--- title: What is the NDIS? description: The NDIS supports people with disabilities to reach their goals with funding for services, equipment, & assistance. Learn about eligibility & application. --- Decrease text size A- | Increase text size A+ | High contrast mode - [Our services](https://caspa.org.au/our-services) - [Our services](https://caspa.org.au/our-services) - [Foster care](https://caspa.org.au/foster-care) - [Children & young people](https://caspa.org.au/our-services/children-and-young-people) - [Disability services](https://caspa.org.au/disability-services) - [Education](https://caspa.org.au/education) - [Family and carer support](https://caspa.org.au/family-and-carer-support) - [Allied health services](https://caspa.org.au/allied-health-services) - [About us](https://caspa.org.au/who-is-caspa) - [About us](https://caspa.org.au/who-is-caspa) - [Our people](https://caspa.org.au/about-caspa/our-people) - [Our impact](https://caspa.org.au/our-impact) - [Our mission ](https://caspa.org.au/about-caspa/what-motivates-us) - Our initiatives - [CASPA Foundation](https://caspafoundation.org.au/caspa-foundation) - [Lawyers 4 Hope](https://lawyers4hope.org.au/home) - [Work with us](https://caspa.org.au/work-with-us) - [Work with us](https://caspa.org.au/work-with-us) - [Become a carer](https://caspa.org.au/become-a-carer) - [Volunteer](https://caspa.org.au/donate-volunteer) - [Partner with us](https://caspa.org.au/partner-with-us) - [CASPA stories](https://caspa.org.au/caspa-stories) - [CASPA stories](https://caspa.org.au/caspa-stories) - [News & media](https://caspa.org.au/news-media) - [Contact us](https://caspa.org.au/contact-us) - [Contact us](https://caspa.org.au/contact-us) - [After hours support](https://caspa.org.au/after-hours) - [Disaster support](https://caspa.org.au/disaster-support) [ Search ](https://caspa.org.au/what-is-the-ndis#) [ Donate ](https://caspa.org.au/donate-volunteer?hsLang=en) accessibility controls [Home](https://caspa.org.au/?hsLang=en) [ Disability services ](https://caspa.org.au/disability-services?hsLang=en) What is the NDIS? ![Down syndrome disability child girl boy diverse bubbles happy fun friends outside](https://caspa.org.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Hero%20Images/Disability%20Services/Down%20syndrome%20disability%20child%20girl%20boy%20diverse%20bubbles%20happy%20fun%20friends%20outside.jpg?width=616&name=Down%20syndrome%20disability%20child%20girl%20boy%20diverse%20bubbles%20happy%20fun%20friends%20outside.jpg) ## **What is the NDIS?** **NDIS** stands for **National Disability Insurance Scheme**. It's run by the **National Disability Insurance Agency **or **NDIA**. It helps Australians with **serious and long-lasting disabilities**. It pays for the things people need because of their disability to **help them reach their goals**.  ### What does it mean to be on the NDIS? **If you are eligible, you get money from the NDIA to help you reach your goals.** You will have a plan and work with providers to reach those goals. You can use the money for things like services, support workers, carers, special equipment or home changes.  **If you have a disability but don't qualify, you can still get help.** Local NDIS partners can connect you with services that suit your needs.  To see if you could qualify for the NDIS, head to the NDIS website. [ NDIS eligibility checklist ](https://www.ndis.gov.au/applying-access-ndis/am-i-eligible) ![A man with dark skin and glasses sits outside with a person with pale skin and split dyed hair. They are smiling, looking at each others' phones and hold stimming toys.](https://caspa.org.au/hs-fs/hubfs/hiki-app-aM-BRQtrng8-unsplash.jpg?width=616&name=hiki-app-aM-BRQtrng8-unsplash.jpg) ## How do I apply? Get in touch with your local NDIS partner, or download the [NDIS Access Request Form](https://www.ndis.gov.au/applying-access-ndis/how-apply). Once complete, email the form, along with a Supporting Evidence Form from a specialist, to [enquiries@ndis.gov.au](mailto:enquiries@ndis.gov.au) It takes up to 21 days to decide if you can use the NDIS. If more information is needed, it takes up to another 14 days. Approving a plan takes up to 56 days. ***Do you need help gathering supporting evidence for your application? Our Allied Health team is here for you.