How to apply for NDIS

The NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) is a government program that pays for supports and services for people with permanent disability. If you or someone you care for has a disability that affects their everyday life, you may be eligible. Here’s how to apply.

Step 1: Check if you’re eligible

To be eligible for NDIS, you must:

• Have a permanent (ongoing) disability that affects your everyday activities
• Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
• Be under 65 years old
• Usually live in Australia

If this sounds like you or the person you care for — call and ask. You don’t have to be certain before you call.

Step 2: Ring NDIS — 1800 800 110

Call 1800 800 110 (free call, weekdays 8am-8pm). Tell them you want to ask about NDIS access. They’ll ask you questions about the disability and what support needs look like. They may send you an Access Request form.

You can also apply online at ndis.gov.au — search “access request.”

Step 3: Get supporting documents from your doctor or GP

NDIS needs evidence of the disability. This usually means reports from:

• Your GP or specialist
• Allied health professionals (occupational therapist, physiotherapist, psychologist, etc.)

Get these organised early. This is the part that takes longest. If you don’t have a regular GP, MDAS in Mildura can help: (03) 5023 5023.

Step 4: Get help with the application — Mildura NDIS LAC

The Mildura NDIS Local Area Coordinator (LAC) can help you through the whole process for free. They’re based in Mildura but cover the whole Mallee region. Ring (03) 5022 5444 (headspace Mildura — they can connect you or give you the right LAC contact).

LACs can:

• Help you understand NDIS
• Help you fill in the forms
• Explain what documents you need
• Give you information about what funding might look like

Step 5: Get Aboriginal-specific support — MDAS disability team

MDAS has a disability support team that can help Aboriginal people navigate NDIS. They understand the community and can advocate for you. Ring (03) 5023 5023 and ask for the disability team.

Step 6: Submit your Access Request

Once you have your supporting documents, submit your Access Request. NDIS will write to you to tell you whether you’re eligible. This usually takes a few weeks.

Step 7: Your NDIS Planning Meeting

If you’re approved, you’ll have a planning meeting — either face-to-face or by phone — where you and an NDIS planner work out what supports you need. You can bring:

• A family member or friend
• An advocate
• An MDAS or LAC worker

Prepare for this meeting. Write down what daily life looks like, what help you need, and what goals you have. The more specific you are, the better your plan will be.

Step 8: If you disagree with your plan or eligibility decision

You can ask for a review. Get help from the Mildura NDIS LAC or MDAS to do this. It’s not hard but it helps to have someone who knows the system.

Key numbers

• 1800 800 110 — NDIS (to ask about access)
• (03) 5022 5444 — Mildura NDIS LAC / headspace Mildura
• (03) 5023 5023 — MDAS (Mildura Aboriginal Corporation)