What is the NDIS, and how does it work?
A plain-English guide to the National Disability Insurance Scheme — what it funds, who's eligible, how to apply, and how a registered provider like MMT Care helps you turn a plan into real support.
Understanding the scheme
The NDIS, in plain English
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is the Australian Government scheme that funds reasonable and necessary supports for eligible people with permanent and significant disability, so they can pursue their goals, build skills and take part in everyday life.
Unlike the systems it replaced, the NDIS gives participants choice and control: you build an individual plan with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), then choose which registered and unregistered providers deliver your supports.
For supports that carry higher risk or require specific safeguards — like Supported Independent Living (SIL) — the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission requires you to use a registered provider, audited against the NDIS Practice Standards. MMT Care is one such provider.
What NDIS funding can cover
Plan structure
The three NDIS funding categories
Every NDIS plan groups funding into three budget categories. Understanding them helps you (and your support coordinator) know what flexibility you have.
Core Supports
The most flexible budget — covers daily activities, consumables, transport and social/community participation. Includes Assistance with Daily Life, which funds SIL.
Capital Supports
Higher-cost, one-off items — assistive technology, home and vehicle modifications, and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) where approved.
Capacity Building
Funding to build skills and independence over time — therapy, support coordination, employment support and improved daily living skills.
Getting started
Are you eligible for the NDIS?
Eligibility is assessed by the NDIA against age, residency and disability criteria. This is a general guide only — the official NDIS eligibility checker gives a definitive answer.
You may be eligible if
Evidence you'll typically need
How it works
From application to support
Access Request
Apply to the NDIA with evidence of your disability and how it affects daily life.
Planning meeting
Once approved, you meet with the NDIA to discuss your goals and build your plan.
Plan approved
Your funded supports are confirmed and your plan becomes active in the NDIS portal.
Choose providers
You select registered providers like MMT Care to deliver the supports in your plan.
Already know you need Supported Independent Living?
MMT Care is a registered NDIS provider delivering SIL, in-home SIL, hospital-to-home transitions and daily living support across NSW, QLD and VIC — with a free Registered Nurse in every SIL placement.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about the NDIS
NDIS stands for the National Disability Insurance Scheme — the Australian Government scheme that funds reasonable and necessary supports for eligible people with permanent and significant disability.
You may be eligible if you're under 65 when you first apply, live in Australia, are an Australian citizen, permanent resident or hold a Protected Special Category Visa, and have a permanent and significant disability affecting everyday activities. Use the official eligibility checker for a definitive answer.
You apply by making an Access Request with the NDIA, providing evidence of your disability and its impact from a treating professional. Once approved, you attend a planning meeting to build your individual NDIS plan.
SIL is NDIS-funded support for people who need help with daily tasks while living in shared or individual accommodation — including personal care, household tasks, medication support and supervision — delivered by a registered provider like MMT Care.
Yes. NDIS participants can choose and change providers at any time. For supports that require registration, such as SIL, you'll need a registered provider — MMT Care assists with transitions and manages the documentation to make switching straightforward.
Ready to put your NDIS plan to work?
Whether you're newly approved or looking to change providers, our team will walk you through how SIL, daily living support and hospital-to-home transitions fit into your plan.