If someone in your family has recently been diagnosed with a permanent disability, or you've just heard about the NDIS, the first steps can feel overwhelming. Here is the path most families take, in plain English.
1. Check eligibility
The NDIS supports people with a permanent and significant disability. To apply, the person generally needs to be under 65, and an Australian citizen, permanent resident or Protected Special Category Visa holder. Children under 9 may be supported through the early childhood approach without a formal diagnosis.
2. Make an access request
Call the NDIS on 1800 800 110 or complete the access request form at ndis.gov.au. You'll need evidence from a treating doctor or specialist describing the disability, how long it will last and how it affects everyday life. Good evidence makes a big difference, so ask your clinicians to be specific about functional impact.
3. The planning meeting
Once access is approved, an NDIA planner or Local Area Coordinator will meet you to build the first plan. Come prepared: write down daily routines, what's hard, what help you already get from family, and what goals matter — things like making friends, getting a job, or showering independently. Goals shape the funding.
4. Receive the plan
Your plan sets out funded supports in budgets such as Core, Capacity Building and Capital. You'll also choose how the funding is managed: by the NDIA, by a plan manager, or yourself. (We've written a separate guide on that.)
5. Choose providers and start
With a plan in hand, you can contact providers like Borealis Care. We offer a free meet-and-greet to understand your goals, then prepare a service agreement that explains exactly what we'll deliver and from which budget. Most supports begin within a week or two.
You don't have to do any of this alone. If you're unsure where you are in the process, call us on 1300 WE NDIS and we'll help you work out the next step.