Participant FAQs

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Are NDIS service agreements mandatory?

Only in some situations. Service agreements are required for:

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
Providers claiming an establishment fee
Agreed cancellation terms

For many everyday supports (like support workers, occupational therapists, personal trainers) a written agreement isn't compulsory. It's your call whether one suits your situation.

That said, even when optional, an agreement can work in your favour: it fixes prices for a period, sets expectations on both sides and gives you something to point to if things go wrong.

Want our simple service agreement checklist? Email hello@providerchoice.com.au.

Can I choose the services I want?

Yes, choice and control is the whole point of the NDIS.

You choose the supports in your plan, as long as they're reasonable and necessary (fair, related to your disability and something you need to work towards your goals). You choose who delivers them and how, when and where they're delivered.

Your planning meeting is where those choices get built into your plan, which is why going in with clear goals matters so much.

If you want help working out what supports to ask for, email hello@providerchoice.com.au. Turning "what I need" into "what to ask the planner for" is something we do every day.

Can I get a review of an eligibility decision?

Yes. If you disagree with an NDIA access decision, you have the right to challenge it and decisions do get changed.

Step one: internal review. Ask the NDIA to review the decision within three months of receiving it. A different decision-maker looks at it fresh and this is a good moment to add any stronger evidence about how your disability affects your daily life.

Step two: the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). If you're still unhappy after the internal review, you can take it to the ART, an independent tribunal that reviews government decisions to make sure they're fair. (You might see older references to the AAT; the ART replaced it in 2024.)

Free advocacy support is available for both stages, you don't have to argue your case alone.

Can I have funding for Housing / Specialist Disability Accomodation?

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is NDIS funding for housing designed for people with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs, who can't live in mainstream housing.

SDA funding covers the cost of the specialist home itself. These are things like accessible design, assistive features and robust construction. Support services in the home (like Supported Independent Living) are funded separately.

SDA has strict eligibility criteria and only a small proportion of participants qualify. If you think you might, it starts with evidence of your support needs and a housing assessment through your planning process.

The NDIS website has the full eligibility details. Housing and living supports can be complex, so if you're exploring your options and not sure if it's something you can currently access with your plan, email hello@providerchoice.com.au and we'll help.

Can I have respite included in my plan?

Yes, the NDIS calls it Short Term Accommodation (STA) and it can be included in your plan.

STA funds support and accommodation away from your usual home for short stays. It gives you a change of scene and new experiences. It also gives your family or carers time to recharge.

Whether it's funded comes back to your goals. Goals that support STA funding include:

Building independence and life skills away from home
Trying new social and community experiences
Preparing for a move to more independent living

Want help to see if STA is included in your plan? Email hello@providerchoice.com.au.

Can I include Plan Management in my plan?

Yes. Every NDIS participant has the right to ask for plan management in their plan and the NDIA funds it separately, so it doesn't cost you anything from your support budget.

Just tell your planner you'd like your plan to be plan-managed. You can ask at your first planning meeting, at a reassessment, or request a change any time in between.

At Provider Choice, we manage the invoices and budgets while you keep full choice and control over your providers. And if your long-term goal is to self-manage, we'll help you build up to it at your own pace.

Ready to add us to your plan? Email hello@providerchoice.com.au and we'll walk you through exactly what to say to your planner.

Can I make my own plan?

Your planner puts your plan together and the NDIA approves it. You don't write your NDIS plan yourself, but you absolutely shape it. The goals, the evidence and the picture of your daily support needs all come from you and they drive what ends up in the plan.

That's why preparation is the closest thing to writing your own plan: walk in with clear goals, good reports and a realistic picture of the support you need and the plan that comes out the other side will look a lot like the one you'd have written.

Our free preplanning tool helps you build exactly that a draft of your goals and needs to bring to your planning meeting. Or email hello@providerchoice.com.au and we'll help you pull it together.

Can I provide more information to the planner after the planning meeting?

Yes. If you didn't have everything on hand at your meeting, you can send more information to your planner afterwards - quotes for equipment or assistive technology, therapy reports, or health reports you didn't share on the day.

Send documents directly to your planner and do it promptly. Extra evidence is most useful before your plan is approved.

If you're not sure what evidence would strengthen your plan, email hello@providerchoice.com.au and we'll help you figure out what's worth sending.

Can I track my NDIS budget in real time?

Yes, with the right plan manager, you can see your live budget position anytime, without asking anyone.

Provider Choice customers get a 24/7 real-time dashboard showing every budget in your plan, what's been spent, what's remaining and every invoice as it's processed on your phone or computer, whenever you want to look. Automatic alerts and regular check-ins flag anything that needs your attention, like budgets tracking fast or slow.

That visibility changes how the plan feels: no end-of-plan surprises, no guessing whether you can afford more therapy sessions this quarter and real evidence in hand when reassessment time comes.

If you're currently finding out your budget position by emailing someone and waiting, there's a better way. Sign up online or call 1300 776 246.

Can I use NDIS funding for assistive technology, and what things can I buy?

Yes. Assistive technology (AT) is any device or system that helps you do something your disability would otherwise make difficult, or makes it safer or easier.

The test is functional: mainstream items aren't AT just because you use them (a car isn't AT), but items that overcome a disability-related limitation are (modifications to that car can be).

AT the NDIS commonly funds includes:

Communication devices like speech generators, text-to-speech tools
Hearing and vision equipment likehearing aids, braille equipment
Mobility equipment like wheelchairs, hoists, lifts, sit-to-stand chairs
Personal care and household equipment and adaptive tools for daily tasks
Prosthetics and orthotics
Vehicle modifications, environmental controls and some apps
Repairs, maintenance and rental of equipment

AT is assessed case by case: it needs to be reasonable and necessary for your disability and your goals. Higher-cost items usually need an assessment and quotes.

Wondering whether a specific item would qualify? Curious what your plan covers? Email hello@providerchoice.com.au.

Can someone apply on my behalf?

Yes, someone can absolutely apply for the NDIS on your behalf.

If you need help with your application, a family member, friend, carer, support coordinator or nominee can complete the Access Request Form and speak with the NDIA for you.

You'll just need to give your consent for them to act on your behalf by signing the form, or by giving verbal permission when the NDIA contacts you.

If you're not sure who can help, contact your local NDIS office or NDIS partner and they'll connect you with someone who can support your application.

Can someone help me with my application?

Yes, you don't have to do this alone and the help is free.

Your local NDIS partner can walk you through the application process, help you understand what evidence you need and assist with the form. You can find your local contact through the NDIS website or by calling 1800 800 110. Your GP is also a great ally, they know the evidence side well.

Family, friends, carers or a support coordinator can also help and can even apply on your behalf with your consent.

And we're happy to point you in the right direction too. Email hello@providerchoice.com.au and we'll help you work out your next step.

Can the NDIS help me get a job?

Yes. The NDIS funds employment supports that aren't covered by employers or employment services - the disability-related supports that make work possible.

That can include:

Building job skills and workplace confidence (through Capacity Building funding)
Support to transition from school to work
Transport to and from work where your disability means you can't use public transport
Equipment you need, like wheelchairs or hearing aids

Employment is one of the strongest goals you can put in your plan, it tends to unlock meaningful funding. If work is on your horizon, make it a stated goal at your planning meeting.

Want a handing checking if you can access employment support with your current NDIS plan? Email hello@providerchoice.com.au.

Can the NDIS pay for driving lessons?

