How to Apply for NDIS Funding: 5 Steps You Can Follow

Are you supporting a person with disability and feeling unsure how to apply for NDIS funding, without missing a step? You’re not alone, over 30% of NDIS participants experience delays or rejection simply due to incomplete applications or lack of clarity on the process. As a provider, you want to guide your clients with confidence, but the ever-evolving requirements can make it feel like a moving target. This blog is here to simplify it all. If you’ve been wondering how to apply for NDIS funding or how to get NDIS funding for your clients, this guide is for you. We’ll walk you through five clear, practical steps so you can streamline the application process, reduce delays, and help participants access the supports they need sooner.

What Is NDIS Funding and How Does It Work?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is Australia’s government-funded program that provides essential support to people with permanent and significant disabilities. For NDIS providers like you, understanding how NDIS funding works isn’t just about compliance, it’s key to ensuring your clients receive the right supports at the right time.

NDIS funding is tailored to each individual participant based on their goals, needs, and functional capacity. The aim is to empower participants to lead more independent and fulfilling lives by giving them access to reasonable and necessary supports.

So, how does NDIS funding work?
When a person is approved for the NDIS, they receive a personalised plan that outlines their funded supports. These supports are grouped into three key categories:

• Core Supports: For everyday activities like personal care, transport, and community access.
• Capital Supports: For assistive technology or home modifications.
• Capacity Building Supports: For long-term goals like developing skills, improving health, or building independence.

As a provider, your role may begin even before a participant’s plan is approved, especially if they need help applying. Knowing how to apply for NDIS funding and how to guide others through that process helps ensure no one misses out due to paperwork delays or confusion.

“NDIS funding isn’t just about ticking boxes, it’s about understanding each person’s goals and translating that into the right supports. When providers know the process inside out, they can advocate more effectively and help clients access life-changing services sooner.”

- Laura Saul, Compliance Specialist at Labour Care

From personalised consulting to ready-made compliance tools, we help NDIS providers simplify the process and stay audit-ready. Explore our services at Labour Care and discover how we can support your team every step of the way.

Let’s walk through the 5 essential steps you can follow.

How to Apply for NDIS Funding in 5 Simple Steps

Step 1 – Check Your Eligibility

Before anything else, the potential participant must meet the NDIS eligibility requirements. To apply for NDIS funding, a person must:

• Be aged between 9 and 65 years old
• Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident (or hold a Protected Special Category Visa)
• Have a permanent and significant disability that affects their ability to take part in everyday activities

You can check detailed eligibility using the official NDIS Access Checklist.

As a provider, helping your client determine if they’re eligible is the first step in building trust and ensuring they’re set up for success.

Step 2 – Gather Supporting Documents

One of the most common causes of delays in NDIS access is incomplete or weak documentation. Support your clients by gathering evidence such as:

• Medical reports or specialist letters
• Functional assessments
  Descriptions of how the disability affects daily life

A strong application clearly demonstrates the participant’s need for support.

Step 3 – Make an Access Request

Once eligibility is confirmed and documentation is ready, the next step is lodging an NDIS Access Request. This can be done by:

• Calling the NDIS on 1800 800 110
• Submitting the Access Request Form (ARF)
• Requesting help from a Local Area Coordinator or support provider

As a provider, you can assist clients by ensuring forms are filled correctly and submitted promptly, reducing the risk of follow-ups or rejections.

Step 4 – Wait for the Outcome

After submission, the NDIS will review the request and notify the applicant of the decision, usually within 21 days. During this time, help clients stay organised and emotionally prepared, especially if further information is requested.

Encouraging calm and clarity at this stage can make a real difference in the client experience.

Step 5 – Create Your NDIS Plan (If Approved)

If approved, the next step is the NDIS planning meeting. This is where the participant will work with a planner or coordinator to build a personalised support plan.

Prepare your client by helping them clarify their goals, identify supports they’ll need, and understand how to manage their plan once it’s in place. A good support coordinator can make all the difference here.

How to Get NDIS Funding Faster and With Less Stress

If you’ve ever supported a client through the NDIS application process, you know it can be time-consuming and sometimes frustrating. The good news? There are several proven ways to help speed up the process and avoid the common pitfalls that cause delays.

Here are practical ways to help your clients get NDIS funding faster and with less stress:

• Submit a complete, well-evidenced application: The NDIA often delays applications due to missing documents or unclear evidence. Make sure you provide detailed functional reports, clear diagnoses, and examples of how the disability impacts daily life.
• Use accurate and up-to-date forms: Download forms directly from the NDIS website to ensure you’re using the most current version.
• Double-check everything before submission: Typos, missing signatures, or incorrect contact details can slow things down more than you’d expect.
• Involve experienced providers: Working with a knowledgeable consultant can prevent costly mistakes and help you tailor your application to what the NDIA is looking for.

At Labour Care, we’ve seen firsthand how a little expert guidance goes a long way. Our Consultant Connect Program helps providers like you feel supported from start to finish with templates, checklists, and compliance know-how that saves time and reduces stress.

Apply for NDIS Funding with Confidence: Final Tips

Navigating how to apply for NDIS funding doesn’t have to be overwhelming especially when you have a clear roadmap and the right support. By following these five steps, checking eligibility, gathering strong evidence, submitting the access request, preparing for the outcome, and getting ready for the planning meeting, you can guide your clients through the process with greater ease and confidence.

Use this guide as a practical tool for your team or as part of your client onboarding. Whether you're applying for the first time or supporting someone through a reassessment, staying informed and organised makes all the difference.

At Labour Care, we’re here to support you every step of the way, so you can focus on delivering the quality care your clients deserve, while we help simplify compliance and systems behind the scenes. Book a free consultation and let’s make the process easier together.

NDIS Funding FAQs: Quick Answers for Busy Providers

1. What is an example of NDIS funding?

An example of NDIS funding could be funding for occupational therapy to help a participant build daily living skills, or assistive technology like a mobility scooter. Other examples include support workers for in-home or community access, speech therapy, or home modifications like ramps or handrails, anything that’s considered “reasonable and necessary” to meet a participant’s goals and needs.

2. What is NDIS approved? 

“NDIS approved” usually refers to providers, services, or supports that meet NDIS quality and safety standards. To be NDIS approved (technically known as “NDIS-registered”), a provider must go through an audit and registration process with the NDIS Commission. Participants who are NDIA-managed can only use registered providers. 

3. How much funding is needed for NDIS?

There’s no set amount. NDIS funding is tailored to each participant’s needs and goals. Plans can range from $20,000 to over $100,000 per year, depending on the level of support required. The stronger the supporting documents, the more accurate the funding.