How to Get an NDIS Plan in Australia: Step by Step (2025)

Getting an NDIS plan can feel overwhelming — but it does not have to be. This step-by-step guide explains exactly how to apply, what to expect, and how to make sure your plan reflects your real needs.

Step 1: Check If You Are Eligible

To access the NDIS you must:

• Be under 65 years of age when you first apply
• Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Special Category Visa holder
• Have a permanent and significant disability that affects your ability to take part in everyday activities

The NDIS also has an early intervention pathway for children under 9 with developmental concerns, and for people whose condition may worsen without early support.

Step 2: Gather Your Evidence

Your application will need evidence of your disability and how it affects your daily life. This usually includes:

• Reports from your GP, specialist, or treating health professional
• Occupational therapy assessments
• Psychology or psychiatry reports (for psychosocial disability)
• Hospital records or discharge summaries

The more detailed and specific the evidence, the stronger your application. Evidence should clearly describe the functional impact of your disability — not just the diagnosis.

Step 3: Submit Your Access Request

Contact the NDIS directly to start your access request:

• Call 1800 800 110 (Monday to Friday, 8am–8pm)
• Visit an NDIS office or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) in person
• Complete the Access Request Form and submit it with your evidence

In Ballarat, Local Area Coordinators can help you through this process at no cost to you.

Step 4: The Planning Meeting

If your access request is approved, you will have a planning meeting with an NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator. This is where your NDIS plan is created.

Come prepared with:

• A list of your goals (short and long term)
• Details of your current supports — formal and informal
• What activities you want to do but currently cannot
• Any reports from therapists or health professionals

Tip: Bring a support person, advocate, or family member to your planning meeting. They can help you remember everything and speak up if you forget something important.

Step 5: Receive Your Plan

After the planning meeting, you will receive your NDIS plan — usually within a few weeks. Your plan will outline:

• Your goals
• The funding allocated to each support category
• How your plan is managed (agency managed, plan managed, or self managed)
• Your plan review date

Step 6: Choose Your Providers

Once you have your plan, you can choose your NDIS providers. If you are in Ballarat, Gentle Grid Disability and Nursing Services offers all 14 registration groups and can support most or all of your plan needs from one local provider.

See our guide on how to choose the right NDIS provider before making your decision.

What If My Application Is Rejected?

If your access request is rejected, you can request an internal review within 3 months. If the review upholds the decision, you can appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). An NDIS advocate can help you through this process — ask your LAC for a referral.

What If My Plan Does Not Reflect My Needs?

You can request a plan review at any time if your circumstances change significantly. You can also prepare thoroughly for your scheduled plan review to ensure your next plan better reflects your needs. See our guide on how to get the most from your NDIS plan review.

Need Help Navigating Your NDIS Plan in Ballarat?

Our Support Coordination team helps NDIS participants in Ballarat understand and use their plans effectively. We can connect you with the right providers, help you maximise your funding, and support you through plan reviews.

Contact Gentle Grid or call (03) 9961 6007 for a initial meeting.