Understanding NDIS

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (also called the NDIS) is the new way of providing support to Australians with disability, their families and carers. 

The NDIS will provide all Australians under the age of 65 who have a permanent and significant disability with the reasonable and necessary supports they need to enjoy an ordinary life. 

The NDIS will help people with disability achieve their goals, including independence, community involvement, education, employment and health and wellbeing. 

As an insurance scheme, the NDIS takes a lifetime approach, investing in people with disability early to improve their outcomes later in life. 

The NDIS also provides people with disability, their families and carers with information and referrals to existing support services in the community. 

Why do we need the NDIS? 

People with disability have the same right as other Australians to decide their best interests and to have choice and control over their lives. 

The NDIS recognises that everyone's needs and goals are different. 

The NDIS provides people with individualised support and the flexibility to manage their supports to help them achieve their goals and enjoy an ordinary life. 

The NDIS replaces a disability system that was unfair and inefficient with a new, national system that is world-leading, equitable and sustainable. 

This provides certainty and consistency for people with disability, their families and carers.

Australians will now have peace of mind that if their child or loved one is born with, or acquires a significant disability that is likely to be with them for life, they will get the support they need, when they need it.