The National Disability Insurance Scheme, or NDIS, is a national government initiative funded jointly by the Australian and state governments, including the New South Wales Government, that offers lifetime assistance to people with severe and permanent disabilities under age 65.
The aim of NDIS is to provide individuals with disabilities the capability to chose and control how, when and where they can access support, as well as reassurance that they will have ongoing assistance for the rest of their lives.
This Australia-wide scheme was established in 2013 and was implemented entirely in 2020. The NDIS currently supports over 500,000 Australians with disabilities accessing the necessary services and support. The NDIS can cover services and supports such as aid with household tasks, personal care, facilitating social support, recreation, allied health services, accommodation and many others. The government supports the project; recipients or participants are not required to purchase or contribute financially in any way. The NDIS Act also established the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).