Yes, the NDIS can fund driving lessons in the right circumstances.

To be funded, driving lessons need to be connected to your plan goals (like building independence or getting to work), covered by Capacity Building funding in your plan and considered reasonable and necessary - usually meaning you need specialised instruction or vehicle modifications because of your disability.

A driver-trained occupational therapist assessment is often the first step and can itself be NDIS-funded.

If learning to drive is on your goals list, raise it at your planning meeting. If you'd like help to see if it's supported in your current NDIS plan, email hello@providerchoice.com.au.

Does paying a plan manager lower my disability funding?

No. Using a plan manager doesn't reduce your NDIS funding at all.

When you ask for plan management at your planning meeting or reassessment, the NDIA adds separate funding to your plan specifically to pay your plan manager. It's completely separate from the funding for your supports, therapies and services, so every dollar of your support budget stays yours to use.

In other words: plan management is free for you and it doesn't shrink anything else in your plan.

If you'd like plan management added to your plan, just tell your planner at your next meeting, or email us at hello@providerchoice.com.au and we'll help you ask for it.

Does Provider Choice operate in my state?

Yes, Provider Choice supports NDIS participants in every Australian state and territory, with local plan managers across the country.

Because plan management is delivered through our platform, phone and email, where you live never limits the service: same 72-hour typical payment processing, same 24/7 dashboard, same access to The Gurus whether you're in a capital city or a remote community. Because we have local plan managers across Australia, we're able to offer extended business hours so you can contact us around your schedule. And if you move interstate, nothing changes, your plan management comes with you.

For participants in regional and remote areas, plan management has an extra advantage: it unlocks non-registered providers, which significantly widens your options where NDIS-registered services are thin on the ground.

Sign up from anywhere in Australia or call 1300 776 246.

Does the NDIS fund case management?

Not under that name but it funds something close, with an important difference in philosophy.

Traditional case management involves someone managing your services for you, ongoing. The NDIS instead funds support coordination: help that's designed to build your own capacity, so that over time you're coordinating your supports yourself. It's often funded for the first couple of years of your plan or during big life transitions, then stepped down as your confidence grows.

The shift is deliberate. The NDIS is built on choice and control, so the goal is you in the driver's seat, with support to get there.

For what support coordination covers and the three levels available, see our FAQ: What is support coordination?

Does the NDIS fund medical expenses?

The NDIS and the health system split the bill and it helps to know which is which.

The NDIS funds disability-related supports (like therapies, early intervention and support workers to help you get to appointments), where they're reasonable and necessary for your disability.

The health system (Medicare, hospitals, private health) covers medical treatment: doctor's visits, medicines, surgery and treatment for illness or injury.

The line can occasionally feel blurry. For example, disability-related health supports (like continence or wound care linked to your disability) can be NDIS-funded. If you're not sure which side of the line something falls on, email us at hello@providerchoice.com.au and we'll help you work it out.

Does the NDIS fund transport?

Yes, if you can't use public transport because of your disability, the NDIS can fund transport support to help you get to work, study, appointments and community activities.

Transport funding is usually based on your situation: how much you're working or studying and how much travel your goals involve. Some participants receive a regular transport payment, while others have transport built into their support funding. If your needs are higher (for example, you work full-time and can't access public transport at all) funding can reflect that.

Two things worth knowing:

If you currently receive Mobility Allowance from Centrelink, it stops when your NDIS plan starts, because transport moves into your plan instead. Make sure transport is discussed at your planning meeting so nothing falls through the cracks.
The NDIS generally doesn't fund the transport itself for things like school transport, which other systems cover.

For the current details, see the NDIS transport page.

How are prosthetic limbs funded under the NDIS?

The NDIS funds prosthetic limbs as assistive technology, where they're reasonable and necessary for your disability and goals.

Because prosthetics are typically higher-cost and specialised items, the process usually involves an assessment from a prosthetist or relevant specialist and quotes, before the NDIA approves funding. Ongoing costs matter too, so repairs, adjustments and eventual replacement can all be included in your plan.

The goal connection is worth spelling out at your planning meeting: whether it's mobility, work, sport or independence, tie the prosthetic to what it enables you to do.

Have more questions about your NDIS plan? Email hello@providerchoice.com.au.

How can I get a review of an NDIS decision?

If you disagree with a decision the NDIA has made about your plan, your funding, or anything else you have the right to challenge it and decisions do get overturned.

Step one: internal review. Ask the NDIA to review the decision within three months of receiving it. A different decision-maker looks at it fresh. This is the moment to add supporting evidence like reports, quotes or else anything that strengthens your case.

Step two: the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). Still unhappy after the internal review? You can take the decision to the ART, an independent tribunal that checks government decisions are fair. (Older information may mention the AAT the ART replaced it in 2024.)

Along the way: free advocacy services can support you through both stages and you can keep using your current plan while a review is underway.

How can I get help with self managing my supports?

You don't have to figure out self-management alone.

The NDIS has guides on self-management on their website and your my NDIS contact can talk you through your responsibilities. Peer support groups are also gold - other self-managers are often the best source of practical tips.

And here's our favourite pathway: start with plan management. We handle your invoices and budgets while you watch how it's done, learn the rules and build confidence. When you're ready, you shift to self-managing - some supports or all of them, at whatever pace works for you.

Email hello@providerchoice.com.au and tell us where you're at. We'll help you map out the path.

How can I use the money in my budget?

Every funded support in your plan sits in a support category, based on why you need it. You can spend flexibly within a category, but generally can't move money between categories. And if your plan lists a "stated support", that funding has to be used for that specific thing.

One newer thing to know: most plans now release funding in instalments called Funding Periods (usually every three months) rather than all at once. Anything you don't spend in one period rolls over to the next, within the same plan.

The golden rule for all spending: it needs to be an NDIS support that relates to your disability and helps you work towards your plan goals.

If you're ever unsure whether something's claimable, ask before you buy. Our Gurus answer these questions every day. Book a session or email hello@providerchoice.com.au.

How does choice and control really work?

Choice and control is the founding principle of the NDIS - the idea that you make the decisions about your own life and supports.

In practice, it means you choose:

What goes in your plan: the goals and supports that matter to you (within reasonable and necessary)
Who provides your supports: and depending on how you manage your plan, that can include any provider, registered or not
How, when and where you receive them: supports fit your life, not the other way around
How your plan is managed: self-managed, plan-managed, agency-managed, or a mix

The system isn't always perfect at honouring it, which is why knowing your rights matters: you can change providers, question decisions and ask for reviews. Choice and control works best when you use it.

Want to get more control over your plan without more admin? That's exactly what plan management is for, email hello@providerchoice.com.au.

How does the planning process work?

Once you're accepted into the NDIS, planning is how your funding takes shape.

You'll meet with an NDIA planner (or your local NDIS partner) who works with you to build a plan around your goals. They'll ask about what you want to achieve and the supports you need to get there. Once your plan is approved, you choose your providers, set up service agreements where needed and start using your funding.

Plans run for a set period - often 12 months, though longer plans are becoming more common when your situation is stable. Before your plan ends, you'll have a check-in or reassessment to look at what worked and what needs to change.

The single biggest thing you can do for a great plan? Walk into the meeting prepared. Our free preplanning tool helps you get your goals and evidence sorted, or email hello@providerchoice.com.au and we'll help you get ready.

How do I apply for the NDIS?

