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NDIS FAQs

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We know the NDIS can be hard to understand.

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We’ve answered some questions we get asked a lot.

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We call them Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

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Questions about applying to the NDIS

How do I apply for the NDIS?

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You can call 1800 800 110 and ask to apply for the NDIS.

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This is called an Access Request.

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You can also:

Can you help me apply to the NDIS?

Yes, we can.

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We can help you find a Local Area Coordinator (LAC).

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A LAC is someone who can help you understand and use the NDIS.

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We can also help you fill out your Access Request Form.

How do I know if I can apply for the NDIS?

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You can take a test to find out if you’re eligible.

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If someone can take part in the NDIS, we say that they are eligible.

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You can find the ‘Am I eligible?’ test on the NDIS website.

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You can also send the NDIS your Access Request Form.

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The NDIS will:

  • look at your answers
  • tell you if you are eligible.

Why do I need a service agreement?

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A service agreement is a written agreement between you and your service provider. It explains:

  • the supports you will use
  • how your service provider will give you those supports
  • how much the supports cost.
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It clearly tells you what you and your provider have agreed to.

What do I do if I think my NDIS plan is wrong?

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If you want to change your NDIS plan, you should talk to your Local Area Coordinator (LAC).

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A LAC is someone who can help you understand and use the NDIS.

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You can also talk to your NDIS planner.

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Your NDIS planner helps you make your NDIS plan.

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An NDIS plan is a document that includes information about:

  • you and your goals
  • what supports you need
  • the NDIS funding you will get.
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Or you can talk to your Support Coordinator.

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Support Coordinators help people with disability who use the NDIS manage their supports and services.

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Questions about NDIS plan funding and support

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Is mental illness covered under the NDIS?

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Yes. People with a psychosocial disability can use the NDIS.

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A psychosocial disability affects your mental health.

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But not everyone with a mental health problem has a psychosocial disability.

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People with psychosocial disability must meet the NDIS Access Requirements.

NDIS Access Requirements are the rules you need to meet to join the NDIS.

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You can find out more about NDIS Access Requirements on the NDIS website.

Can I choose what’s in my NDIS plan?

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Your NDIS plan is a document that includes information about:

  • you and your goals
  • what supports you need
  • the NDIS funding you will receive.
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Your NDIS planner will help you make your NDIS plan.

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You need to tell them what your goals are.

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They will add funding to your plan so that you can reach your goals.

Your goals need to be:

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  • reasonable – if something is reasonable, it is fair and sensible
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  • necessary – if something is necessary, you need it to live your best life.

How long does my plan last for?

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Your plan can last from 12 to 36 months.

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You can also ask for a review during this time if you need to.

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A review is when you check to see what:

  • works well
  • could be better.

What happens if the funding runs out before my NDIS plan ends?

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Your NDIS plan is a document that includes information about:

  • you and your goals
  • what supports you need
  • the NDIS funding you will get.
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Your Support Coordinator can support you with a review of your NDIS plan before your funding runs out.

Can I swap money between my budgets?

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Yes. Talk to your Support Coordinator to find out how.

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Questions about genU and the NDIS

What NDIS supports do you provide?

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Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy helps you find ways to do everyday tasks.

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Support Coordination

Support Coordination can help you manage the supports and services in your NDIS plan.

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Employment Pathways

Our Employment Pathways services can help you build your job-related skills.

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School Leavers Employment Support (SLES)

SLES is for Year 12 students with disability who:

  • aren’t ready to start looking for a job right away
  • need help to work out what job would be right for them.
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genU Participate

Our genU Participate programs help you take part in the community.

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genU Adventure

You’ll get to take part in adventure activities, such as:

  • cycling
  • kayaking
  • bushwalking
  • surfing.
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genU GAMER

You’ll get to take part in gaming activities, such as:

  • board games
  • video games
  • role playing games, like Dungeons and Dragons.
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Individual Support

Our Individual Support includes 1-on-1 support for daily life.

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Accommodation

Our Accommodation options includes:

  • short-term respite – when someone takes a break from caring for a person with disability
  • Supported Independent Living (SIL) – help with day-to-day tasks around your home so you can:
    • do more things for yourself
    • learn new skills
  • rental options where you can have independence.
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When you have independence, you are in control of:

  • your own life
  • the choices that you make.
What does a genU Support Coordinator do?
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Our Support Coordinators can help you connect to the supports you need.

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They will also help you talk to providers about:

  • their services
  • how much they cost.
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Your genU Support Coordinator will help you get the most from your NDIS plan.

What is the difference between registered and non-registered providers?
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Registered providers are on a list of providers who can offer services in the NDIS.

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Non-registered providers are not on this list.

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There are things registered providers must do to stay on this list.

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This makes sure that you get services that are:

  • safe
  • good quality.
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Quality is about receiving good services that:

  • meet the needs of people with disability
  • give people with disability choice and control.
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You can use non-registered providers if you want to.

But your NDIS plan needs to be:

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  • Plan Managed
    If your plan is plan-managed, you pay someone to look after your funding.

or

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  • Self-Managed
    If you self-manage your plan, you:

    • manage all or part of your funding
    • choose what supports you use to reach your goals.
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If you are Agency Managed, this means that the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) manages your funding for you.

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The NDIA runs the NDIS.

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If you are Agency Managed, you can only use registered providers.

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Questions about using supports

Will my support change next year?

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The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) runs the NDIS.

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They will do a review of your NDIS plan.

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A review is when you check to see what:

  • works well
  • could be better.

You might need to give the NDIA information about:

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  • the supports and services you use
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  • how your supports and services are helping you reach your goals
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  • if you need more support to reach your goals.
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The NDIA will use this information to work out if you need:

  • more funding
  • less funding
  • the same amount of funding.