The quick answer
If you are wondering how to apply for ndis funding, start by checking the eligibility requirements on the NDIS website and contacting an NDIS partner for guidance. You will need to provide information about your disability, how it affects your everyday life and supporting evidence from your treating health professionals. The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) will review your application and decide whether you meet the requirements.
Key takeaways
Check the eligibility requirements before applying.
Gather evidence about your disability and everyday function.
Contact a Local Area Coordinator or NDIS partner for help with your application.
Access request
An application for access to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). It provides information about your circumstances, disability and support needs so the NDIA can assess whether you are eligible.
The short answer
Learning how to apply for NDIS funding can feel overwhelming, but the process is easier to understand when you break it into smaller steps.
The NDIS provides support for eligible Australians with disability, including people who meet the disability or early intervention requirements.
Applying involves checking whether you meet the requirements, gathering supporting evidence and submitting an access request.
You do not necessarily need to complete an Access Request Form yourself. An NDIS partner can help you through the application process.
Before you apply
Before applying, check whether you meet the NDIS eligibility requirements.
The NDIA considers several factors, including your age, residency status and whether you meet the disability or early intervention requirements.
Having a disability or receiving treatment does not automatically mean you will qualify for NDIS funding.
The NDIS also considers how your disability affects your everyday activities, such as moving around, communicating, learning, caring for yourself and managing daily tasks.
You can check the current requirements at ndis.gov.au or speak with a Local Area Coordinator.
The steps to apply
The application process generally involves checking your eligibility, gathering evidence and submitting information to the NDIA.
1. Contact an NDIS partner
An NDIS partner can explain the application process, discuss your circumstances and help you understand what information you may need.
For many adults, a Local Area Coordinator is a useful starting point. Families applying for younger children may be directed to an early childhood partner.
2. Gather supporting evidence
You will generally need information from treating health professionals who understand your disability and how it affects your life.
This might include reports from your GP, physiotherapist, occupational therapist or other relevant health professionals.
Existing reports and assessments may already contain useful information, so you may not need to start from scratch.
3. Complete your application
An NDIS partner can help you complete and submit your application.
Alternatively, you can complete an Access Request Form yourself and submit it using one of the methods listed on the NDIS website.
Make sure the information is accurate and that any required supporting evidence is included.
4. Submit your application
Once your application is complete, it can be submitted to the NDIA.
Keep copies of your application and supporting documents in case you need to refer to them later.
5. Wait for a decision
The NDIA will review your application and supporting evidence.
They may contact you or your treating health professionals if more information is needed.
Evidence that helps
Useful evidence helps explain your disability, the impairments associated with it and how these affect your everyday life.
A diagnosis can be important, but the NDIA also needs to understand the impact of your disability and whether you meet the relevant access requirements.
For example, physiotherapy assessments may provide information about your mobility, physical capacity and difficulties completing everyday activities.
This may include walking, negotiating stairs, moving around your home or participating in activities that matter to you.
Depending on your circumstances, neurological physiotherapy assessments may also describe how neurological impairments affect movement, balance and everyday function.
The question is not simply whether you have a disability, but how it affects what you can do and the support you may need.
Evidence that may support an NDIS application
| Type of evidence | Who can provide it | Why it helps |
| Medical reports and diagnostic information | GP or relevant treating health professional | Provides information about your disability and associated impairments |
| Functional assessments | Physiotherapist, occupational therapist or other relevant allied health professional | Explains how your impairments affect everyday activities |
| Treatment history and existing reports | Treating health professionals | Describes previous treatment, ongoing impairments and relevant support needs |
| Evidence of early intervention needs | Relevant treating health professionals | Helps explain whether early intervention may reduce future support needs or improve or maintain function |
Not everyone will need every type of report. The most useful evidence depends on your circumstances and the NDIS requirements you are being assessed against.
Keep one folder
Store your reports, assessments, application documents and correspondence together, either digitally or in a physical folder. This makes it easier to find information if the NDIA requests further evidence.
Good to know
You do not have to navigate the application process alone. An NDIS partner, family member, carer or treating health professional may be able to help you understand and complete the application.
From the clinic
When assessing someone, we often start by asking how we can help them and what they hope to achieve. We then explore how their condition affects their everyday activities and assess relevant aspects of their physical function, such as strength, balance and mobility. This helps us understand their current abilities, any difficulties they experience and what support may be appropriate.
- Check the current eligibility requirements on ndis.gov.au.
- Contact an NDIS partner for guidance.
- Gather relevant reports and supporting evidence.
- Complete and submit your application.
- Respond to any requests for further information.
After you apply
After you submit your application, the NDIA reviews the information and decides whether you meet the NDIS access requirements.
If more evidence is needed, you may be asked to provide additional reports or information from your treating health professionals.
If your application is approved, you can begin the next steps of understanding your support needs and developing your NDIS plan.
If your application is not approved, you should receive information explaining the decision. You can ask about your options, including requesting a review if you disagree.
Being approved for the NDIS does not automatically mean every support or therapy will be funded. What is included in your plan depends on your individual circumstances and the applicable NDIS rules.
As a registered NDIS provider, we understand that people may have questions about where physiotherapy fits into their support needs.
One question you might have is, 'do I need physiotherapy?'
The answer depends on your goals, functional difficulties and circumstances. A physiotherapist may help assess your movement and physical function, but having physiotherapy is not a requirement for every NDIS application.
If you are already an NDIS participant, you can check your plan and speak with your planner, Local Area Coordinator, support coordinator or plan manager about whether physiotherapy may be an appropriate funded support.
Red flag: Unsure about your application or evidence
Speak with a Local Area Coordinator or your GP if you are unsure about your eligibility, what evidence to provide or how your disability should be documented. You can also find current application guidance at ndis.gov.au.
A useful application helps explain not just your disability, but how it affects your everyday life and the support you may need.
What to do this week
Read the eligibility information on ndis.gov.au.
Gather any existing medical reports or functional assessments.
Contact your Local Area Coordinator or relevant NDIS partner to discuss your next steps.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an NDIS application take?
Processing times can vary depending on your circumstances and whether further information is required. Check ndis.gov.au for current information.
What evidence helps an NDIS application?
Medical reports, relevant assessments and information about how your disability affects everyday activities can help the NDIA assess your application.
Can a physio help with my NDIS application?
Yes. A physiotherapist may provide assessments or reports about your physical function, mobility and how your impairments affect everyday activities, where relevant to your application.
What happens after I apply?
The NDIA reviews your application and may request more information before making a decision. You will be advised of the outcome and the next steps.
