Understanding the NDIS
The National Disability Insurance Scheme is Australia's national system for providing individualised funding and support to eligible people with permanent and significant disability — helping them work towards their own goals and live the life they choose.
What is the NDIS?
The NDIS funds "reasonable and necessary" supports that help eligible people with disability to live more independently, participate in their community and pursue their goals. It does not replace mainstream services like health, education or housing — but it helps people connect with those services alongside community and informal supports.
People who were already receiving state or territory disability services were progressively transitioned when the NDIS rolled out nationally. New participants can apply directly through the NDIS, and those who are not eligible for individual funding can still access information, linkage and capacity-building supports.
Full details at ndis.gov.au ↗Goal-Focused
Supports are designed around your personal goals — whether that's daily living, employment, community participation or greater independence.
Individualised Funding
Each participant receives their own NDIS plan with funding tailored to their specific needs, circumstances and goals.
Choice & Control
You choose your providers and how your funding is used — giving you genuine control over how your supports are delivered.
Community Connection
The NDIS also helps people connect to community and informal supports — not just funded services — to build a full and meaningful life.
Key NDIS concepts
The terms you'll hear most often when navigating the NDIS.
The core test for NDIS funding — supports must be related to your disability, represent value for money, and be most appropriately funded by the NDIS.
A personalised document outlining your goals, the supports you'll receive and the funding available. Plans are reviewed regularly to make sure they continue to meet your needs.
Health, education and housing remain the responsibility of other systems. The NDIS works alongside these services, helping you access and navigate them effectively.
How your NDIS funding is managed and providers are paid. You can self-manage, use a plan manager (like us!), or have the NDIA manage it for you.
How to access the NDIS
Three key steps to getting started with the NDIS.
Check your eligibility
To access the NDIS you need to be under 65, an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and have a permanent and significant disability that affects your ability to take part in everyday activities. The NDIS website has a detailed eligibility checklist to help you assess whether you may qualify.
Make an access request
You can submit an Access Request Form to the NDIS with supporting evidence from your treating health professionals. This evidence should describe how your disability affects your daily life and what supports you currently need. The NDIS will assess your request and let you know the outcome.
Develop your plan & choose your supports
If approved, you'll work with an NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator to develop your first NDIS plan. Once your plan is approved, you can choose your providers — including Mossman Support Services for lifestyle support and plan management right here in the Douglas Shire.
We can help you navigate the NDIS
Whether you're just starting out or looking to get more from your existing plan — our team is here to help.