NDIS Basics: How to Request and Start Support

Spot the support need (and describe it clearly)

Before you request NDIS support, take a moment to describe what you need help with in everyday, practical terms. A “support need” is the impact of a health condition on your day-to-day life—things like your ability to get ready, keep appointments, manage medications, or feel safe in your home. Try to focus on what’s harder right now, not just your diagnosis.

Use a simple approach: What is the barrier? (for example, “I forget to take my medication” or “I can’t safely shower without assistance”), What happens (why it becomes a problem), and What you need (the kind of support that would help). It can also help to list how often it occurs (daily, weekly, during bad days) and what makes it better or worse. If you can, include examples from the last few weeks.

When you write your request, include your goals and link the support to the outcome you want. For example, “Support to attend appointments” can relate to improving health and independence, not just “more hours.” If you are choosing providers, compare options using resources like My Care Finders to understand what different supports look like in practice and what questions to ask.

Key takeaway: Clear descriptions of your day-to-day impacts help the NDIS understand what support will make a real difference for you.

If plan management is part of your setup, you may also want to check how services are funded and paid. Some people use MyMoney NDIS (www.planmanager.net.au) to understand plan-managed options and budgeting, so your request can match how you intend to pay for support. If you’re unsure, ask your support coordinator or plan manager to help you describe the support in the right way.