What is the NDIS?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is Australia's national system for funding and delivering support to people with permanent and significant disability. Launched in 2013 and fully rolled out by 2020, the NDIS represents a fundamental shift in how disability support is funded — moving from block-funded services to individual funding packages controlled by participants.
Under the NDIS, eligible Australians receive an individualised funding package — called an NDIS Plan — that they can use to purchase supports and services that help them pursue their goals, maintain their independence, and participate fully in community life.
The NDIS is administered by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and overseen by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, which regulates providers like Harmony Haven Health Services to ensure participants receive safe, high-quality support.
Am I Eligible?
To access the NDIS, you must meet all three eligibility criteria:
Age
You must be under 65 years old when you first apply. (Once approved, support continues regardless of age.)
Residency
You must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Special Category Visa holder living in Australia.
Disability
You must have a permanent and significant disability caused by an impairment that substantially affects your daily activities.
Not sure if you're eligible? Contact Harmony Haven for a free eligibility discussion. Our team can help you understand whether you qualify and guide you through the access request process. Call +61 2 9067 9787 or book a free consultation.
How to Apply for the NDIS
Applying for the NDIS involves several steps. Here's a clear overview of the process:
Contact the NDIA
Call the NDIA on 1800 800 110 or visit ndis.gov.au to request access to the NDIS. You can also request access at a local NDIS office or through a Local Area Coordinator (LAC).
Complete an Access Request
Fill out an Access Request Form providing details about your disability and how it impacts your daily life. You'll need supporting evidence from your doctor or specialist.
Gather Supporting Evidence
Collect reports and letters from your treating professionals (GPs, specialists, therapists) that describe your disability, its permanence, and how it affects your functional capacity.
Planning Meeting
Once approved, you'll have a planning meeting with an NDIA planner or LAC to discuss your goals, needs and the supports required. This is a key step — prepare by thinking about your goals and current support needs.
Receive Your NDIS Plan
Your NDIS Plan will be approved and you'll receive your funding. Now it's time to choose your providers — and Harmony Haven Health Services is ready to help!
NDIS Funding Categories
NDIS funding is divided into three main budget categories. Understanding these helps you plan how to use your funding effectively:
Core Supports
Day-to-day support and assistance
Core Supports fund the everyday assistance you need to complete daily activities and participate in the community. This is typically the most flexible budget category.
Capacity Building Supports
Building skills and independence
Capacity Building funds are aimed at helping you build skills, increase independence and reduce your reliance on supports over time. These funds are earmarked for specific purposes.
Capital Supports
Equipment and home modifications
Capital Supports fund higher-cost items like assistive technology, equipment, and modifications to your home or vehicle to help you live more independently.
Choosing the Right Provider
Choosing your NDIS provider is one of the most important decisions you'll make. Here's what to look for:
Choose a registered provider for added protection. Registered providers must meet NDIS Practice Standards and are regulated by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.
Look for providers who genuinely listen to you and build support around your goals — not a one-size-fits-all model.
Your provider should communicate clearly, be responsive, and keep you informed. Never feel afraid to ask questions.
All support workers should have relevant qualifications, NDIS Worker Screening clearances and ongoing training.
Your provider should be flexible and responsive to your changing needs — not locked into rigid schedules or models.
If cultural safety is important to you, look for a provider who demonstrates genuine commitment to inclusive, culturally responsive practice.
Why Choose Harmony Haven?
Harmony Haven Health Services is officially registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, employs fully screened and qualified support workers, and delivers genuinely person-centred care tailored to your individual goals. Book a free consultation to experience the difference.
Plan Reviews
Your NDIS plan is reviewed regularly to ensure it continues to meet your needs. There are two types of reviews:
Scheduled Plan Review
Your plan has an end date (usually 12 months). Before it expires, you'll have a plan review meeting to discuss your goals and whether your current funding is meeting your needs.
Unscheduled Plan Review
If your circumstances change significantly (e.g., change in disability, moving house, new goals), you can request an early plan review at any time. Harmony Haven can help you prepare for this.
Prepare for success: A well-prepared plan review can significantly increase your funding. Our Support Coordinators can help you document your progress, articulate your goals and present a strong case to the NDIA. Contact us for plan review support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — you always have the right to change providers. You simply need to give notice as specified in your service agreement (usually 2–4 weeks). Harmony Haven makes this transition easy and ensures there's no gap in your care.
Unspent NDIS funds don't roll over at plan renewal — they return to the NDIA. This is why it's important to use your funding effectively. A good Support Coordinator can help you get the most from every dollar in your plan.
Absolutely. You can use multiple providers for different supports. For example, Harmony Haven might deliver your personal care and community participation, while a separate therapist provides physiotherapy. Your Support Coordinator can help coordinate this.
Registered providers like Harmony Haven must meet strict NDIS Practice Standards and are regularly audited by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. Unregistered providers are not subject to the same oversight. If your plan is NDIA-managed, you can only use registered providers.
A service agreement is a contract between you and your provider that outlines the supports to be delivered, the price, how they'll be delivered, and both parties' rights and responsibilities. Harmony Haven provides clear, plain-language service agreements that you can always change or end.
You can raise concerns directly with your provider first. If unresolved, you can contact the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission on 1800 035 544 or at ndiscommission.gov.au. At Harmony Haven, we take all feedback seriously and have a transparent complaints process.
Still Have Questions?
Our friendly team is here to help. Book a free consultation and we'll answer all your NDIS questions in plain language — no jargon, no pressure.