How do I access the NDIS?

The NDIS can be life changing for people needing support. The NDIS can be confronting for parents to engage with, and to help, we’ve compiled some useful resources to assist you on the way.

TherapyNow is not the NDIS or the NDIA. We provide supports once you have a plan in place. While it can seem daunting, contacting the NDIA is often the best place to start, and they have dedicated staff to field your queries, no matter how early in your NDIS journey you are.

 

Key steps to access the NDIS

Determine your entry point

My child is under 9

Children under 9 access the NDIS supports via early childhood approach

  • Children under 6 with developmental delays can access support without a diagnosis.
  • Children under 9 with a disability are also eligible for support.
 
Local organisations, known as early childhood partners, are funded to execute this approach across Australian regions. These partners work closely with families to identify needs and connect them to relevant community supports. How to find an early childhood partner.
 

My child is aged 9 or older

If your child is over 9, they will need to meet eligibility requirements to access the NDIS. The NDIA has a great resource for determining eligibility here.

Broadly, you will need to meet residency and disability requirements. If you meet these requirements, you can apply for the NDIS. If you uncertain about these requirements, it is a good idea to contact the NDIA.

 

Children under 9

Finding an early childhood partner

You can find your early childhood partner by entering your postcode on the NDIS contact site.

If there isn’t an early childhood partner in your area, you can contact the NDIS and they will connect you with an alternative.

Here are some examples of early childhood partners:

  • Newcastle: Northcott
  • Central Coast: Lifestart
  • Brisbane: Benevolent Society
  • Melbourne: Brotherhood of St Laurence
  • Canberra: EACH

Contact your early childhood partner

Entering your postcode on the NDIS contact form will give you phone and email contacts for your early childhood partner. Sometimes, early childhood partners will ask you to complete a referral form. If you are uncertain about where to begin, it is a good idea to call your early childhood partner.

Referral forms will often ask you information like:

  • Identify information about your child.
  • Assessments and diagnoses your child might have.
  • Court or custody orders in place.

Determine eligibility and access supports

Your early childhood partner will work with you to determine eligibility and will assist you to access supports if your child is eligible.

Your early child hood partner can assist you to access:

  • Speech therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Core supports

Children over 9

Applying for the NDIS

You can apply for the NDIS by phone or by competing an access request form. You can find those documents here.

If you need help filling in the form, making the call or getting your evidence ready, you can contact your local area coordinator, early childhood partner or your local NDIA office. You can find those contacts here.

You can apply to the NDIS by:

  • Making a verbal application by calling the NDIA on 1800 800 110
  • Completing an access request form here