NDIS Guide

Understanding
the NDIS

Everything you need to know about the National Disability Insurance Scheme — and how Legacy can help you make the most of it.

NDIS Explained

What Is the NDIS?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is Australia's national approach to supporting people with disability. Launched in 2013, it provides funding directly to eligible individuals to purchase disability supports and services that help them pursue their goals and participate fully in life.

Unlike previous systems where funding went to organisations, the NDIS gives participants choice and control over how their supports are delivered, by whom, and when. It's a fundamental shift toward person-centred care.

The scheme is managed by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), an independent government body. As a registered NDIS provider, Legacy Disability Support is approved to deliver services funded by the NDIS.

Funded Supports

The NDIS funds "reasonable and necessary" supports related to your disability — things that help you live a better life and work toward your goals.

Choice & Control

You decide who provides your supports, how and when they're delivered, and what goals you work toward. Your plan, your rules.

Goal-Based Funding

Your NDIS plan is built around your individual goals — from daily living and community participation to health, employment, and learning.

Am I Eligible?

NDIS Eligibility Criteria

To access the NDIS, you generally need to meet age, residency, and disability criteria. Here's what to know.

You May Be Eligible If You...

  • Are under 65 years of age when applying
  • Are an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or protected special category visa holder
  • Have a permanent disability that significantly impacts your daily activities
  • Require support now and in the future due to your disability
  • Have a disability arising from an intellectual, cognitive, neurological, sensory, physical, or psychosocial impairment

What You'll Need to Provide

  • Diagnosis and assessment reports from treating professionals
  • Evidence of how your disability affects your daily life
  • Proof of identity and residency
  • Information about current supports and what additional supports you need
  • Evidence of how long the impact of your disability is expected to last

Not Sure About Eligibility?

Our team can help you understand the access request process, gather the right supporting evidence, and connect you with the right professionals. We do this at no cost to you — give us a call.

Call Our Team
Step by Step

How the NDIS Works

From first contact to ongoing support — here's the journey most participants take.

Submit an Access Request

Call the NDIS on 1800 800 110 or complete an Access Request Form. You'll need to provide evidence of your disability and residency.

Eligibility Decision

The NDIA reviews your information and makes a decision. This can take up to 21 days (or 90 days for complex situations).

Planning Meeting

If approved, you'll have a planning conversation with an NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) to discuss your goals and required supports.

NDIS Plan Approved

Your plan is created with funding allocated across three support categories: Core, Capacity Building, and Capital Supports.

Choose Your Providers

With your plan in hand, you choose registered providers like Legacy Disability Support to deliver the services you need.

Our Role

How Legacy Supports NDIS Participants

We're more than just a service provider — we're your partner in navigating the NDIS and achieving your goals.

Plan Navigation

We help you understand your NDIS plan, what you're funded for, and how to get the most value from your budget.

Service Agreements

We'll walk you through our service agreement clearly and honestly — no jargon, no surprises.

Progress Reporting

We provide regular progress notes and reports to support your plan reviews and demonstrate how you're tracking toward your goals.

Plan Reviews

When your plan review comes around, we provide supporting documentation and can attend meetings to advocate on your behalf.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can't find your answer below? Our team is always happy to chat.

How do I know if my disability qualifies for the NDIS?
The NDIS covers a wide range of permanent and significant disabilities including physical, intellectual, cognitive, neurological, sensory, and psychosocial disabilities. The key criteria are that the disability is permanent (or likely to be permanent) and that it significantly impacts your ability to participate in daily activities. We recommend contacting NDIS directly on 1800 800 110 or speaking with our team for guidance specific to your situation.
Can I choose Legacy as my provider if I'm already with someone else?
Yes! You have the right to change providers at any time under the NDIS. You'll need to check your existing service agreement for notice periods, but we can support you through the transition process. Contact us to discuss, and we'll make the move as smooth as possible.
What's the difference between Self-Managed, Plan-Managed, and NDIA-Managed plans?
NDIA-Managed (Agency-Managed): The NDIA pays providers directly. You can only use registered providers like Legacy.

Plan-Managed: A registered plan manager handles invoices and payments on your behalf. You can use both registered and unregistered providers.

Self-Managed: You manage your own funds, pay invoices directly, and can use any provider (registered or not). This gives the most flexibility but requires more administration.
How long does it take to get NDIS approved?
After submitting your Access Request, the NDIA has 21 days to make a decision in straightforward cases, and up to 90 days for more complex situations. Once approved, the planning process can take a further few weeks. Our team can help you gather documentation in advance to make the process faster.
Does Legacy help with NDIS plan reviews?
Absolutely. We provide detailed progress reports, outcome summaries, and goal tracking documentation to support your plan reviews. Our team can also attend plan review meetings if you'd like advocacy or support on the day. We're invested in making sure your plan reflects what you actually need.
What if I'm unhappy with my service or need to make a complaint?
We take feedback very seriously. You can speak directly with your support coordinator or contact our office at any time. We have a formal complaint process that ensures your concerns are heard and addressed. If you're not satisfied with our response, you can also contact the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission on 1800 035 544.
Can family members be involved in my support planning?
Yes — with your consent, we actively encourage family, carers, and trusted supporters to be involved in planning conversations. A good support plan benefits from understanding your whole life and what your family already provides. We'll always respect your wishes about who's involved.
What areas does Legacy service?
We service metropolitan Adelaide and surrounding areas in South Australia. Our office is located at 70 Noritake Road, Modbury Heights SA 5092. Please contact us to confirm service availability in your area.

Have More Questions About NDIS?

Our team loves helping people navigate the NDIS. Give us a call or send a message — there's no such thing as a silly question.

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