Applying for the NDIS is a three-step process:

Check you're eligible: under 65, Australian citizen/permanent resident/Protected SCV holder, with a permanent and significant disability.
Make an access request: call the NDIA on 1800 800 110 and ask to apply. They'll take some details and give you an Access Request Form. Someone can do this on your behalf with your consent.
Provide your evidence: reports from your doctor and health professionals showing your diagnosis and how your disability affects your everyday life. Your GP is often the best starting point for pulling this together.

Then the NDIA assesses your request and lets you know the outcome. If you're accepted, the next step is your planning meeting, which is where preparation really pays off.

Want support through the process? Email hello@providerchoice.com.au and we'll point you in the right direction, including our free preplanning tool for when you get to the planning stage.

How do I build a goal?

Start with what you actually want your life to look like, then work backwards.

Think about things like joining more social activities, building physical strength, learning new skills, getting a job or maintaining your independence. Then shape each one into a goal statement from your perspective: "I want to build my confidence in social settings" or "I want to develop the skills to live more independently."

A good NDIS goal is specific enough to connect supports to, but broad enough to give you flexibility in how you get there.

Our free preplanning tool walks you through building goals step by step. Or email hello@providerchoice.com.au and we'll talk them through with you.

How do I change my plan?

If your plan no longer fits, you don't have to wait it out, you can ask for it to change. There are two pathways, depending on how big the change is:

Plan variation: for smaller changes that don't need the whole plan redone, like fixing an error or making a minor funding adjustment.
Plan reassessment: for bigger changes, where the NDIA looks at your whole plan again. This is the path when your circumstances or support needs have significantly changed.

To get started, contact the NDIA on 1800 800 110 or follow the change of circumstances process. Be ready to explain what's changed and provide evidence where you can. Reports that show your changed needs do the heavy lifting.

If you're plan-managed with us, we can help you get your funding evidence together. Your spending history is often the clearest proof a plan isn't matching your needs. Email hello@providerchoice.com.au.

How do I change my service provider?

If you're not happy with your supports, you can change your service provider.

When you made your service agreement you would've decided on a notice period. This is the time you have to give them to finish up. This will also give you time to find a new provider and make a new service agreement.

But if you have a serious reason you can end the agreement straight away.

How do I choose an NDIS plan manager?

Since plan management is free for you either way, choose on service. Five questions worth asking any plan manager:

How fast do you pay invoices?
Slow payments strain your relationship with providers. Ask for a typical turnaround in hours or days. At Provider Choice, invoices are typically paid within 72 hours.
Can I see my budget in real time?
You shouldn't have to email someone to know where your funding stands. Look for a live dashboard you can check anytime.
Will you help me understand my plan, or just process invoices?
The difference between an admin service and a genuine partner.
Are you independent?
Some plan managers are owned by or connected to service providers, which can create conflicts of interest. Independent plan managers work only for you.
What happens when I call?
You want humans who answer, not a ticket queue.

You can also switch plan managers at any time if your current one isn't delivering. See our FAQ on switching.

Want to see how we answer those five? Email hello@providerchoice.com.au or call 1300 776 246. When you call, we answer.

How do I contact the NDIS?

The main ways to reach the NDIS:

Phone: 1800 800 110 (Monday to Friday), the fastest route for most things
Website: ndis.gov.au including webchat and online contact options
In person: NDIS offices and partner locations operate around the country. Find your nearest through the office locator
Accessible contact: TTY, interpreting services and the National Relay Service are all available if you need them

A tip for any call: ask for their case number and keep it filed somewhere safe. If anything ever needs following up, that record helps anyone following up for you reference previous conversations quickly.

And remember, if you're a Provider Choice member, you don't have to figure out who to call alone. Email hello@providerchoice.com.au and we'll point you in the right direction.

How do I create a service agreement with providers?

Once you've chosen a provider, a written service agreement makes sure you both know exactly what's been agreed. The key things to cover:

Cost - if you're plan-managed or agency-managed, prices must be at or under the NDIS price limits
Start date and end date
How often you'll receive the support
Cancellation terms - how much notice and whether fees apply
How you'll resolve issues if they come up

Keep it in plain language and don't sign anything you don't understand. A good provider will happily take the time to talk it through.

We've made a simple service agreement explainer you can use as a starting guide. Email hello@providerchoice.com.au for a copy.

How do I find providers?

Finding the right providers is one of the biggest parts of making your plan work and you've got several ways to do it:

The NDIS Provider Finder in the myplace portal lists registered providers near you.
Support coordinators: if support coordination is in your plan, finding and connecting with providers is a core part of their job.
Your community: other participants, family networks and local disability groups are often the best source of honest recommendations.

Remember: if you're plan-managed or self-managed, you're not limited to registered providers, your options are much wider.

How do I put my plan together?

Your plan comes together in partnership with your NDIS planner, but the raw material comes from you.

Before your planning meeting, work out:

Your goals: what you want to achieve, short-term and long-term
Your current supports: what's working, what's missing
Your evidence: reports and assessments that show your support needs

Then at the meeting, your planner uses all of that to build a plan around your goals.

The single best predictor of a strong plan is walking in prepared. Our free preplanning tool helps you build a draft to bring with you. Or email hello@providerchoice.com.au and we'll help you get ready.

How do I switch my plan management to Provider Choice?

Switching to Provider Choice takes three steps and causes no gap in your supports:

Email your current plan manager: "Hi [name], I'd like to end my plan management services with you. Please confirm my plan release date." They'll confirm the date your funding is released.
Sign up with us online: it takes about 60 seconds through our online app. We'll handle the setup and confirm your start date.
If your plan is in the PACE system, endorse us with a quick call to the NDIA: our provider number is 4050041521 and we'll give you a simple script for the call.

Your providers keep getting paid, your supports continue and you start seeing your budget in the real-time dashboard from day one of having you set up.

Not sure whether switching is worth it? Fair question, email hello@providerchoice.com.au or call 1300 776 246 and ask us anything that's on your mind before you decide. When you call, we answer.

How do I switch plan managers?

Switching plan managers is easier than most people expect. Three steps:

Let your current plan manager know in writing.
‍A short email does it: "Hi [Plan Manager], I'd like to end my plan management services with you. Please confirm my plan release date." They'll reply with your release date - that's when your new plan manager can start.
Sign up with your new plan manager.
‍They'll help you complete a few forms and confirm your start date. If you're joining Provider Choice, we'll walk you through every step and make it smooth and stress-free.
(PACE plans only) Call the NDIA to endorse your new plan manager.
‍This only applies if your plan is in the PACE system. We'll help you check whether it applies to you and give you a simple script for the call.

That's it. No gap in your supports, no drama. Ready to make the move? Sign up here or email hello@providerchoice.com.au.

How fast does Provider Choice pay invoices?

Provider Choice typically processes invoices within 72 hours, with a dedicated invoicing team working to avoid delays. Participant reimbursements are prioritised, typically processed within 1 business day.

Fast payment is one of the main reasons participants and providers choose us. Your support workers and therapists get paid promptly, which keeps those relationships strong. And providers who've been burned by slow paying plan managers elsewhere are consistently happy to work with Provider Choice.

You can watch it happen too: every invoice appears in your real-time dashboard as it's received and processed, so you always know what's been paid and what's pending with no chasing and no mystery.

If slow payments are the reason you're looking around, switching takes one email to your current plan manager and a 60-second signup with us.

How is the NDIS helping people find the right assistive technology?

