16/08/2026
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At Assure Ability, as a registered NDIS provider, we occasionally receive enquiries from individuals, parents and families asking:
โ โHow do I apply for the NDIS?โ
โ โWhere do I start?โ
โ โWhat documents will I need?โ
We understand that navigating the NDIS for the first time can feel confusing and overwhelming. So, we have put together this simple step-by-step guide to help point you in the right direction.
We hope this information reaches someone who needs it and makes that first step a little easier. ๐ฟ
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Before applying, check whether you:
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Are younger than 65 years of age when you apply
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Live in Australia
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Are an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold an eligible Protected Special Category Visa
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Have a disability caused by one or more impairments that are likely to be permanent and/or may meet the NDIS early intervention requirements
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Have an impairment that substantially affects your ability to complete everyday activities and may require disability-specific supports
๐ ๐๐ฆ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐๐ง๐ญ: Only the NDIA can determine whether you meet the NDIS access requirements.
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The NDIS will need to confirm your identity.
Generally, you will need 3 different identity documents, including:
๐ One birth or arrival document, such as a birth certificate, passport or Australian citizenship certificate
๐ Two documents you use in the community, such as a Medicare card, bank card or utility account
Make sure your documents are current, clear and readable.
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Speak with a treating health professional who knows your disability and understands how it affects your everyday life.
This may include your:
๐ฉโโ๏ธ GP
๐จโโ๏ธ Specialist
๐ง Psychologist or Psychiatrist
๐ Occupational Therapist
๐ฃ๏ธ Speech Pathologist
๐ Physiotherapist
๐ฉบ Other appropriately qualified treating health professional
Supporting evidence may include:
๐ Medical or specialist reports
๐ Allied health assessments
๐ Functional assessments
๐ Supporting Evidence Form, where applicable
๐ Evidence of Psychosocial Disability Form, where applicable
๐ Other reports explaining how your disability affects your daily life
๐ก ๐๐๐ฅ๐ฉ๐๐ฎ๐ฅ ๐๐ข๐ฉ: Good evidence should explain not only your diagnosis, but also how your disability or impairment affects your everyday functioning, previous treatments and their outcomes, and expected future treatment.
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You can apply with assistance from an NDIS partner, or you may complete an Access Request Form (ARF) yourself.
An NDIS partner can help you understand the application process and what evidence may be required.
โ๏ธ ๐๐๐๐: 1800 800 110
If completing an Access Request Form yourself, make sure all relevant sections are completed and the required supporting evidence is included.
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Before submitting, check that:
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Your personal information is correct
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Your identity evidence is included
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Your disability evidence is included
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Your treating health professional has completed the required information, where applicable
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All required sections have been signed/authorised
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You have kept copies of everything you submitted
Your application can be submitted through the available NDIA channels, including through an NDIS partner, by post, or in person at an appropriate NDIS office/partner location.
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The NDIA will review your application and supporting evidence.
The NDIA generally makes an access decision within 21 days after receiving the information it needs to make the decision.
If further information is required, the NDIA may contact you or request additional evidence.
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If you become an NDIS participant, the next stage will involve discussing:
๐ฑ Your circumstances and disability support needs
๐ฑ Your daily living needs
๐ฑ Your goals
๐ฑ Your existing informal, community and mainstream supports
๐ฑ Disability-specific supports you may require
The NDIA will then work through the planning process with you and advise you about your approved NDIS plan and supports.
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Assure Ability can provide general information to help individuals and families better understand the NDIS application process and, where appropriate and with your consent, assist you to identify information about the disability supports you may require.
Sometimes, the hardest part is simply knowing where to begin.
We hope this guide makes the journey a little clearer for someone who needs it today. โค๏ธ
๐ ๐๐๐๐:: 1800 800 11
๐ Visit the official NDIS website for the latest information about eligibility, applications and supporting evidence.
Please feel free to save or share this post with a friend, family member or someone in your community who may find it helpful. ๐ค๐
๐๐ข๐ฌ๐๐ฅ๐๐ข๐ฆ๐๐ซ: This information is provided for general guidance only. Assure Ability cannot determine NDIS eligibility or guarantee that an application or particular support will be approved. NDIS access and funding decisions are made by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).
