NDIS Information
Understanding the NDIS
The National Disability Insurance Scheme funds the support you need to live your life your way. Here's everything you need to know — in plain language.
The basics
What is the NDIS?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an Australian Government initiative that provides funding to people with a permanent and significant disability. It's designed to help you access the supports and services you need to live an ordinary life.
Unlike previous disability support systems, the NDIS is person-centred — meaning the funding follows you, not a service. You choose who provides your support, when they provide it, and how it's delivered.
The NDIS is managed by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), and it operates across all states and territories, including the Northern Territory.
Eligibility
Am I eligible?
To access the NDIS, you generally need to meet the following criteria:
Age
You are under 65 years of age when you first apply.
Residency
You are an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa.
Disability
You have a permanent and significant disability that affects your ability to take part in everyday activities.
Early Intervention
You have a child under 7 with a developmental delay or disability, or you have a condition where early support could reduce future needs.
Not sure if you're eligible? Contact us and we'll help you work it out — no cost, no obligation.
Step by step
How does the NDIS work?
Apply
Contact the NDIA to make an access request. You'll need to provide evidence of your disability from a treating health professional.
Planning meeting
If approved, you'll have a planning meeting with an NDIA planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) to discuss your goals and the supports you need.
Receive your plan
Your NDIS plan is created, outlining your goals and the funding allocated across different support categories.
Choose your providers
You choose which registered providers deliver your supports — including Safe Hands NT. You're in control.
Review and grow
Your plan is reviewed regularly (usually annually) to make sure it still reflects your goals and changing needs.
Your funding
NDIS funding categories
NDIS funding is divided into three broad support categories:
Core Supports
Funding for everyday activities — assistance with daily life, transport, consumables, and social and community participation. This is the most flexible category.
Capacity Building
Funding to help you build skills and independence over time — including support coordination, improved daily living, and employment support.
Capital Supports
Funding for higher-cost items like assistive technology, home modifications, and specialist disability accommodation.
Where we come in
How Safe Hands NT fits in
As a registered NDIS provider, Safe Hands NT can deliver supports funded under your Core Supports and Capacity Building budgets. We work directly with you — and with your support coordinator if you have one — to make sure your funding is used effectively and in line with your goals.
- Community Access (Core Supports)
- Social and Community Participation (Core Supports)
- Assistance with Daily Life (Core Supports)
- Skill Development / Improved Daily Living (Capacity Building)
- Support Coordination Level 2 (Capacity Building)
Support Coordination Level 2
Support Coordination Level 2 is funded under the Capacity Building budget in your NDIS plan. It's designed for participants who need more intensive help to understand, implement, and get the most out of their plan.
At Safe Hands NT, our support coordinators work alongside you to connect you with the right services, resolve barriers, and build your confidence in managing your own supports over time.
What our support coordinators do
Understand your plan
We explain your NDIS plan in plain language — what your funding covers, how to use it, and what your rights are.
Connect you with providers
We help you find and engage the right service providers across all areas of your plan, not just Safe Hands NT supports.
Coordinate your supports
We make sure all your services work together smoothly — reducing gaps, avoiding duplication, and keeping things on track.
Prepare for plan reviews
We help you document your progress and prepare for your annual NDIS plan review so your funding continues to reflect your goals.
Build your independence
Our goal is to build your capacity so you feel confident managing your own supports — at your own pace, on your own terms.
Support Coordination Level 2 must be included in your NDIS plan to access this service. Not sure if you have it? Contact us and we'll help you check.
FAQ
Common questions
Ready to get started with the NDIS?
Whether you're new to the NDIS or looking to switch providers, we're here to help. Give us a call or send a message — we'll walk you through everything at your own pace.