Finding the right assistive technology usually starts with the right advice and the NDIS funds exactly that: assessments from AT advisors like occupational therapists, who match equipment to your needs and goals. For most mid and high-cost items, that assessment is part of the funding process anyway.

Beyond the formal advice:

Trial before you buy where you can: many suppliers and AT services offer equipment trials
Talk to people who use it: other participants' real-world experience is worth a lot
Check what's claimable before purchasing: especially for lower-cost items you buy yourself

If you're weighing up an AT purchase and want a sense-check on the process or whether it's claimable, email hello@providerchoice.com.au.

How long does the planning meeting and entire planning process take?

Your planning meeting usually takes about an hour and a half, though it can run up to three hours if there's a lot to cover - that's normal, not a bad sign.

After the meeting, your planner puts your plan together and checks that everything in it is reasonable and necessary (fair, disability-related and something you need). Approval typically takes a few weeks, depending on the complexity of your plan and whether the planner needs more information.

Once approved, you'll have a plan handover conversation where your plan is explained and you can ask questions, then you're ready to start using your funding.

You can speed things up by having your evidence ready to go. Our free preplanning tool helps you arrive organised.

How much does NDIS plan management cost?

NDIS plan management costs participants nothing - the NDIA funds it separately in your plan, on top of your support budget.

When you ask for plan management at your planning meeting or reassessment, the NDIA adds dedicated funding to cover your plan manager's fees, at rates set by the NDIS Pricing Schedule. It's not deducted from the funding for your supports, therapies or equipment and there are no out-of-pocket costs, joining fees or exit fees.

That means the real question isn't cost, it's value. A good plan manager pays your providers quickly, shows you exactly where your budget stands and helps you understand your plan. At Provider Choice, that includes invoices typically paid within 72 hours, a 24/7 real-time budget dashboard and free one-on-one sessions with our NDIS experts, The Gurus.

Want plan management in your NDIS plan? Tell your planner at your next meeting, or sign up online in about 60 seconds and we can help walk you through the request.

How often are NDIS plans reviewed?

In general, NDIS plans are reviewed annually. However, in some circumstances the review may be scheduled at the 3, 6 or 9 month mark.

The NDIS is also starting to look at scheduling plan reviews every two years for some participants.

Plans don't run on a single fixed schedule anymore. Here's the current shape of it:

Every plan has an end date and before it's reached, the NDIA checks in about what happens next. Either the plan rolls on or a reassessment (the current term for what used to be called a review) takes place.
12 months is common for newer participants, but longer plans (two, three years or more) are increasingly used when your circumstances are stable. Longer plans mean less admin when things are going well.
You don't have to wait for the scheduled date. If your circumstances change significantly, you can ask for a reassessment at any time.

The practical tip: treat the lead-up to your plan's end date as preparation time. Gather evidence of what's working and what's missing, so the next plan reflects what you actually need.

If you're plan-managed with us, your spending data makes that evidence easy. Email hello@providerchoice.com.au and we'll help you get reassessment-ready.

How will I receive my money?

It depends on how your plan is managed:

Agency-managed (NDIA-managed): the NDIA pays your registered providers directly.
Plan-managed: your plan manager receives provider invoices and pays them on your behalf, keeping track of your budget as they go.
Self-managed: you pay providers yourself and the NDIS reimburses you through the portal - or you can claim first and then pay.

Whichever way you manage, most plans now release funding in instalments called Funding Periods (usually every three months) rather than the whole budget upfront. Unspent funds roll over between periods within your plan.

At Provider Choice, we plan-manage your funding. Email hello@providerchoice.com.au to chat about the best setup for you.

How will the NDIS affect my existing support programs?

Joining the NDIS puts you in charge of that question.

If you're happy with your current supports and they meet the reasonable and necessary test, you can keep them. Your plan can fund the same providers and services you already use (and if you're plan-managed or self-managed, that includes providers who aren't NDIS-registered).

At the same time, the NDIS usually opens up more than people had before: a wider range of supports, more providers and funding tied to your goals rather than to whatever programs happened to exist locally. So it's worth treating your first plan as a chance to review what's working, keep the good and explore what else could help.

Mainstream services (health, education, Centrelink) continue alongside your NDIS plan. The NDIS doesn't replace them.

Building your first plan and want to make sure nothing you value falls through the cracks? Email hello@providerchoice.com.au.

If I currently receive compensation can I still get NDIS funding?

Yes, you can still access the NDIS if you've received compensation for your injury or disability, it just changes how your funding is calculated.

The NDIS is designed to work alongside compensation rather than double up on it. If part of your compensation was for future care and support, the NDIA takes that into account when working out your plan funding.

The important thing: it doesn't lock you out of the scheme. You can still apply, still get a plan and still access supports.

Compensation situations can be genuinely tricky, so it's worth getting advice specific to your circumstances. The NDIS website covers how compensation is treated.

If there is more than one child in a family with a disability, does that affect the support we can get?

Each child gets their own NDIS plan, built around their individual needs and goals because every person is different, even within the same family.

That means most supports are funded separately for each child. Occasionally, where it genuinely makes sense, the NDIS may coordinate supports across plans but the starting point is always individual funding for each child.

One child's plan doesn't reduce another's. Each application and plan stands on its own merits.

Managing multiple plans is exactly where plan management earns its keep with one place to track every budget. Email hello@providerchoice.com.au if you'd like plan management support.

I receive the Disability Support Pension, can I still get NDIS support?

Yes, absolutely. The Disability Support Pension and the NDIS are separate systems and you can receive both at the same time.

They do different jobs: the DSP supports your everyday living costs, while the NDIS funds supports related to your disability, like therapies, equipment and support workers.

Getting an NDIS plan won't reduce your DSP. Receiving the DSP doesn't automatically qualify you for the NDIS either - you'll still need to meet the NDIS access criteria and provide evidence of your disability.

Thinking about applying? Check the requirements on the NDIS website, or read our FAQ on how to apply. If you'd like a hand preparing, we're here to help.

Is the NDIS means tested?

No. The NDIS is not means tested. Your income, assets and savings don't affect your eligibility or how much funding you receive.

Your plan is based on one thing: what supports are reasonable and necessary for your disability and your goals. Two people with the same income can have completely different plans, because their support needs are different.

That's the insurance-scheme design at work. It's there for everyone who meets the disability requirements, regardless of financial situation. NDIS funding also isn't counted as income by Centrelink and isn't taxed (see our FAQ on the NDIS and Centrelink).

Is there a cap on how much I can receive through the NDIS?

There's no fixed dollar cap on an NDIS plan. Your funding is based on what's reasonable and necessary for your disability and your goals, so plans vary enormously from person to person.

What does exist is price limits on many supports. The NDIA publishes maximum prices providers can charge (the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits). If your plan is agency-managed or plan-managed, providers must charge within those limits. If you self-manage, you can choose to pay above them, though most providers price within the limits anyway.

So the real question isn't "what's the cap?" - it's "what supports do I need and can I show they're reasonable and necessary?" That's where good preparation for your planning meeting makes all the difference.

Want help building that case? Try our free preplanning tool or email hello@providerchoice.com.au.

The only limit on the supports the NDIS fund for you is what's reasonable and necessary for your disability.

There is a price guide for support services. This is based on what the NDIS think is fair and they'll pay that price for supports. If a service provider charges more than that price and you don't self-manage and still want to use them, you'll normally have to pay the difference.

