Understanding the NDIS

The NDIS, in plain language

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is Australia's national scheme for people with disability. It provides funding directly to eligible people based on their needs, so they can access the supports and services they need to live and enjoy their life.

The basics

What is the NDIS?

The NDIS supports people with a permanent and significant disability that affects their ability to take part in everyday activities. It focuses on reasonable and necessary supports that help participants reach their goals, whether that is more independence, community involvement, employment or better wellbeing.

Rather than a one-size-fits-all service, the NDIS funds the individual. You choose how to use your funding and which registered providers, like AFT Care, deliver your support.

Read the guide: NDIS funding explained
A support worker explaining NDIS plan options to a participant at a table.
Access

Who is eligible for the NDIS?

To access the NDIS, you generally need to meet the following requirements:

  • Be under 65 years of age when you first apply.
  • Be an Australian citizen, permanent visa holder, or Protected Special Category visa holder.
  • Live in Australia where the NDIS is available.
  • Have a disability that is likely to be permanent (lifelong).
  • Your disability substantially reduces your ability to do everyday activities without assistance.
  • Your disability affects your ability to take part socially or economically.
  • You are likely to need NDIS support for your lifetime.
For the full eligibility criteria, see the official NDIS eligibility checklist.
Working with us

How AFT Care helps you use your plan

As a registered NDIS provider, we help participants make the most of their plans. We take time to understand your goals, then deliver tailored support that lines up with your funding.

Understand your funding

We help you make sense of your plan and which supports your funding can cover.

Match supports to goals

From accommodation to community participation, we line our services up with what you want to achieve.

Support that grows with you

As your needs change, we adjust your support so it keeps working for you over time.

Have questions about your NDIS journey or how our services fit your plan? Contact us and we will help.

Common questions

NDIS questions, answered

What is the NDIS?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme is Australia's national scheme for people with permanent and significant disability. It funds eligible people directly so they can access the supports they need to live their life and pursue their goals.

Who is eligible for the NDIS?

Generally you need to be under 65 when you first apply, be an Australian citizen or hold a permanent or Protected Special Category visa, live in Australia, and have a permanent disability that substantially reduces your ability to take part in everyday activities. The official eligibility checklist is the best place to confirm.

How do I start with a provider like AFT Care?

Once you have an approved NDIS plan, you can choose registered providers. Get in touch with us, tell us your goals and funding, and we will set up the supports that suit your plan.

Can I get support in Arabic?

Yes. We have English and Arabic speaking staff, so you and your family can receive support and have conversations in the language you are most comfortable with.

Can I change NDIS providers?

Yes. If your current support is not the right fit, you can change providers. We can explain how a transition works and make it as smooth as possible for you.

Ready when you are

We will help you navigate the NDIS

Whether you are new to the NDIS or reviewing your plan, we are happy to talk it through.