← Home Support After Diagnosis

NDIS Help for Families

The NDIS can be life-changing — but navigating it can feel like a full-time job. Jargon, paperwork, planning meetings, service providers, plan reviews... This page cuts through the complexity and connects you to the people who can help.

Key Support Services

NDIS Contact Centre

Questions about eligibility, applications, your plan, or anything NDIS-related. Multiple languages via TIS (131 450).

NDIS 1800 800 110Mon–Fri 8am–8pmFree

ndis.gov.au

Local Area Coordinators (LACs)

Your local NDIS navigators. Help you understand the NDIS, connect to services, prepare for planning meetings, implement your plan. Call the Contact Centre to find yours.

Carer Gateway

Support for family carers. Free counselling, respite planning, peer support, coaching. No NDIS plan needed.

Carer Gateway 1800 422 737Mon–Fri 8am–5pm

Getting Started

1. Check eligibility. Under 65, permanent and significant disability. Use the eligibility checker or call 1800 800 110.

2. Gather evidence. Reports from GP, specialist, psychologist, OT. Ask your GP to coordinate and write a supporting letter.

3. Submit Access Request. Call or apply online. NDIA has 21 days to decide.

4. Prepare for planning. Write down goals, support needs, what a good life looks like. Bring a support person.

5. Choose plan management. Self-managed, plan-managed, or NDIA-managed. Plan management gives most flexibility while someone handles invoices.

Carer Mental Health

NDIS navigation is exhausting. If you're burned out, these free tools can help.

Burnout Assessment DASS-21 While You Wait

AskMyGP

Free Australian health tools & information

What am I eligible for? How Medicare works Prepare for your GP visit What to bring to your appointment More free tools at askmygp.com.au →

Information only, not medical advice.

Common Questions About NDIS for Families

How long does an NDIS access request take?

The NDIA aims to make an access decision within 21 days of receiving a complete Access Request Form, though actual timeframes vary. Having your Access Request Form and supporting evidence from treating professionals complete and submitted together, rather than in pieces, generally speeds up the process.

What's the difference between the NDIS and My Aged Care?

The NDIS supports people under 65 with permanent and significant disability. My Aged Care supports people 65 and over (or 50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) regardless of disability status. If someone is already an NDIS participant and turns 65, they can generally choose to remain in the NDIS rather than transition to aged care.

Can adults with a mental health condition access the NDIS?

Yes, via the psychosocial disability pathway, if the condition results in permanent and significant functional impairment. This is assessed differently from physical disability — the focus is on how much the condition limits daily functioning long-term, not the diagnosis itself. A treating psychiatrist's report is usually central to the application.

What happens if my NDIS access request is rejected?

You can request an internal review within 3 months, and if that's unsuccessful, appeal to the Administrative Review Tribunal. Many rejections happen due to insufficient evidence rather than genuine ineligibility, so resubmitting with more detailed reports from treating specialists is often worthwhile. Disability advocacy services can help with this process at no cost.