Is there a process for applying for two people at once or do they have to be done separately?

Each person needs their own application and will have their own plan. Even when two people share a diagnosis or similar goals, their supports will be individual and that's the point of the scheme.

The applications can absolutely run at the same time, though. Much of the legwork overlaps: same forms, same evidence process, often the same professionals writing reports. If you're applying for two children, for example, you can gather evidence for both in the same GP and specialist visits.

What age do I have to be to get the NDIS?

You can apply for the NDIS if you're under 65 years of age.

The good news for existing participants: the NDIS doesn't stop when you turn 65. If you're already in the scheme, you choose what happens next - stay with the NDIS or move to the aged care system. It's your call.

If you're under 65 and think you might be eligible, it's worth applying sooner rather than later.

What are consumables?

Consumables are the everyday items you use because of your disability, funded through your Core budget.

The most common example is continence products like pads, catheters, continence alarms and related equipment.

Consumables funding can also cover:

Low-cost daily adaptive equipment
Home enteral nutrition (HEN) products
Interpreting and translation services

Because consumables sit in Core, the funding is flexible and you generally don't need itemised approval for each purchase, as long as it relates to your disability.

If you're not sure whether something counts as a consumable, you can ask us. Just email hello@providerchoice.com.au.

What are goals?

Goals are the things you want to achieve and in the NDIS, they matter enormously, because your funding is built around them.

Goals can be short-term (the next few months) or long-term (the next five to ten years). Things like:

Building independence at home
Joining more social and community activities
Getting or keeping a job
Improving physical strength or communication skills

Every support in your plan needs to connect to a goal, so well-framed goals genuinely unlock funding. A goal like "I want to build the skills to live independently" opens more doors than something narrow or vague.

Our free preplanning tool walks you through building strong goals.

What are Local Area Coordinators (LACs)?

Local Area Coordinators (LACs) are your local, human connection to the NDIS. They work for NDIS partner organisations in the community and for most participants they're the main point of contact.

An LAC can help you:

Understand and apply for the NDIS
Prepare for planning meetings and understand your plan
Connect with providers, community groups and mainstream services

LACs are free to work with and they also help people with disability who aren't NDIS participants connect with community supports.

Worth knowing: under the current NDIS reforms, a new "navigator" role is being introduced progressively, which will change how this local support is delivered over the next few years. For now, LACs remain the contact for most areas.

You can find your local NDIS office or partner through the NDIS website or by calling 1800 800 110.

What are my responsibilities when I self-manage my plan?

Self-managing puts you in the driver's seat. With that comes a few responsibilities. You'll need to:

Choose your supports and plan how you'll use your funding across your plan
Pay your providers and claim reimbursement through the myplace portal
Keep your records - invoices and receipts for everything you buy with NDIS funds (keep them for five years)
Spend within the rules - your funding can only go towards NDIS supports that relate to your plan

It's very doable and thousands of participants and nominees self-manage successfully. It just takes a bit of organisation.

If you want the training wheels on first, we can plan-manage your funding while showing you how it all works, so you can move to self-management with confidence. Email hello@providerchoice.com.au to get started.

What are The Gurus at Provider Choice?

The Gurus are Provider Choice's dedicated NDIS experts, offering free one-on-one sessions to help you get more from your plan and our platform.

Every NDIS plan comes with questions: what a budget line actually covers, whether something's claimable, how to read your funding, what to do before a reassessment. The Gurus exist so those questions get answered by a person who knows the scheme deeply, all in a booked, unhurried session that's about your situation, not a call-centre script.

It's part of how we think about plan management: paying invoices is the baseline, not the job. We consider our job being about helping you feel confident and in control of your funding.

Guru sessions are free and unlimited for Provider Choice customers. Book an intro session or email hello@providerchoice.com.au.

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What are the requirements to become a participant in the NDIS?

To become an NDIS participant, you need to meet three requirements:

Age: you're under 65 when you apply.
Residency: you're an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa and you live in Australia.
Disability or early intervention: you have a permanent and significant disability. Permanent means it's likely to be with you for life. Significant means it substantially affects your ability to take part in everyday activities. Participants can also qualify under early intervention rules, where getting support now reduces future support needs. Early Intervention is a common pathway for young children.

You'll need evidence from health professionals showing your diagnosis and, importantly, how your disability affects your daily life. The functional impact matters as much as the diagnosis.

What disabilities are covered by the NDIS?

There's no single tick-box list, but the NDIS publishes lists of conditions that are likely to meet the disability requirements.

Conditions that commonly qualify include:

Intellectual disability assessed as moderate, severe or profound
Autism assessed at Level 2 or Level 3 (requiring substantial or very substantial support)
Cerebral palsy assessed as severe
Spinal cord or brain injury resulting in paraplegia, quadriplegia, tetraplegia or hemiplegia
Neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease
Substantial vision or hearing impairment
Amputation or loss of limbs
Genetic conditions that consistently result in permanent and severe impairment
Psychosocial disability arising from mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, where the impact is severe and ongoing

Two important things:

Being on a list doesn't guarantee access and not being on a list doesn't rule you out. What matters is showing your disability is permanent and significantly affects your daily life.
For conditions with variable impact (including psychosocial disability), the evidence about functional impact does the heavy lifting.

The full condition lists are on the NDIS website.

What does a plan manager do?

A plan manager takes care of the financial side of your NDIS plan, so you can spend your time and energy on your goals instead of the admin.

Here's what we do:

Pay your providers and check every invoice meets NDIS requirements
Track your budgets so you always know where your funding is at
Handle NDIS claims and reporting so you don't have to
Build your confidence by helping you understand your plan, including working towards self-management if that's your goal

Best of all, it costs you nothing. The NDIA adds separate funding to your plan specifically to cover plan management, so it never comes out of your support budget.

Want to see how it works? Email us at hello@providerchoice.com.au or sign up online.

What does reasonable and necessary mean?

"Reasonable and necessary" is the test the NDIS applies to everything it funds.

Reasonable means fair - the cost makes sense for the benefit it delivers.
Necessary means it's something you need because of your disability.

The NDIS funds reasonable and necessary supports that help you become more independent, take part in your community and get the services and equipment you need.

Three questions to ask about any support you're considering:

Disability-related: do I need this because of my disability?
Goals: does it help me work towards the goals in my plan?
Value for money: is the cost reasonable, considering the benefits and other ways of achieving the same result?

If a support passes those three, you've got a strong case for it.

Have more questions about your NDIS plan? Email hello@providerchoice.com.au.

What do the budgets in my plan mean?

Your NDIS plan groups funding into three main budget types:

Core - supports for your everyday activities. This is your most flexible budget: in most cases you can move funding between Core supports as your needs change. It covers things like daily personal activities, consumables (everyday items like continence products), social and community participation and transport.

Capacity Building - supports that build your skills and independence over time. Examples include therapy, employment support and plan management. Unlike Core, this funding stays within its set categories.

Capital - higher-cost items like assistive technology, equipment and home or vehicle modifications. This funding is tied to the specific items in your plan, often based on quotes.

If your plan is in the newer PACE system, you might also see a Recurring budget - regular payments (like transport allowance) paid directly to you.

Want help making sense of your specific plan? That's exactly what our Gurus do. Book a session or email hello@providerchoice.com.au and we'll walk you through it.

What evidence do I need to prove my disability?

