The waiting is often the hardest part
If you or someone you care for is applying for the NDIS, one of the first questions on your mind is probably: how long is this going to take? The honest answer is that it varies — but understanding the process can help you know what to expect and how to avoid unnecessary delays.
Step 1: Checking your eligibility (up to 21 days)
The first step is submitting an Access Request to the NDIA. You can do this by calling 1800 800 110 or submitting a form online or through a Local Area Coordinator (LAC).
Once they have everything they need, the NDIA has 21 days to decide if you meet the eligibility criteria. To qualify, you generally need to be under 65, be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and have a permanent and significant disability that affects your daily life.
If they need more information (like supporting documentation from a doctor or specialist), the clock pauses until that information is received — so getting your paperwork together early really does make a difference.
Step 2: Planning meeting (timing varies)
Once you’re approved as an NDIS participant, the next step is a planning meeting where you discuss your goals, your current supports, and what funding you might need. This is usually done with an LAC or an NDIA planner.
How long you wait for this meeting can vary quite a bit depending on your location and the current demand in your area. In some cases it’s a few weeks; in others it can take a couple of months. It’s worth being proactive and following up if you haven’t heard anything after a few weeks.
Step 3: Receiving your plan (up to 28 days after the meeting)
After your planning meeting, the NDIA will put together your plan and send it to you. This typically takes up to 28 days, though it can sometimes be faster.
Your plan will outline your funding across the three support categories (Core, Capacity Building, and Capital) and how long your plan runs for — usually 12 months.
So what’s the total timeframe?
All up, from lodging your access request to receiving your first plan, you’re generally looking at anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months, depending on how quickly you gather supporting evidence, how busy your local area coordinator is, and whether any additional information is requested along the way.
Tips to speed things up
Get your supporting evidence together early. The more detail your treating professionals can provide about how your disability affects your daily life, the better. Functional assessments from occupational therapists can be particularly helpful.
Be specific about your goals. Coming to your planning meeting with a clear sense of what you want to achieve helps the planner understand what supports you need.
Follow up if things go quiet. Don’t be afraid to call the NDIA or your LAC if you haven’t heard back within the expected timeframe.
Consider getting support. A support coordinator or LAC can help guide you through the process and advocate on your behalf if things stall.
Once your plan is approved, we’re ready to help
As soon as your NDIS plan is in place, The Plan Management People can step in and start managing your funding straight away. We’ll handle invoice payments, keep track of your budget, and make sure everything runs smoothly — so you can focus on what matters.
And because plan management is funded by the NDIS, it’s at no cost to you.
📞 Call us: 0456 977 362
💌 Email: admin@pmpeople.com.au
🌐 Visit: www.planmanagementpeople.com.au
