Understand the NDIS with greater confidence.
The NDIS can feel complex. This guide explains the fundamentals in plain language and shows where Jonquilla Care may be able to support your journey.
Disclaimer: This page provides general information only. Eligibility and funding decisions are made by the National Disability Insurance Agency. Always confirm current requirements through the official NDIS website or by calling 1800 800 110.
What is the NDIS?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme provides eligible Australians with funding for reasonable and necessary supports related to permanent and significant disability or eligible early-intervention needs. Supports are intended to help participants pursue goals, develop independence and take part in home, work and community life.
- National
- The scheme operates across Australian states and territories.
- Disability
- Supports eligible people with intellectual, physical, sensory, cognitive and psychosocial disability, as well as early-intervention needs.
- Insurance
- Provides Australians with reassurance that eligible support is available when significant disability affects them or a loved one.
- Scheme
- Designed to fund supports that improve skills, independence and participation; it is not a welfare payment.
Basic eligibility questions
You may be eligible to apply if:
- You are younger than 65 on the day you apply
- You meet the NDIS residence requirements
- You are an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible Protected Special Category Visa holder
- You meet the disability requirements, early-intervention requirements, or both
For children younger than nine, families should follow the NDIS early childhood pathway. Eligibility depends on individual circumstances and supporting evidence.
How to apply
- Review current access requirements on the official NDIS website.
- Connect with an NDIS partner, local NDIS office or early childhood partner where relevant.
- Provide identity, residency and disability or early-intervention evidence.
- Complete the application or Access Request Form process requested by the NDIS.
- Wait for the NDIA to assess the information and advise the outcome.
What happens after approval?
Your NDIS contact or partner will work with you through planning and implementation. Your plan sets out goals, funded supports and budgets. You can then choose appropriate providers and establish service agreements. Plans are reassessed as circumstances and goals change.
Choice and control
Participants can exercise choice over suitable providers and how funded supports are delivered, within the plan and NDIS rules. Jonquilla Care can explain its services and work with you to create support arrangements aligned with your preferences.
NDIS funding
NDIS funding can provide access to approved disability-related supports, services and products. The supports included in each plan depend on the participant's individual disability-related needs, circumstances and goals. Funding is not identical for every participant.
myplace and participant portals
What is myplace? myplace is a secure participant portal accessed through myGov. Depending on which NDIS computer system holds your plan, you may use myplace or the newer my NDIS participant portal.
Portal functions may include:
- Viewing current and previous plans
- Checking contact details and NDIS messages
- Creating or viewing payment requests when relevant
- Managing service bookings where applicable
- Uploading documents and assessments
- Sharing plan information with trusted people or providers
- Finding provider information
Portal access: sign in through myGov and follow the NDIS instructions linked to your participant record. If an activation code expires or you need portal help, contact the NDIS on 1800 800 110.
Service agreements & service bookings
An agreement between a participant and provider explaining the supports to be delivered, responsibilities, prices, cancellation terms and other expectations. Service agreements are usually written and do not necessarily appear in the participant portal.
A portal arrangement used in relevant plans to reserve budget for services a provider will deliver and claim. Service bookings and service agreements are different things.
General FAQ
What does the NDIS cover?
The NDIS may fund a wide range of reasonable and necessary disability-related supports, including personal care, capacity building, assistive technology, home modifications, community participation and respite. What is funded depends on the individual plan.
Can I choose my providers?
Participants generally have choice and control over providers, subject to their plan-management arrangement and applicable NDIS rules.
How can Jonquilla help?
Jonquilla Care can explain its available services, discuss how they may relate to your goals and provide agreed supports across Victoria. Our support coordination service can also assist eligible participants whose plans include that funding.
Is Jonquilla the organisation that approves NDIS funding?
No. Eligibility, planning and funding decisions are made by the NDIA. Jonquilla Care is a registered provider of disability supports.
What is the difference between a Local Area Coordinator and a Support Coordinator?
A Local Area Coordinator works within the NDIS partner system and may help people connect with the NDIS and community supports. A Support Coordinator is funded in some participant plans to help implement the plan, coordinate more complex supports and build the participant's capacity.
What is Specialist Support Coordination?
It is a higher level of coordination for participants with complex situations who need specialist assistance to manage challenges and establish consistent support.
Need help finding the right Jonquilla service?
Tell us about your plan and goals. We will explain what we provide and help you identify a useful next step.