Before you can get an NDIS plan, the NDIS need to know some things about your diagnosis and how your disability affects your life. There's a bit on the form they'll give you that your doctor can fill in, or you can give the NDIS copies of reports you've gotten from medical professionals.

The NDIA needs two things from your evidence: your diagnosis and how your disability affects your everyday life. That second part , the functional impact, is where many applications succeed or fall short, so make sure your reports cover it clearly.

Good evidence usually comes from the professionals who know you best:

Your GP or specialist, who can complete the health professional section of your access form
Reports from allied health professionals like occupational therapists, psychologists, speech pathologists, physiotherapists
Existing assessments you already have on file

Recency helps too. Reports that reflect your current situation carry more weight than ones from years ago.

The NDIS website has detailed guidance on disability evidence.

What happens if I don't meet the NDIS requirements?

Not meeting the access requirements isn't the end of the road. You still have options:

Ask for a review: if you think the decision is wrong, you can request an internal review within three months. Plenty of access decisions change on review, especially with stronger evidence about how your disability affects daily life.
Reapply when things change: if your situation or your evidence changes, you can make a new access request at any time.
Community supports still exist: the NDIS funds community programs (through what's called ILC - Information, Linkages and Capacity Building) that anyone with disability can use, participant or not. State governments and mainstream services also provide disability supports outside the NDIS.
For children: families of children under 9 can get support through the NDIS early childhood approach even without the child becoming a participant.

What happens if I don't spend all of my funds this year?

Good news first: within your current plan, unspent funding isn't lost. Most plans now release funding in instalments called Funding Periods (usually every three months) and anything you don't use in one period rolls over and stays available for the rest of your plan.

When your plan ends, though, leftover funding doesn't carry into your next plan. And if you're consistently underspending, your planner may ask about it at your reassessment. Sometimes it leads to adjusted funding, but often it's a flag that you couldn't find the right providers or supports, which is worth raising.

The best approach: use your funding steadily across your plan if you can. If something's getting in the way - provider waitlists, not knowing what you can spend on - deal with it early rather than at the end.

If you're plan-managed with us, we track your spending and flag underspending well before it becomes a problem. Email hello@providerchoice.com.au if you'd like that kind of visibility.

What happens if I'm aged over 65?

It depends on whether you're already in the scheme.

If you're already an NDIS participant when you turn 65, you're in control. You can choose to stay with the NDIS or move to the aged care system. Your supports don't automatically stop.

If you're over 65 and not yet a participant, you can't apply for the NDIS. The aged care system is the pathway for support instead. My Aged Care (myagedcare.gov.au) is the starting point there.

If you're approaching 65 and think you might be eligible for the NDIS, apply before your birthday. Eligibility is assessed at the age you apply.

What happens if I spend all my money before the end of my plan?

With Funding Periods, your plan releases funding in instalments (usually quarterly) rather than all upfront - which is designed to help prevent exactly this. You can use your current period's funding plus anything rolled over from earlier periods, but you can't borrow from future periods.

If you've used up what's available and genuinely need more support, you have options:

If it's a timing issue, your next funding period may be just around the corner
If your funding genuinely isn't enough for your needs, you can ask the NDIA for a plan reassessment. If the extra support is reasonable and necessary (fair, disability-related and something you need) your funding can be increased.

The key is acting early. If your spending is tracking faster than your plan, that's a conversation to have now, not when the funds run out.

This is one of the biggest things a plan manager helps with: we watch your budget with you so there are no surprises. Email hello@providerchoice.com.au to find out more.

What happens if you move to another state or area?

Your NDIS plan moves with you. The scheme is national, so relocating interstate or to a new area doesn't interrupt your funding.

Two things to do when you move:

Tell the NDIA about your change of circumstances: you can do this by phone on 1800 800 110 or through the change of circumstances process.
Expect some practical changes: you may need new providers in your new area and the NDIA may check whether your plan still suits your situation (for example, if your informal supports change with the move).

If you're plan-managed with us, nothing about your plan management changes when you move. We're online and support participants right across Australia.

What is an Access Request Form?

An Access Request Form is the official form you use to apply for the NDIS. It's how you tell the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) about your situation and the support you need.

The form asks for details about:

Your personal information (like age and residency)
How your disability impacts your daily life
Any support or medical evidence that helps show your eligibility

You can get an Access Request Form by calling the NDIA on 1800 800 110, or through your local NDIS office or NDIS partner.

Once you submit it, the NDIA reviews your information and lets you know whether you're eligible to become a participant.

What is a nominee?

A nominee is someone you appoint to act or make decisions on your behalf in the NDIS. Nominees have a duty to work out your wishes and make decisions in your best interests.

There are two types:

Plan nominee: can do everything you would do, including plan activities and managing plan funds. If there's something specific you don't want them deciding, you can have that noted when they're appointed.
Correspondence nominee: can deal with the NDIA on your behalf, but can't prepare, review or replace your plan, or manage your plan funds.

A nominee can be a good safety net for times when you're unavailable or need someone to speak with the NDIS for you. The unexpected happens and it's good to have a plan in place, on your terms, decided while things are calm.

To appoint a nominee, contact the NDIA on 1800 800 110.

What is a self-managed plan?

Self-management means you're in charge of the money side of your plan. You choose your providers, pay them directly and the NDIS reimburses you through the myplace portal, usually within a couple of days.

It gives you the most flexibility of any option: you can use any provider you like (registered or not) and negotiate prices directly.

You don't have to self-manage everything, either. Plenty of people self-manage some supports and have a plan manager look after the rest.

If you like the idea of self-managing but aren't ready to dive in, that's exactly what we help with. Start plan-managed with us, learn how it all works and step up to self-management when it suits you. Email hello@providerchoice.com.au to chat about it.

What is support coordination?

Support coordination is funding in your plan for someone whose job is helping you make your plan work - understanding it, connecting with providers and building your confidence to manage your supports over time.

A support coordinator helps you:

Understand your plan and what your funding can do
Find and connect with providers and set up your supports
Link with mainstream and community supports beyond the NDIS, like health, education and Centrelink services
Build your capacity, so you need less help coordinating over time

There are three levels, matched to how much help you need:

Support connection: lighter-touch help to connect with supports and get going
Support coordination: ongoing help to coordinate your supports and participate in your community
Specialist support coordination: for more complex situations, delivered by a specialist practitioner

Worth knowing: under the NDIS reforms, a new "navigator" role is being introduced over the coming years, which will gradually change how this kind of help is delivered. Nothing changes for your current plan, if support coordination is funded in it, use it.

Support coordination has to be funded in your plan, so if you'd benefit, raise it at your planning meeting. Want help to check if it's included in your current plan? Email hello@providerchoice.com.au.

What is the difference between the NDIS and NDIA?

Easy one to mix up:

The NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) is the scheme itself: the funding and supports that participants receive.
The NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency) is the government agency that runs the scheme: it makes access decisions, approves plans, and manages funding.

So you're a participant in the NDIS and it's the NDIA that approves your plan. When people say "the NDIS decided...", they usually mean the NDIA.

What is the early childhood approach?

The early childhood approach (previously called Early Childhood Early Intervention, or ECEI) is how the NDIS supports young children and their families.

It covers:

Children younger than 6 with developmental delay, no formal diagnosis needed
Children younger than 9 with disability

Support comes through early childhood partners which are teams with expertise in child development. They can connect your family with mainstream and community supports, provide some early supports directly and help you apply for an NDIS plan if your child needs longer-term help.

