Understanding the NDIS

Your guide to NDIS support

The NDIS can feel overwhelming at first. Here's a plain-language overview of how it works — and how Close Knit Care can help you make the most of your plan.

What is the NDIS?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an Australian Government program that provides funding to people with permanent and significant disability. It's designed to help you live more independently, participate in your community, and work toward your personal goals.

The NDIS is managed by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). Once you're approved, you receive an individual plan with funding allocated across different support categories based on your needs.

Am I eligible?

To access the NDIS, you generally need to:

  • Be under 65 years of age when you first apply
  • Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Special Category Visa holder
  • Have a permanent disability that significantly affects your ability to take part in everyday activities
Eligibility is assessed individually. If you're unsure, the NDIS has a free access request process — or you can call us and we'll help point you in the right direction.

How does an NDIS plan work?

Your NDIS plan outlines your goals and the funding available to help you achieve them. Funding is divided into support categories — each one covers a different type of support.

You can choose how your plan is managed: self-managed (you manage the funds), plan-managed (a registered plan manager handles payments), or NDIA-managed (the NDIA pays providers directly). Close Knit Care works with all three management types.

Support categories we work with

01

Assistance with Daily Life

Funding for support with everyday tasks at home — personal care, meal prep, household tasks, and building daily routines.

04

Assistance with Social & Community Participation

Support to get out and about — attending community events, social activities, appointments, and connecting with others.

09

Increased Social & Community Participation (Capacity Building)

Funding to build your skills and independence over time, so you can do more on your own terms.

Getting started with Close Knit Care

1

Reach out

Give us a call or send a message. We'll have a friendly chat about what you're looking for — no pressure, no commitment.

2

We learn about you

We take the time to understand your goals, preferences, and what a good support worker looks like for you.

3

We find the right match

We introduce you to a support worker we think is a great fit. If it's not right, we'll keep looking.

4

Support begins

Once you're happy, we get started — with regular check-ins to make sure things are working well.

Have questions about your plan?

We're happy to talk through how your NDIS funding could work with our services — in plain language, no jargon.

Talk to us