What is the NDIS and how does it work in Queensland?

Everything you need to know about Australia’s disability support scheme, including what makes Queensland different.

If you or someone you care for lives with a disability, you’ve probably heard the term NDIS, but understanding what it actually means and how to access it can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down the NDIS in plain language, with a specific focus on how it works in Queensland.

What is the NDIS?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is the Australian Government’s system of support for people living with a permanent and significant disability. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, the NDIS gives eligible individuals a personalised plan and funding to access the supports they need to live as independently and fully as possible. 

It is administered by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and operates under the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013. The scheme launched nationally in 2016 and now supports hundreds of thousands of Australians. 

Who is eligible for the NDIS?

The NDIS is for people under 65 who have a permanent disability that substantially reduces their functional capacity. It covers physical, intellectual, sensory, cognitive, and psychosocial disabilities. 

To be eligible, you generally need to meet all of the following:

1. Age requirement – You must be under 65 at the time of your first access request to the NDIA.
2. Residency requirement  – You must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa.
3. Disability requirement – You have a permanent disability caused by an impairment that substantially reduces your functional capacity in one or more areas of daily life.
4. Early intervention requirement – Alternatively, you may qualify if early support is likely to reduce your future needs or help a child develop key skills.

How does the NDIS work, step by step?

The NDIS creates an individual plan for each participant, a document that states your goals and the funded supports allocated to help you reach them. Here’s how you get there:

Decline? A first-round decision isn’t necessarily final. You have the right to request an internal review with the NDIA, and if still unsuccessful, you can escalate to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). Get advocacy support before you give up.

What does the NDIS fund?

NDIS funding is structured across three main support budget categories:

How is NDIS funding managed?

One of the most important things to understand about the NDIS is that there are three ways your plan funding can be managed and each gives you a different level of control and flexibility.

Many participants use a combination of management types across different support categories within the same plan. 

How does the NDIS work in Queensland specifically?

The core NDIS framework is the same across all of Australia, but Queensland has specific arrangements worth understanding, particularly around who helps you navigate the scheme.