The whole idea is acting early: the right support in the early years can change a child's trajectory, which is why you don't need to wait for a diagnosis to get started.

If you have concerns about your child's development, talk to your GP or child health nurse, or contact the NDIS on 1800 800 110 to connect with your local early childhood partner. More detail is on the NDIS website.

What is the NDIS?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (or NDIS) is a way for people who have a disability, that inhibits everyday activities, and is likely to last for their whole life, to get the care and support they need.

The NDIS can provide support to individuals within a variety of areas including; studying, job hunting, socialising and making friends within and around their community.

What is the NDIS price guide?

What used to be called the NDIS Price Guide is now the NDIS Pricing Schedule, but it does the same job: it sets the maximum prices providers can charge for many NDIS supports.

Price limits exist to protect participants and make sure funding delivers value for money. They're reviewed at least annually, with updates usually taking effect on 1 July.

A few useful things to know:

Not every support has a price limit and the document isn't a complete list of everything the NDIS funds
If you're plan-managed or agency-managed, your providers must charge within the limits
If you self-manage, you can agree to pay more, but you rarely need to

You can find the current version on the NDIS website. And if you're plan-managed with us, you don't need to memorise it. We check every invoice against the current price limits for you.

What is the Provider Choice provider number for endorsement under PACE?

Our provider number is 4050041521. We have a helpful script you can use to endorse us as your plan manager with the NDIS if you have a PACE plan. You can access the script here.

What is the role of a planner?

An NDIS planner works for the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and helps you create your NDIS plan. Their job is to understand your goals, talk through the supports you need and make sure your plan reflects your individual situation.

During your planning meeting, your planner will:

Discuss your goals and daily support needs
Help you decide how you'd like your plan to be managed (self, NDIA or plan-managed)
Work with you to develop funding that supports your independence and wellbeing

Once your plan is approved, you'll receive a copy. That's when you can choose your providers and start using your funding.

Tip: if you'd like plan management, the planning meeting is the easiest time to ask for it. Just tell your planner and the funding gets added separately at no cost to you.

Email us at hello@providerchoice.com.au and we'll help you get ready.

What plan management options are there?

How you manage your NDIS plan is completely up to you and you can mix and match.

Your options are:

Self-management - you (or a nominee) pay providers and manage the records yourself. Maximum flexibility, most admin.
Plan management - a plan manager like Provider Choice pays your providers and tracks your budget for you. You keep the same provider choice as self-management, without the paperwork. The NDIA funds this separately, so it costs you nothing.
Agency management (NDIA-managed) - the NDIA pays your providers directly. Least admin, but you can only use NDIS-registered providers.
A combination - for example, self-managing some supports and plan-managing the rest.

You can nominate a plan manager at your planning meeting, or any time after your plan is approved.

Not sure which way to go? Email us at hello@providerchoice.com.au and we'll help you weigh it up for your situation.

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Compare your options

What providers can I choose from?

It depends on how your plan is managed and this is one of the biggest practical differences between the options:

Self-managed or plan-managed: you can use any provider you choose, registered with the NDIS or not. That opens up your local physio, cleaner, gardener or therapist, not just NDIS-registered businesses.
Agency-managed (NDIA-managed): you can only use NDIS-registered providers (businesses that have passed the NDIS quality and safeguard requirements).

Registered providers offer that extra layer of assurance but unregistered providers offer a much bigger pool of choice. With plan management you get the wider choice while we handle the payment rules in the background.

What qualifications do planners have?

NDIS planners come from a range of backgrounds, commonly social work, allied health, early childhood education and disability services. Most have worked with people with disability before and they understand every situation is different.

That said, planners are people and experience varies. The best way to get a great outcome regardless of who you get is to arrive prepared with clear goals, good evidence and a picture of your daily support needs.

That's exactly what our free preplanning tool helps you do. Or email hello@providerchoice.com.au and we'll help you get meeting-ready.

What sort of paperwork does the NDIS planner need?

Bring the evidence that shows your support needs. Depending on your situation, that can include:

Diagnosis reports from specialists
Occupational therapy, speech pathology and other allied health reports
Mental health reports
Care needs assessments
Medication charts
Home modification assessments
Quotes for assistive technology or equipment you're seeking, plus reports supporting why you need them

The theme across all of it: documents that show not just your diagnosis, but how your disability affects your daily life and what support makes the difference.

Two useful tips: you can bring a completed Plan Ready Summary from our free preplanning tool and you can submit extra documents after the meeting too so don't panic if a report isn't ready on the day.

What will the NDIS not pay for?

Since October 2024, there are official NDIS supports lists that spell out what NDIS funding can and can't be used for, so this is much clearer than it used to be.

In general, the NDIS won't fund:

Day-to-day living costs everyone has, like rent, groceries and utility bills
Supports that aren't related to your disability
Things better covered by other systems, like medical treatment (health system) or school fees (education)
Anything illegal, plus alcohol, tobacco and gambling

What it will fund is supports that relate to your disability and help you pursue your goals. That covers a lot, from support workers and therapy to assistive technology and home modifications.

There's also a replacement supports process: in some circumstances you can apply to use funding for an item that isn't a standard NDIS support, if it would do the same job better or cheaper (for example, some smart devices).

The full lists are on the NDIS website. And if you're ever unsure whether something's claimable, ask before you buy. Our Gurus check this stuff every day. Book a session or email hello@providerchoice.com.au.

When should I apply for the NDIS?

As soon as you think you might be eligible.

If you have a permanent and significant disability that affects your everyday life, there's nothing to gain by waiting. The earlier you apply, the sooner supports can start. Early intervention is a core part of the scheme's design, especially for children.

You'll need to be under 65 when you apply and an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Special Category Visa holder.

If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible, it’s worth reaching out to the NDIA or speaking with a GP, support coordinator or local area coordinator (LAC). They can help you understand what information you’ll need and guide you through the next steps.

When will I hear back after I send in my Access Request Form?

Once the NDIA has everything it needs, it aims to make access decisions within 21 days.

The clock works like this: if your request is complete, you should hear back within about three weeks. If the NDIA needs more information, they'll ask for it and the decision timeframe restarts once you've provided it. That's the most common reason applications take longer.

The practical takeaway: the more complete your evidence is upfront, the faster your answer comes. Make sure your reports clearly cover both your diagnosis and how your disability affects your daily life.

If you've been waiting longer than expected, call the NDIA on 1800 800 110 for an update.

When will my planning meeting take place?

After you've been found eligible for the NDIS, the NDIA or your local NDIS partner will contact you to book your planning meeting.

There's no set timeframe. It usually depends on how busy your local area is and how quickly you can provide any extra information the NDIA requests. Most people have their meeting within a few weeks of receiving their eligibility letter.

You'll get a call, email or letter with details about when and how the meeting will happen. It can be in person, over the phone, or online. You can also ask to reschedule if you need more time to prepare.

Where can I find more information on Local Area Coordinators?

Local area co-ordinators can help you with the NDIS, talk to supports, and help you with community supports.

You can find more information here: https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/what-ndis/whos-rolling-out-ndis/lac-partners-community.

Where does the NDIS funding come from?

NDIS funding comes from three places:

Redirected state funding: money that state and territory governments previously spent on their own disability services now flows into the NDIS.
The Medicare levy: the levy was increased from 1.5% to 2% in 2014, with the increase helping fund the NDIS.
General government revenue: the remainder comes from the federal budget.

