The process to join the NDIS can be difficult to navigate, so the young person you are working with may need extra support and guidance.
Below you will find more information about how people who want to join the NDIS can apply.
What is an Access Request?
If a young person wants to join the NDIS, they need to meet the access requirements. Click here to learn more about who can join the NDIS.
If they believe that they meet the requirements, they can apply by:
- making a Verbal Access Request by calling the NDIS team on 1800 800 110 or
- filling out an Access Request Form and sending it to the NDIS team.
Section 2 of the Access Request Form must be completed by a health or education professional, unless recent information (letters, assessments or other reports) can be provided. This information needs to detail the person's disability, how long it will last, and how it impacts their daily life.
The information provided in the Access Request Form is used by the NDIS to decide whether the person applying is eligible to join the scheme.
We go over what is in an Access Request Form in more detail on the next page of this guide.
Getting an Access Request Form
To get an Access Request Form, the young person can:
- download the Access Request Form from the NDIS website or
- ask the NDIS to mail out the form by calling 1800 800 110
Alternatively, they can make a Verbal Access Request over the phone, by calling the NDIS team on 1800 800 110. They will then be sent a Supporting Evidence Form to complete.
Click here to access the Supporting Evidence Form on the NDIS website.
In most cases, if the young person is under 18 years old, a parent or guardian will need to make an Access Request on their behalf.
Filling out an Access Request Form
The Access Request Form has a section for the young person's treating health professional to complete.
The Access Request Form needs to include information about how the young person’s disability impacts them in their daily life.
If someone has a very mild disability and it does not impact their daily life in any way, then they probably will not be able to join this NDIS. Similarly, if their disability will improve with time, it is unlikely that they will get onto the NDIS.
Professional evidence and wording is crucial to making sure that the NDIS team has a proper understanding of how a young person’s disability impacts them.
The NDIS wants to know how the young person’s daily life is impacted by their disability. For example, you could write: “Sally is unable to dress and undress herself because her cerebral palsy limits her arm movements. Her mum has to help her get dressed in the morning.”
Take time to complete the Access Request Form
You should be directed by the young person regarding how their disability impacts them.
If you rush the conversation with a young person , you may miss important information that is necessary for them to become a NDIS participant.
You may also miss important information if you do not fill out the Access Request Form carefully.
Professionals work in fast-paced, demanding environments. Although it is easier to rush through the NDIS application process, please allow yourself the time to be thorough.
The information you provide in the Access Request Form can directly impact whether a young person gets approved to join the NDIS and receives the disability supports they need.
One of the most important things that you can do is to take your time when talking to a young person about their NDIS Access Request.
Get more information
It is a good idea to sign up for the NDIS newsletter to keep up-to-date with the latest information and updates.
Click here to sign up for the NDIS fortnightly newsletter.
The Royal Australasian College of Physicians has created a series of NDIS Guides for Physicians and Paediatricians for physicians, paediatricians and other health professionals to access practical information that can help you navigate the NDIS.