What is the NDIS?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an Australian Government initiative that provides funding and support to people with a permanent and significant disability. It is administered by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).
The NDIS gives eligible participants a personalised plan with funding to purchase supports and services that help them achieve their goals, increase their independence and participate in the community.
The NDIS is not a welfare payment — it is an investment in people with disability to help them live more independently and participate in the community.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible for the NDIS 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
- Have a permanent and significant disability that affects your ability to take part in everyday activities
- Require support to reduce the impact of your disability now, to prevent it worsening in future
What does an NDIS plan include?
Your NDIS plan outlines your goals and the funded supports to help you achieve them. Funding is organised into three support categories:
Core Supports
Help with everyday activities, community participation and transport.
Capacity Building
Supports to build your skills and independence over time.
Capital Supports
Funding for assistive technology, equipment and home modifications.
How is funding managed?
There are three ways your NDIS funding can be managed:
- NDIA-managed: The NDIA pays your providers directly. You can only use registered providers.
- Self-managed: You manage your own funding, pay providers and keep records. More flexible but more work.
- Plan-managed: A registered plan manager (like Genuine Care Management) handles all the financial admin. You get flexibility to use any provider and no paperwork hassle — and it's free.
Plan management gives you the best of both worlds — the flexibility of self-management without the administrative burden. And it doesn't cost you anything extra.
How can Genuine Care Management help?
As your registered NDIS plan manager, Genuine Care Management will:
- Pay your provider invoices within 48 hours
- Track your budget across all support categories in real time
- Provide fortnightly and monthly budget statements
- Liaise with your providers on your behalf
- Help you understand your plan and funding
- Support you at plan reviews with financial reporting