters won’t cut it. 

The reports need to detail your functional impact. That means describing what you can’t do or what’s difficult for you. 

For example, “John has depression” isn’t enough. But “John’s depression means he struggles to leave the house, maintain personal hygiene, and prepare meals without support” is perfect. 

Start collecting these reports now. Book appointments with your specialists if you haven’t seen them recently. 

Make sure they understand you need detailed information about your functional impairment. Not just your diagnosis. 

Step 3: Apply for Access (The Formal Start) 

a woman works through the 5 steps for how to get NDIS funding

Now you’re ready to submit your application. 

There are a few ways to apply. 

You can call the NDIS on 1800 800 110. You can apply online through the NDIS website. 

Or you can get help from a Local Area Coordinator (LAC). I recommend this option if you’re feeling overwhelmed. 

LACs are free support people who help you understand the NDIS and complete your application. They work in your local area. 

To find your LAC, go to the NDIS website and use their partner finder tool. Or call the NDIS and ask them to connect you. 

Don’t be shy about asking for help. The application is complex and LACs know what they’re doing. 

Submit your application with all your evidence attached. Then wait for the NDIS to review it. 

This can take a few weeks or sometimes months. Be patient but stay on top of it. 

Step 4: The Planning Meeting (The Funding Discussion) 

If your application is approved, you’ll be invited to a planning meeting. 

This is where you discuss your goals and what supports you need. It’s your chance to advocate for yourself. 

Prepare Your Wish List 

Before the meeting, write down your goals. What do you want to achieve in the next 12 months? 

Maybe you want to live more independently. Or find employment. Or improve your mental health. Or build social connections. 

Write it all down. 

Then think about what supports you need to reach those goals. Do you need a support worker? Therapy? Equipment? Training? 

Be specific. “I want help” isn’t as strong as “I need weekly support from an OT to develop independent living skills.” 

During the Meeting 

Speak up. This is your plan, not theirs. 

Bring a support person if you want. Someone who knows you well and can advocate for you. 

Bring your wish list and your evidence. Refer to them during the discussion. 

The NDIS planner will ask about your daily life and your goals. Answer honestly about what’s hard for you. 

Don’t downplay your challenges. If you need help, say so. 

Remember that supports need to be “reasonable and necessary.” That means they need to be directly related to your disability and help you achieve your goals. 

Step 5: Receiving and Using Your Plan (The Outcome) 

After your planning meeting, you’ll receive your NDIS plan. 

Your plan will include your goals and the funding you’ve been allocated. Funding is divided into different categories like core supports, capacity building, and capital supports. 

Plan Management 

You’ll need to choose how to manage your plan. There are three options. 

Self-managed 

You manage everything yourself, pay providers, and claim reimbursement from the NDIS. 

Plan-managed 

A plan manager does the paperwork for you. They pay your providers and handle the claims. This is the most popular option. 

NDIA-managed 

The NDIS manages everything. You have less flexibility with this option. 

Most people choose plan management. It gives you flexibility without the paperwork headache. 

Once you’ve got your plan, start connecting with providers. Use your funding to access the supports you need. 

Your plan will last 12 or 24 months. Then you’ll have a review and update your goals and funding. 

Conclusion 

Getting NDIS funding is a process. I won’t lie to you. 

It takes time. It takes effort. It takes persistence. 

But it’s worth it. 

The supports you receive can genuinely change your life. They can help you achieve things you thought weren’t possible. 

You deserve this support. Don’t give up if it feels hard. 

Follow these five steps and you’ll get there. 

Action Steps 

Here’s what to do right now. 

  • Check your eligibility against the three criteria (age, residency, permanent and significant disability). 
  • Make an appointment with your GP or specialist to get a detailed report about your functional impairment. 
  • Start compiling all your existing medical reports and assessments. 
  • Find your Local Area Coordinator through the NDIS website or by calling 1800 800 110. 

Take these steps today. Don’t wait. 

FAQs

How long does it take to get NDIS funding? 

The process usually takes 21 days once you’ve submitted your access request. But it can take longer if they need more information. After approval, your planning meeting might be scheduled a few weeks later. Then you’ll receive your plan within a few weeks of that meeting. In total, expect 2-4 months from application to having an active plan. Sometimes it’s faster, sometimes slower. 

What if my application is rejected?

Don’t panic. You have options. You can ask for an internal review of the decision. You need to do this within three months. Or you can reapply with better evidence. Sometimes the first application doesn’t have enough detail about functional impairment. Get help from a support coordinator or LAC if you’re reapplying. They can guide you on what evidence you need. 

What does “reasonable and necessary” mean? 

This is the NDIS test for whether they’ll fund something. A support is reasonable and necessary if it relates to your disability, helps you pursue your goals, represents value for money, and is likely to be effective. It also means the support isn’t the responsibility of another system (like health or education). For example, the NDIS won’t fund your regular GP visits because that’s Medicare’s job. But they will fund specialist disability-related therapy. 

Can I change my plan once it’s approved? 

Yes, but it depends on what you want to change. If your circumstances change significantly, you can request an unscheduled review. This might happen if your disability worsens or your supports aren’t working. You can also change how you use your funding within categories. That’s the flexibility of the NDIS. Minor changes usually don’t need a full review. Talk to your support coordinator or the NDIS about what you want to change. 

Ready to Start Your NDIS Journey? 

The evidence-gathering and planning stages can be tricky. You don’t have to do it alone. 

The SALT Foundation’s support coordination team helps NDIS participants just like you. We know what works and what doesn’t. 

We can help you prepare for your planning meeting. We can make sure you’re asking for the right supports. 

Contact the SALT Foundation’s support coordination team for a free chat. Let’s talk about preparing for your NDIS planning meeting. 

You’ve got this. And we’re here to help.