Navigating your funding options
NDIS
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has transformed the way disability support is delivered across Australia.
It gives individuals greater choice and control over the support they receive. You, or someone you nominate such as a family member or representative, can make decisions about the services you need based on your goals, preferences and support requirements.
You can choose who provides your support, what that support looks like and when it is delivered. Funding is provided directly to the individual, rather than to service providers, giving you more flexibility and control.
There are different ways funding can be managed, and support is available to help you understand and navigate these options.
At its core, the NDIS is designed to give you more control over your life and the support you receive.
Additional information is available at:
NDIS website
QLD Government NDIS website
Fact sheets and publications
UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCE
NDIS and NDIA
The NDIS and NDIA are closely connected, but they serve different roles.
The NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) is the system itself. It is a national program that provides funding and support to individuals with a disability.
The NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency) is the organisation responsible for delivering and managing the NDIS. They work alongside state governments to ensure consistent delivery across Australia, while also recognising the needs of each region.
The NDIA is your main point of contact for accessing the scheme, discussing your needs and answering any questions you may have.
We are also here to help. Our team can support you in understanding how the NDIS works and guide you through the process in a way that feels clear and manageable.
NDIS and NDIA

Website: www.ndis.gov.au
Phone: 1800 800 110
Quality Lifestyle Support
Phone: 07 4659 5476
UNDERSTANDING ELIGIBILITY
NDIS legislation
As the NDIS has transitioned from state-based systems to a national framework, new legislation now applies. This is outlined in the: National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013.
Who is eligible?
There are a number of requirements that need to be met to access the NDIS. These include:
Disability requirements
Age requirements
Residency requirements
Qualifying residency requirements
Early intervention requirements
Disability requirements
You may meet the disability requirements for the NDIS if:
- You have an impairment or condition that is likely to be permanent (lifelong), and
- Your impairment significantly impacts your ability to take part in everyday activities
This may include situations where:
- You require support from other people, or
- You rely on assistive technology or equipment (beyond everyday items such as glasses), or
- You are unable to participate effectively even with support or equipment
Your impairment must also:
- Affect your ability to participate socially or economically, and
- Be likely to require ongoing support under the NDIS
Conditions that vary in intensity, such as chronic or episodic conditions, may still be considered permanent if they are ongoing and require long-term support.
SUPPORT AT THE RIGHT TIME
Early intervention
You may be eligible for early intervention support if certain criteria are met.

- If you have an impairment or condition that is likely to be permanent and
- There is evidence that getting supports now (early interventions) will help you by:
- Reducing how much help youwill need to do things because of your impairment in the future and
- Improving or reducing deterioration of your functional capacity or
- Helping your family and carers to keep helping you and
- Those supports are most appropriately funded through the NDIS, an not through another service system.
Pathway 1
- You are a child aged 9 years of age with developmental delay which results in:
- Substantially reduced functional capacity in one or more of the areas of self-care, receptive and expressive language, cognitive development or motor development and
- Results in the need for a combination and sequence of special interdisciplinary or generic care, treatment or other services which are of extended duration, and are individually planned and coordinated; and
- Those supports are most appropriately funded through the NDIS, and not through another service system.
- If you meet these criteria, the next step is planning. There are resources available to help you get started.
Pathway 2
Understanding your funding
It’s important to understand what NDIS funding can and cannot be used for.
The Commonwealth and Queensland Governments will continue to provide disability supports to existing clients until their NDIS plan is approved.
For more information:
Website: www.ndis.gov.au
Phone: 1800 800 110
Your plan options
How your funding can be managed
There are several ways your NDIS plan can be managed, depending on what works best for you.
Agency managed – providers claim payments directly through the NDIA
Plan managed – a plan manager supports you by handling financial transactions on your behalf
Self-managed – you, or your nominee, manage your funding and payments directly
Automated payments (transport only) – transport funding can be paid directly into your account on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis
Combination – a mix of these options can be used to suit your individual needs
Resources to help guide you:
Self managing your plan
Change in circumstances
Transport funding
UNDERSTANDING YOUR SUPPORT
What is a service provider?
A service provider delivers the supports outlined in your plan.
They do not create your plan, but they can help connect you with the right people or organisations who do. You may choose to work with one provider or several, depending on your needs and the supports required. Once you have chosen a provider for some or all of your supports, you will need a service agreement to outline how those supports will be delivered.
