Help applying for the NDIS
Applying to the NDIS can involve gathering evidence, understanding eligibility requirements and putting a lot of information together. ARG Care can help you work through the process.
Before you start, please know
- We can't guarantee NDIS access or funding. The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) makes every eligibility and funding decision.
- Free help to apply is available. NDIS partners (local area coordinators, and early childhood partners for children under 9) can help you apply at no cost. Call the NDIA on 1800 800 110 to find yours.
- You choose your providers. If your application is successful, you're free to choose the providers that are right for you. Using ARG Care for application help doesn't require you to use ARG Care for future supports.
- Application help is a private service. Your first call is free. If you'd like more help, we'll explain what's involved and give you a price in writing before any work starts. It isn't billed to an NDIS plan.
Who this is for
- People under 65 who think the NDIS might help them
- Parents and families applying for a child
- People who started an application and got stuck
- People whose application was unsuccessful and want to understand why
- Carers, family members and support workers helping someone apply
- Anyone who wants a second pair of eyes before they submit
Families of children under 9 can also get free help from an early childhood partner. About NDIS partners (opens in a new tab)
How ARG Care can help
- Explain how the NDIS access process works
- Explain the eligibility requirements in plain language
- Work out what evidence may be needed
- Organise your reports and spot information gaps
- Prepare information for your GP, specialist or allied health professional
- Help you complete the application documents
- Support you through submission and the next steps
- Help you understand the NDIA's decision
- Explain what to do if the NDIA asks for more information
- Point you to free help where it suits you better
What the application involves
Check the basic requirements
You need to be under 65 on the day you apply, live in Australia, and be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident or a Protected Special Category visa holder. You also need to meet the disability requirements, the early intervention requirements, or both. NDIA eligibility requirements (opens in a new tab)
Gather evidence
Your treating health professionals provide evidence of your disability and how it affects your daily life. You'll also need identity documents.
Complete the application
With an NDIS partner, or by filling in the NDIA's access request form yourself (with help if you'd like it).
Submit it
Through the NDIA's service hub, by mail, or in person at an NDIA office or with your NDIS partner.
The NDIA decides
The NDIA may ask for more information before it makes a decision. It will tell you in writing whether you're eligible.
Evidence and documentation
The NDIA needs recent evidence from a treating health professional who knows you well. It should confirm your main disability, how it affects your daily life, the treatments you've had and what's expected in future.
We help you collect what you already have, spot what's missing and prepare clear questions for your professionals. Please don't send medical documents through our website forms. We'll arrange a secure way to share them if you go ahead.
How treating professionals are involved
Your GP, specialist, psychologist, therapist or other treating professional provides the clinical evidence. ARG Care doesn't diagnose, assess or write clinical reports.
Where it helps, we prepare a short summary for your appointment: what the NDIA asks about, the daily-life impacts you've told us about, and the forms your professional may be asked to complete.
What we can and can't do
| Topic | ARG Care can | ARG Care can't |
|---|---|---|
| The process | Explain each step and what the NDIA looks for | Change NDIA processes or timeframes |
| Evidence | Help you organise evidence and spot gaps | Provide clinical evidence or diagnoses |
| The application | Help you prepare and complete the documents | Submit anything without your consent |
| The decision | Help you understand it and plan next steps | Decide eligibility or guarantee funding |
| Legal matters | Explain review options in general terms | Give legal advice or represent you in a review |
What happens after you submit
The NDIA may contact you to confirm your identity or ask for more information. If it does, we can help you work out what's being asked and pull it together. The NDIA then writes to you with its decision.
If you're not found eligible, the letter explains why. You can ask the NDIA to review the decision, or apply again later with new evidence. There's no limit on how many times you can apply.
If your application is approved
You'll work with the NDIA or your NDIS partner on your first plan. Once it's approved, you choose your providers.
Your choice, always. If your application is successful, you're free to choose the providers that are right for you. Using ARG Care for application help doesn't require you to use ARG Care for future supports.
Questions people ask
Can you tell me if I'm eligible?
No one except the NDIA can decide that. We can explain the eligibility requirements in plain language, talk through your situation and help you put forward the clearest possible application.
Do I need a diagnosis before I apply?
The NDIA needs evidence of your disability and how it affects your daily life, provided by a treating health professional. If you're unsure whether your evidence is enough, that's a good thing to talk through on a first call. See what evidence may be needed.
Can you write my medical or allied health reports?
No. Clinical evidence has to come from your treating professionals. We can help you understand what information is usually useful, organise what you already have and help you brief your professionals.
Will using ARG Care make the NDIA more likely to approve me?
No. The NDIA decides based on your evidence and the eligibility requirements. Our job is to help you prepare a complete, well-organised application.
How much does application help cost?
The first call is free. If you want ongoing help, we'll quote before any work starts, based on what you need. Application help is a private service and isn't billed to an NDIS plan.
Do I have to use ARG Care for supports if my application is approved?
No. You choose your providers. We'd be glad to help if you want us to, but there's no obligation.
Can you help if my application was unsuccessful?
Yes. We can help you understand the decision letter, work out what was missing and talk through your options, including asking for a review or applying again with new evidence.