In other words, the NDIS is funded the way Medicare is: by all of us, as a shared national scheme. It's not welfare and it's not charity, it's insurance that any Australian might one day need, which is exactly why it isn't means tested.

Where do I get NDIS forms from?

It depends what you need:

Applying for the NDIS: call the NDIA on 1800 800 110 to make an access request. They'll provide the Access Request Form and talk you through it.
Forms for existing participants: things like change of circumstances and nominee forms are on the NDIS website or available by calling 1800 800 110.
Through your contacts: your local NDIS office or NDIS partner can also provide forms and help you complete them.

If you're not sure which form your situation needs, that's a normal question. Call the NDIA, or email hello@providerchoice.com.au and we'll point you to the right one.

Where is the NDIS available?

Everywhere in Australia. The NDIS is a national scheme, available in every state and territory, cities, regions and remote areas alike.

Wherever you live, the access requirements and the scheme rules are the same. What varies by location is practical: provider availability differs between metro and remote areas and in some remote regions the NDIA works differently to connect people with supports.

If your choice of providers is thin in your area, plan management helps. It opens up the option to work with non-registered providers, which widens the pool considerably. Email hello@providerchoice.com.au if you'd like to learn more.

Who is Provider Choice?

Provider Choice is Australia's largest independent NDIS plan management provider, supporting thousands of participants and families across every state and territory (NDIS registered provider no. 4050041521).

Independent matters: we're not owned by or affiliated with any service provider, so the only interest we serve is yours. Our job is making your NDIS funding simple by paying your providers fast, tracking your budgets in real time and helping you actually understand your plan.

What Provider Choice customers get:

Invoices typically processed within 72 hours
A 24/7 real-time dashboard showing budgets, spending and claims
The Gurus - free one-on-one sessions with dedicated NDIS experts
Free tools for every stage: Plan Explainer, Planning Meeting and Plan Reassessment tools
Local plan managers across Australia and a team that answers when you call

Plan management is fully funded by the NDIS, so all of this costs you nothing from your support budget.

Curious? Sign up online in about 60 seconds to check out our portal or call 1300 776 246.

Why do I get conflicting answers from different planners?

It's a fair frustration and a common one. Planners can interpret situations differently depending on their training and experience, so two planners sometimes give different answers to the same question.

The NDIS knows consistency matters, which is why planners work to published Operational Guidelines. You can read them yourself on the NDIS website. Knowing what the guidelines actually say is a genuinely powerful position to be in.

And you're not stuck with an answer that doesn't seem right:

If your planning meeting didn't meet your needs, contact your local NDIS office or NDIS partner straight away. In many cases they'll arrange a new meeting with a different planner
If your plan itself isn't working, you can ask for a review of the decision

You don't have to navigate this solo. Email hello@providerchoice.com.au and we'll help you work out your next move.

Why should I use a plan manager?

A plan manager gives you the freedom of self-management without the paperwork.

You keep full choice and control over your providers, including non-registered providers, while we handle the invoices, budget tracking and NDIS rules in the background. And because the NDIA funds plan management separately, it doesn't cost you anything from your support budget.

At Provider Choice, we go further than paying invoices. We help you actually understand your funding, so you feel confident and in control of every decision.

Curious whether it's right for you? Email hello@providerchoice.com.au and we'll talk it through, no pressure.

Will NDIS funding continue when I turn 65?

Yes, if you're already an NDIS participant, turning 65 doesn't end your supports.

You get to choose: stay with the NDIS and keep your plan, or move across to the aged care system if that suits your needs better. Nobody makes that call except you.

It's worth reviewing your options as you approach 65, because the two systems fund different things.

Will the NDIS affect my Centrelink payments?

Good news: no. Centrelink doesn't count NDIS funding as income, so getting an NDIS plan won't reduce payments like the Disability Support Pension or JobSeeker. NDIS funding is also tax-free and doesn't affect Child Support assessments.

There's one exception to know about: Mobility Allowance stops once you have an NDIS plan, because transport support moves into your plan instead. If that applies to you, make sure transport funding is discussed at your planning meeting.

You can double-check the details on the Services Australia website, or if you're a Provider Choice customer, ask our Gurus. We're happy to help you make sense of how it all fits together. Book a session here.

Will the NDIS fund car modifications?

Yes, the NDIS can fund vehicle modifications where they're reasonable and necessary for your disability. This is things like hand controls, ramps, hoists or wheelchair restraints.

A couple of practical notes: the NDIS funds modifications to a vehicle, not the vehicle itself (a car is an everyday cost, the changes that make it usable for you are the disability support). Modifications usually need an assessment and quotes before approval.

If getting around independently is one of your goals, vehicle modifications are worth raising at your planning meeting. Email hello@providerchoice.com.au and we can see if you can access it with your current plan.

Will the NDIS fund education?

The NDIS funds supports that help you access and participate in education, but not the education itself.

That means the NDIS can fund things like a support worker to help you get ready for school or uni, assistive technology you need to learn, or transport where your disability means you can't get there independently.

The education system covers the rest: fees, tutoring, teachers' aides and changes to school buildings are the responsibility of schools and education departments.

Moving from school to further study or work is also something the NDIS can support through Capacity Building funding. It's worth raising as a goal at your planning meeting. Have questions about an upcoming plan review? Email hello@providerchoice.com.au.

Will the NDIS fund house modifications?

Yes, the NDIS can fund changes to your home where they're reasonable and necessary for your disability.

Home modifications funding can cover things like:

Ramps, rails and accessible bathrooms
Slip-resistant flooring
The professional side too - assessments, building certification and project management for the modification

Bigger modifications usually need an assessment (often from an occupational therapist) and quotes before the NDIA approves funding, so build in some lead time.

For people with very high support needs who can't live in mainstream housing, Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is a separate support.

Will the NDIS fund sport and exercise activities?

The NDIS won't pay for the things any club member pays like fees, uniforms or standard equipment. But it can fund the disability-related supports that make sport and exercise possible for you.

That can include:

A support worker to help you attend and participate
Exercise physiology, where it relates to managing your disability
Specialised equipment, like a sports wheelchair, where it's reasonable and necessary

So the question isn't "will the NDIS fund my sport?" - it's "what support do I need because of my disability to take part?" Frame it that way at your planning meeting, connected to a goal like building fitness or community participation.

Have more questions about your NDIS plan? Email hello@providerchoice.com.au.

Will the NDIS pay for domestic help, for example cleaning, and gardening, in my home through the NDIS?

Yes, the NDIS can fund help around the home (like cleaning, cooking or gardening) where your disability means you can't manage those tasks yourself and the support is reasonable and necessary.

The key is the link to your disability. The NDIS funds the help because of the functional impact of your disability, not as general housekeeping. If you could do these tasks without support, they'd be an everyday cost like anyone else's.

If this is support you need, raise it at your planning meeting and connect it to daily living goals. We can help you work out whether it fits your plan. Just email hello@providerchoice.com.au.

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NDIS Basics & How the NDIS Works

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NDIS Eligibility & How to Apply

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NDIS Plans & Funding Categories

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NDIS Plan Management

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NDIS Payments, Centrelink & Tax

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Finding NDIS Providers & Support Coordination

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NDIS Plan Reviews, Changes & Complaints

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About Provider Choice

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NDIS Basics & How the NDIS Works

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NDIS Plan Reviews, Changes & Complaints

About Provider Choice