The NDIS
Understanding the NDIS.
A plain-language overview to help you get oriented — not a replacement for official guidance.
This page provides general information only and is not official NDIS guidance. Cherub Care is an independent provider and is not affiliated with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). For current eligibility, funding and legal information, always refer to ndis.gov.au.
What is the NDIS?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is the Australian Government scheme that funds reasonable and necessary support for eligible people with disability, helping them pursue their goals and participate in everyday life.
How the NDIS works
Eligible participants work with the NDIA to develop an individual plan, which includes funding for supports connected to their goals. Participants then choose providers — like Cherub Care — to deliver some or all of those supports.
Who may be eligible
General eligibility for the NDIS considers factors including age, residency status, and whether a person has a permanent and significant disability that affects their ability to take part in everyday activities.
Because eligibility rules can change and depend on individual circumstances, we recommend checking the official NDIS eligibility criteria or speaking with our team, who can point you toward the right next step.
Understanding NDIS plans
Every plan is individual, built around a participant's specific goals and support needs.
An NDIS plan outlines the funded supports available to a participant, generally grouped into categories such as core supports, capacity building, and capital supports. How that funding can be used, and by whom, depends on the plan's details and management type.
Plan Management
Plan management options
Self-Managed
You manage your own funding, pay providers directly, and keep records for the NDIA. This offers the most flexibility in choosing providers.
Plan-Managed
A registered plan manager handles payments and bookkeeping on your behalf, while you retain choice over which providers you use.
NDIA-Managed
The NDIA pays providers directly. Providers used under this option generally need to be NDIS-registered.
Finding the right provider
The right provider depends on your goals, communication preferences, and the kind of relationship you want with your support workers. It's worth asking how a provider handles scheduling changes, how they communicate, and whether you can meet a support worker before support begins.
Preparing for your first conversation
Think about what a typical week looks like, where extra support would help most, and any specific goals you have. Bring your plan details if you have them — but if you don't, that's completely fine too.
How Cherub Care can help
We help participants understand what support could look like in practice, and work alongside your existing plan, support coordinator or family to shape an arrangement that genuinely fits.
- A conversation-first approach to understanding your goals
- Support across all three plan management types
- Clear explanations, without jargon
- Ongoing communication with your support coordinator, if you have one
NDIS frequently asked questions
Have questions about how this applies to you?
Our team is happy to talk through your specific circumstances — no jargon, no pressure.