*** [ Learn more ](https://caspa.org.au/emotional-wellbeing-0?hsLang=en) [ Learn more ](https://caspa.org.au/emotional-wellbeing-0?hsLang=en) ### Who can help me with the NDIS? Community partners across Australia can help you. They are local organisations that help you find and use services in your area. There are two types of partners: Local Area Coordinator (LAC) partners, for people aged 9-64 and Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) partners for people under 9 with developmental disabilities. - ![CASPA_Location](https://caspa.org.au/hubfs/Icons/CASPA_Location.svg) ##### Far North Coast, NSW **LAC partner: Social Futures **1800 522 679 [socialfutures@ndis.gov.au](mailto:socialfutures@ndis.gov.au) **ECI partner: Northcott** 1800 118 481 [northcott@ndis.gov.au](mailto:northcott@ndis.gov.au)  - ![CASPA_Location](https://caspa.org.au/hubfs/Icons/CASPA_Location.svg) ##### Mid North Coast, NSW **LAC partner: Blue Sky Community Services **1800 241 675 [bluesky@ndis.gov.au](mailto:bluesky@ndis.gov.au) **ECI partner: Northcott** 1800 118 481 [northcott@ndis.gov.au](mailto:northcott@ndis.gov.au)  - ![CASPA_Location](https://caspa.org.au/hubfs/Icons/CASPA_Location.svg) ##### Greater Darwin, NT **LAC partner: APM **1800 276 522 [apmnet@ndis.gov.au](mailto:apmnet@ndis.gov.au) **ECI partner: Early Childhood Australia** 1800 959 995 [ecant@ndis.gov.au](mailto:ecant@ndis.gov.au)  - ![CASPA_Location](https://caspa.org.au/hubfs/Icons/CASPA_Location.svg) ##### Townsville, QLD **LAC partner: Feros Care **1300 986 970 [feroslac@ndis.gov.au](mailto:feroslac@ndis.gov.au) **ECI partner: Uniting Care** 1800 543 354 [unitingcare.earlychildhood @ndis.gov.au](mailto:unitingcare.earlychildhood@ndis.gov.au) [ I don't live in one of these areas ](https://www.ndis.gov.au/contact/locations) #### Fill out our NDIS enquiry form and we'll get back to within 2 business days ![We-support-NDIS_2020](https://caspa.org.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Old%20website%20archive/Caspa_April_2023/Images/We-support-NDIS_2020.png?width=127&height=127&name=We-support-NDIS_2020.png)   CASPA is an accredited NDIS provider servicing regional and remote areas in Northern NSW, QLD, NT and WA. We offer plan management, as well as a variety of support services, including supported independent living, functional life skill support, and services to develop your social and emotional wellbeing. [ Go to the NDIS homepage ](https://www.ndis.gov.au/) #### Stay up to date & subscribe to our CASPA community ##### Improving the lives of at-risk children, their families and people with disabilities is at the heart of what we do. ##### Together we thrive. We acknowledge the First Nations People upon whose stolen lands we operate. CASPA recognises that the land belonging to these peoples was never ceded, given up, bought or sold. We recognise their continuing connection to the land, waters and sky. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, past, present and emerging. CASPA welcomes and celebrates diversity. We are committed to safe and inclusive places, policies and services for people of LGBTQISB+ communities, people living with a disability and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. [ DEI statement ](https://caspa.org.au/diversity-equity-inclusion?hsLang=en) --- - [Facebook F icon ](https://www.facebook.com/caspaservices/) - [YouTube icon ](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjSIO9_4DOC2sJZuDS4kBCQ) - [Instagram icon ](https://www.instagram.com/caspa.services/) - [LinkedIn icon ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/caspaservicesltd/) © 2024 CASPA Services Ltd. ABN 78 263 985 795 Our Digital & Marketing Agency - [ ID Digital Agency ](https://iddigital.com.au) Enter search term below This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.