NDIS jargon, explained.

The National Disability Insurance Agency. The federal body that runs the NDIS — assessing eligibility, approving plans, and overseeing the scheme.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme. Australia's program providing funding and support to people with permanent and significant disability.

The document that sets out your goals and the supports the NDIS will fund for you over a defined period (usually 12–24 months).

The meeting where the NDIA reviews your existing plan and decides what your next plan will fund. Sometimes called a plan reassessment.

A management option where a third party handles invoicing and claiming on your behalf. The plan manager is funded separately, on top of your other supports.

A management option where you receive your funding directly, pay providers yourself, and claim from the NDIA. Maximum flexibility, maximum admin.

A management option where the NDIA pays providers directly. You can only use NDIS-registered providers.

Funding that pays for someone to help you implement your plan. Level 1 is short-term support connection, Level 2 is general coordination, Level 3 is specialist coordination for complex needs.

Funding for support workers in shared or individual living arrangements, typically covering daily tasks and overnight assistance.

Funding for housing specifically designed for people with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs.

The most flexible budget category, covering everyday supports like personal care, community access, transport, and consumables.

Budget category funding supports that help you build skills and independence — therapy, support coordination, employment supports, and more.

Budget category funding higher-cost items like assistive technology, home modifications, and SDA.

Items in your plan that must be spent on a specific purpose — you can't move that funding to other categories.

The legal test the NDIA uses to decide whether to fund a support. It must be related to your disability, value for money, and likely to be effective.

A provider that has registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission and meets its quality and practice standards. Required for NDIA-managed plans.

A provider that hasn't registered with the Commission. Can be used by participants on plan-managed or self-managed plans. Includes many sole-trader allied health professionals and support workers.

The independent regulator overseeing NDIS providers and workers. Handles registration, complaints, and serious incidents.

The written contract between you and a provider setting out what they'll deliver, at what rate, and on what terms.

The detailed breakdown of services, hours, and costs that sits inside (or alongside) your service agreement.

A person funded to help people with disability connect to the NDIS and to community supports. Often the first point of contact for new participants.

The NDIS pathway for children under 9 with developmental delay or disability, focused on early intervention.

Equipment that helps you do things you couldn't otherwise do — wheelchairs, communication devices, hoists, sensory aids, and many others.

Specialist support for participants with behaviours of concern, focused on understanding behaviour and developing positive strategies. Often involves a Behaviour Support Practitioner.

Practices that restrict the rights or freedom of movement of a person with disability. Strictly regulated under NDIS rules; requires authorisation and oversight.