Understanding the NDIS
The National Disability Insurance Scheme, also known as the NDIS, is run by the National Disability Insurance Agency, also known as the NDIA.
The NDIS is for eligible Australians who were either born with or acquire a permanent and significant disability. A ‘permanent disability’ means a person’s disability is likely to be lifelong.
A ‘significant disability’ means a disability with a large impact on a person’s ability to complete everyday activities.
The NDIS funds reasonable and necessary supports and services that relate to a person’s disability to help them achieve their goals. ‘Reasonable’ means the support is most appropriately funded or provided through the NDIS. And ‘necessary’ means something a person needs that is related to their disability.
What does NDIS stand for?
National: The NDIS is being introduced progressively across all states and territories.
Disability: The NDIS provides support to eligible people with intellectual, physical, sensory, cognitive and psychosocial disability. Early intervention supports can also be provided for eligible people with disability or children with developmental delay.
Insurance: The NDIS gives all Australians peace of mind if they, their child or loved one is born with or acquires a permanent and significant disability, they will get the support they need.
Scheme: The NDIS is not a welfare system. The NDIS is designed to help people get the support they need so their skills and independence improve over time.