NDIS (Disability Support) in Queensland
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Commonwealth Acts of Parliament, federal regulations, and official government guidance. State-level information reflects each state's own Acts and court decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides funding for supports and services to people with a permanent and significant disability. It is established under the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 and administered by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).
To be eligible, you must:
- Be under 65 when you first apply
- Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa
- Have a permanent disability that significantly affects your ability to take part in everyday activities
If approved, the NDIA creates a personalised NDIS plan with funding for reasonable and necessary supports. These may include:
- Daily personal care and household help
- Assistive technology and home modifications
- Therapy (physiotherapy, speech, occupational therapy)
- Transport assistance
- Support coordination and plan management
You can choose to self-manage your plan, use a plan manager, or have the NDIA manage your funding. Plans are typically reviewed every 12 months, and you can request a plan review at any time if your circumstances change.
When does it apply?
- You have a permanent and significant disability — including physical, intellectual, sensory, cognitive, or psychosocial disability.
- You are aged 7 to 65 (children under 7 may access early childhood supports).
- Your disability substantially reduces your ability to participate in daily activities without support.
What to Do If Your NDIS Application Is Refused or Your Plan Is Insufficient in Australia
- Contact the NDIA on 1800 800 110 or visit ndis.gov.au to start an access request.
- Gather supporting evidence from your doctors, specialists, and allied health professionals before applying.
- Prepare for your planning meeting by listing your goals, current supports, and what help you need.
- Know your right to choose — you can pick your own providers and decide how your funding is managed.
- If you disagree with a decision, you can request an internal review within 3 months of the decision. If still unsatisfied, you can appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).
- Use a support coordinator if you need help navigating the system and connecting with providers.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't accept a decision you disagree with — you have the right to an internal review and external appeal.
- Don't let funding go unused — unspent funds do not carry over to the next plan period.
- Don't use NDIS funding for everyday expenses — it can only be spent on disability-related supports that are reasonable and necessary.
- Don't wait until your plan review is due — if your needs change significantly, request an unscheduled review immediately.
How Queensland differs from federal law
The NDIS is a federal scheme. Queensland transitioned fully to the NDIS in 2019, replacing the previous state-funded disability services system.
- Queensland's NDIS transition was the largest in the country due to the state's population and geographic spread. The NDIA has offices and partners in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Townsville, Cairns, and other regional centres.
- Queensland's Department of Seniors, Disability Services and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships works alongside the NDIS to provide advocacy, information, and state-funded services for people with disability who are not eligible for the NDIS.
- The Disability Services Act 2006 (Qld) remains in force for certain state-funded services and safeguards that complement the NDIS, including advocacy and information services.
- Queensland has a Human Rights Act 2019 that protects the right to equality and non-discrimination, including for people with disability. This applies to all Queensland public authorities interacting with people with disability.
Additional Steps in Queensland
Apply for the NDIS through the NDIA (ndis.gov.au or 1800 800 110). For state disability services, contact Disability Connect Queensland (13 74 68). For advocacy, contact Queensland Advocacy for Inclusion (QAI) (qai.org.au). For complaints, contact the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (1800 035 544).
Relevant Law: National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 (Cth); Disability Services Act 2006 (Qld); Human Rights Act 2019 (Qld)
Common Questions
When does ndis (disability support) apply?
You have a permanent and significant disability — including physical, intellectual, sensory, cognitive, or psychosocial disability.You are aged 7 to 65 (children under 7 may access early childhood supports).Your disability substantially reduces your ability to participate in daily activities without support.
What should I do if the NDIA rejects my NDIS application or my plan doesn't cover my needs in Australia?
Contact the NDIA on 1800 800 110 or visit ndis.gov.au to start an access request.Gather supporting evidence from your doctors, specialists, and allied health professionals before applying.Prepare for your planning meeting by listing your goals, current supports, and what help you need.Know your right to choose — you can pick your own providers and decide how your funding is managed.If you disagree with a decision, you can request an internal review within 3 months of the decision. If still unsatisfied, you can appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).Use a support coordinator if you...
What mistakes should I avoid with ndis (disability support)?
Don't accept a decision you disagree with — you have the right to an internal review and external appeal.Don't let funding go unused — unspent funds do not carry over to the next plan period.Don't use NDIS funding for everyday expenses — it can only be spent on disability-related supports that are reasonable and necessary.Don't wait until your plan review is due — if your needs change significantly, request an unscheduled review immediately.
NDIS (Disability Support) in other states
Same topic, different jurisdiction. Pick the one that applies to you.