NDIS explained

Everything you need to know about the NDIS

The NDIS can feel complicated at first. This page answers the most common questions — from eligibility and applications to understanding your plan and choosing a provider.

Step by step

How to get started with the NDIS

The process has four main stages. Here is what to expect at each one.

Check eligibility

Review the NDIS eligibility criteria or call the NDIA on 1800 800 110. You can also contact us and we will help you understand whether you are likely to qualify.

Submit your application

Complete an Access Request Form with supporting evidence from your treating health professional. The NDIA will assess your application and notify you of their decision.

Attend your planning meeting

If approved, you will meet with an NDIA planner to discuss your goals and the supports you need. Your NDIS plan is created with a funding budget based on your needs.

Choose your providers

Once you have your plan, you can choose the providers you want to work with. Contact Artemis Support and we will match you with a support worker and get started.

Common questions

NDIS questions, plain answers

We have answered the questions we hear most often. If yours isn't here, get in touch — we are happy to help.

The basics

What is the NDIS?

  • The NDIS is an Australian Government program that provides funding and support to people with permanent and significant disability. It is designed to help you pursue your goals, build independence, and participate in your community. The NDIS is managed by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).

  • The NDIS is for Australians under 65 who have a permanent disability that significantly affects their ability to take part in everyday activities. This includes physical, intellectual, cognitive, neurological, sensory, and psychosocial disabilities.

  • Yes. The NDIS is available across all of Australia, including the Greater Sydney area. Artemis Support operates throughout Greater Sydney and can help you access and use your NDIS funding locally.

Eligibility

Am I eligible?

  • To be eligible you generally need to: be under 65 years of age when you first apply; be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Special Category Visa holder; and have a permanent disability that significantly affects your daily life. The NDIA assesses eligibility on a case-by-case basis.

  • A permanent disability is one that is likely to be lifelong. "Significant" means it substantially reduces your ability to participate in everyday activities. The NDIA considers functional impact — not just a diagnosis — when assessing eligibility.

  • Yes. Receiving other government support (such as the Disability Support Pension) does not automatically make you eligible or ineligible for the NDIS. The NDIS is based on your disability-related support needs, not your income or other benefits.

Getting started

How do I apply?

  • You can apply by calling the NDIA on 1800 800 110 and requesting an Access Request Form, or by visiting your local NDIS office. You will need to provide evidence of your disability from a treating health professional. Artemis Support can help you understand what evidence is needed.

  • The NDIA will assess your application and decide whether you meet the access criteria. If approved, you will be invited to a planning meeting where you and an NDIA planner discuss your goals and the supports you need. Your NDIS plan is then created with a funding budget.

  • Processing times vary. The NDIA aims to make access decisions within 21 days of receiving a complete application. Planning meetings are typically scheduled within a few weeks of approval. The whole process can take several months, so it is worth starting early.

Your plan

Understanding your funding

  • Core Supports are the most flexible part of your NDIS plan. They fund everyday activities and supports that help you live your life — including assistance with daily activities, community participation, consumables, and transport. The services Artemis Support provides (cooking, cleaning, gardening, and transport) are funded under Core Supports.

  • Yes. If your plan is self-managed or plan-managed, you can choose any registered or unregistered provider. If your plan is NDIA-managed, you must use registered providers. Artemis Support is a registered NDIS provider, so we can work with all plan types.

  • NDIA-managed means the NDIA pays providers directly and you must use registered providers. Plan-managed means a registered plan manager handles payments on your behalf, giving you more provider choice. Self-managed means you control your funding directly and can use any provider. Each option has different levels of flexibility and administrative responsibility.

Working with us

How Artemis Support can help

  • We provide four core support services funded under NDIS Core Supports: cooking and meal preparation, cleaning and household tasks, gardening and lawn maintenance, and transport and community access. All services are delivered in the Greater Sydney area.

  • Simply get in touch with us via our contact page or by calling 1800 123 456. We will have a friendly conversation about your needs, check that your NDIS plan covers the supports you want, and match you with a suitable support worker. There is no pressure and no obligation.

  • No. You are welcome to reach out at any stage — whether you are just starting your NDIS application, waiting for your plan, or already have funding in place. We are happy to answer questions and help you understand what to expect.

For official NDIS information, visit ndis.gov.au or call the NDIA on 1800 800 110.

Ask us a question
Ready when you are

Have your NDIS plan? Let's get started.

Whether you have an active plan or are just beginning the process, we are here to help. Reach out and one of our team will walk you through everything — no jargon, no pressure.