First time NDIS guide for WA families seeking disability support 

At Avivo, we see the important work you’ve been doing on your own as a family carer. Balancing medications, appointments, and care at home for your loved one, without formal disability support systems around you.  

The last thing you need is more paperwork or confusion. Help that lightens the load and allows you to stay in control is what makes a difference. 

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) exists to do this. Yet for many families, the idea of entering a new system with new processes can feel overwhelming. 

To help you understand what’s available, we’ve put together this simple guide to explain what the NDIS is and how it works – including where we come in.  

With clear information, it’s easier to spot the benefits and decide if it’s the right pathway for your family. 

What is the NDIS? A quick breakdown  

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a government program that provides funding to Australians with disability to help them live independently and achieve their goals. 

The NDIS also connects anyone with disability to services in their community. 

This includes connections to doctors, community groups, sporting clubs, support groups, libraries and schools, as well as information about what support is provided here in Western Australia.¹ 

The funding and connections provided by the NDIS help people with a disability to: 

• live more independently; 

• build skills and confidence; 

• stay connected to community; and 

• improve their quality of life. 

As a registered NDIS provider, Avivo can support you through the process of understanding your NDIS funding (if approved) and building a program of disability support services so you can plan a more sustainable future for you and your loved one.  

Who is the NDIS for? 

The NDIS is designed for: 

• adults with a permanent or significant disability; 

• children with developmental delay; and 

• families who’ve managed informally for years. 

Families usually start exploring the NDIS when: 

• their own health changes; 

• the future feels uncertain; or 

• the caring role becomes too heavy or unsustainable. 

Eligibility 

Age and residency requirements  

To be eligible for the NDIS, your loved one must meet the age and residency requirements. 

They need to: 

• be younger than 65 on the day you apply; 

• be an Australian citizen or permanent resident (including certain protected visa holders); and 

• live in Australia. 

If those requirements are met, they are then assessed under either the disability requirements, the early intervention requirements, or both. 

Disability requirements

Once the age and residency requirements are met, the NDIS will look at evidence of your adult child’s disability requirements. 

They may be eligible if: 

• they have one or more impairments (intellectual, cognitive, neurological, sensory, physical or psychosocial); 

• the impairment is likely to be permanent; 

• the impairment substantially reduces their functional capacity in one or more areas of daily life, such as: 

• moving around; 

• communicating; 

• socialising; 

• learning; 

• self-care; and 

• self-management. 

• the impairment affects their ability to work, study or participate in social life; and 

• they are likely to need NDIS supports for their lifetime. 

Remember: The NDIS assesses eligibility based on the impact of your loved one’s impairments on everyday functioning – not just their diagnosis. 

Find out if you’re eligible by answering some simple question in the NDIS Eligibility Checklist (external link). These questions are just a guide. The final decision about eligibility is up to the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). 

If you’re not eligible 

If your loved one doesn’t meet eligibility requirements there are still lots of options available including: 

• self-funded care if you can afford to pay privately; 

• community support organised by your Local Area Coordinator (LAC); 

• aged care funding if your loved one is 65 and over; or 

• make an appeal via an internal review. 

Read more about each of these options in our ‘Declined for NDIS? What’s next?’ blog 

How do I get started? A step-by-step process 

Navigating disability support pathways can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure of where to turn for help. 

To keep things simple, here’s a breakdown of what to expect at the start of your NDIS journey. 

1. Check eligibility via the NDIS website or calling 1800 800 110. 

2. If you are eligible, apply via the NDIS and wait for your ‘access decision letter’. 

3. Prepare for your planning meeting. Identify daily needs, goals, and what’s becoming harder. 

4. Create your NDIS plan. This may take time (often 6-12 weeks or more). 

5. Choose your providers. At Avivo, we help create a tailored support plan. 

6. Start supports and reviews occur over time. 

Did you know?

• NDIS assessments require evidence. You may need reports from doctors, therapists, or specialists. 
• Your loved one doesn’t have to gather everything alone – they are allowed to bring a family member, friend, or service coordinator to NDIS meetings. 

Find out how to prepare for your first NDIS planning meeting.

Understanding NDIS plan types and management 

Your NDIS funding is designed to provide disability-related supports that help your loved one live more independently and work towards their goals.  

Support can come from more than one place, including family, friends and mainstream community services. 

NDIS-funded supports are grouped into three main categories: 

• core supports (everyday assistance); 

• capacity-building supports (developing skills and independence over time); and 

• capital supports (equipment or home modifications).  

Each category has its own allocated budget, giving you structure and, in many cases, flexibility in how funding is used. 

Before your planning meeting, it’s also helpful to consider how you’d like the plan to be managed. The options include: 

• self-managed; 

• plan-managed; or 

• NDIA-managed.  

For a more detailed explanation of support categories and plan management options, see our How to prepare for your first planning meeting guide or visit the NDIS website. 

What NDIS-funded support looks like day to day 

At Avivo, our disability support services are flexible, tailored, and delivered with respect by trusted, experienced Support Workers and nurses. 

We’re proud to be a registered NDIS provider with over 80 local teams across WA, giving families the freedom to live life their way with dignity, connection and control.

Our range of disability services includes: 

• in-home support (cleaning, meals, routines); 

• personal care; 

• social connection, transport, outings; 

• companionship and community participation; and 

• support that adapts as needs change. 

You can read more about our values and our story here. 

Choosing a support provider  

Once your plan is approved, it’s time to find a support provider that suits your needs and values.  

Choosing a provider is one of the most important parts of your NDIS journey. The right provider will respect your choices, support your goals, and adapt with you as your needs change.  

When selecting a provider, consider:  

1. Are they a registered NDIS provider?  

2. Do they offer flexible, person-centred support?  

3. Are they local and connected to your community?  

4. Can they adapt to your needs over time?  

Did you know..?

Avivo is proudly Western Australian. Our story began in the 1960s with Gertrude ‘Gwin’ Ruston, who founded the Perth Emergency Housekeeping Service. She saw a need in her community and created a service to help people stay supported at home with dignity and independence.  

From those beginnings, we’ve grown into a state-wide organisation supporting thousands of Western Australians every day. What’s stayed the same is our commitment to people and place – locals supporting locals, with familiar faces who know and understand you.   

How to choose Avivo as your support partner

As a registered NDIS provider in WA, Avivo can support you through the process – from understanding your disability support funding to building services that work for you 

Avivo supports people and families who are: 

• new to the NDIS; 

• switching providers; or 

• expanding their support 

Our approach focuses on: 

• flexible, personalised supports; 

• long-term planning; and 

• working with families – not taking over. 

With Avivo, you’ll have a team that works with you to shape a support plan that truly fits your life – flexible, personal, and built around your goals. We’ll take the time to listen and understand what’s important to you. 

You can nominate Avivo as your provider at any time.  

Call us on 1300 428 486 and we’ll help you get started. 

You don’t have to navigate this alone!

You’ve already done the hardest work – years of care, advocacy, and love. The NDIS, and the right support team, can help make the road ahead feel less heavy. 

Our team is here to guide you through the options and help you understand what different levels of support could look like. We’re beside you as you make the best decisions for your family. 

If you’d like clarity on the next steps or want someone to talk through your situation with, get in touch with our team today.