Introduction

The NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) can unlock life-changing supports – but the process of applying, getting approved and actually using your plan can be confusing, especially if you’re new to the system.

If you’re in Sydney and wondering “How do I access NDIS support?”, this plain-English checklist will walk you through each step, from checking eligibility to choosing the right providers like Paramount Care.

Step 1: Check If You’re Eligible for the NDIS

To be eligible for the NDIS, you generally need to:

  • Have a permanent and significant disability that affects your daily life
  • Be under 65 years of age when you apply
  • Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or hold a Protected Special Category Visa
  • Live in an area where the NDIS is available (Sydney is fully covered)

If you’re unsure, you can:

  • Visit the NDIS website and use their eligibility checker
  • Ask your GP, therapist or support worker for help
  • Contact a local NDIS partner in the community

Step 2: Gather Evidence of Your Disability and Support Needs

Strong evidence helps the NDIA understand your situation and approve the right supports.

Useful evidence may include:

  • Reports from your GP, paediatrician, psychiatrist or specialist
  • Assessments from allied health professionals such as occupational therapists, physiotherapists, psychologists or speech pathologists
  • School reports, behaviour plans or support plans (for children/youth)
  • Any existing care plans, mental health care plans, or previous assessments

Make sure reports clearly describe:

  • Your diagnosis (if available)
  • How your disability impacts daily activities (e.g. mobility, self-care, communication)
  • The supports you need now and may need in the future

Step 3: Complete and Submit an NDIS Access Request

To formally apply, you’ll need to complete an Access Request Form. You can:

  • Call the NDIS on 1800 800 110 to request the form
  • Download it from the NDIS website
  • Ask your GP or support worker to help you complete it

When submitting, include:

  • Your completed form
  • Copies of your supporting reports and assessments

Paramount Care can’t submit the application for you, but we can guide you on what types of supports the NDIS might fund and how our services may align with your goals once you’re approved.

Step 4: Prepare for Your NDIS Planning Meeting

If your access request is successful, you’ll be invited to a planning meeting with an NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC).

Before the meeting, think about:

  • Your everyday life now – what’s working, what’s hard
  • Your short-term and long-term goals (e.g. living more independently, maintaining mobility, joining community activities, gaining employment)
  • The supports you already have and what extra help you need

It can help to write down:

  • A “day in the life” description
  • List of current therapies or supports
  • Future goals and any upcoming life changes (school, work, moving house, etc.)

You are welcome to have a family member, carer or advocate with you for support.

Step 5: Attend Your NDIS Planning Meeting

During the meeting, you’ll talk about:

  • Your disability and daily challenges
  • Your goals and what you want from life
  • The supports and services you might need to reach those goals

Possible supports may include:

  • Personal care and everyday supports at home
  • Allied health and therapeutic supports
  • Supported Independent Living (SIL) or in-home care
  • Community and social participation
  • Assistive technology and equipment

This is your opportunity to be open and honest about the help you need – now and in the future.

Step 6: Receive and Review Your NDIS Plan

After your planning meeting, the NDIA will send you your NDIS plan.

Your plan will outline:

  • Your goals
  • The funding categories you have access to
  • How funding is managed (NDIA-managed, plan-managed or self-managed)

Carefully review your plan to see if:

  • It reflects your needs and goals
  • There is enough funding in the correct areas (e.g. core supports, capacity building, housing and living supports)

If something isn’t right, you may be able to request a plan reassessment.

Step 7: Choose Your NDIS Providers in Sydney

Once your plan is approved, you can start choosing the services and providers you want to work with.

In Sydney, Paramount Care can support you with:

  • Disability services such as Everyday Supports and Community Supports
  • In-home care and complex care
  • Supported Independent Living (SIL) and accommodation supports
  • Allied health and therapeutic supports (via Therapeutic Supports)
  • Support Coordination to help you understand and use your plan effectively

You can choose one provider for multiple services or mix and match, depending on your preferences.

Step 8: Consider Support Coordination for Extra Guidance

If your plan includes Support Coordination, this can be extremely helpful, especially in your first year with the NDIS.

A Support Coordinator can:

  • Help you understand your plan and what each budget can be used for
  • Connect you with reliable providers in Sydney
  • Help set up service agreements and bookings
  • Monitor how your supports are working and help prepare for reviews

Paramount Care offers independent, person-centred Support Coordination focused on your goals, not our own services.

Step 9: Put Your Supports in Place and Start Using Your Plan

Once you’ve chosen your providers:

  1. Contact each provider and share the relevant parts of your plan
  2. Agree on a service agreement (hours, costs, cancellation policy, etc.)
  3. Start receiving your supports – at home, in the community, or via telehealth where appropriate

As you begin, keep track of:

  • What’s working well
  • Any gaps in support
  • Changes in your goals or circumstances

This information will be useful at your next NDIS plan review.

Step 10: Review, Reflect and Adjust Over Time

Your life, health and goals may change – and your NDIS plan should change with you.

You can:

  • Request a plan reassessment if your needs change significantly
  • Work with your Support Coordinator to gather updated reports and evidence
  • Regularly review your supports with providers like Paramount Care to make sure they’re still right for you

How Paramount Care Helps NDIS Participants in Sydney

At Paramount Care, we support you at every stage of your NDIS journey:

  • Before and during access: Plain-English explanations of supports and services
  • After approval: Tailored in-home care, disability supports, allied health and Supported Independent Living options
  • Ongoing: Regular reviews, flexible support and open communication with you and your support network

We’re committed to person-centred, high-quality care that enhances independence, safety and quality of life.

 Need Help Getting Started With NDIS Supports in Sydney?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the NDIS process, you’re not alone. Paramount Care is here to help you understand your options and build a support network that truly works for you.

Call us on 1300 425 502, submit an online referral, or visit our NDIS page to learn more about how we can support you in Sydney.

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