Understanding your rights and responsibilities under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is essential for getting the most out of your plan. In Victoria, the NDIS framework empowers participants to make choices, pursue goals, and receive the supports they need, while also outlining clear expectations for how you engage with providers and the system. This guide explains the key rights, duties, and practical steps to help you navigate the scheme confidently.
What the rights and responsibilities cover and who they help
Rights and responsibilities apply to every NDIS participant, their families, and the organisations delivering supports. The rights ensure you can:
- Choose the types of supports that best suit your goals.
- Receive services that are safe, high‑quality and delivered with respect.
- Be involved in decisions about your plan and any changes to it.
- Access information about your plan, spending, and outcomes.
Correspondingly, responsibilities require you to:
- Provide accurate information to the NDIS and your planner.
- Use funded supports for the purposes outlined in your plan.
- Communicate any changes in circumstances that may affect your needs.
- Pay any agreed‑upon participant contributions on time.
These rights and duties support people of all ages and disability types across Victoria, from those living in Melbourne’s inner suburbs to residents in Belgravia, Chelsea and Pimlico.
Eligibility and access rules
National eligibility criteria
To access NDIS supports you must:
- Be under 65 years of age when you first apply.
- Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or hold a protected special‑category visa.
- Have a permanent and significant disability that affects daily living, education, work or social participation.
- Demonstrate that the disability is likely to be lifelong.
Victorian specific considerations
Victoria works closely with the NDIS to ensure local services meet the national standards. The state’s disability agencies may provide additional information, referral pathways, and assistance with plan reviews. If you reside in regional areas such as Belgravia, Chelsea or Pimlico, local community health networks can help you connect with approved providers.
What’s included and what’s not included
Included supports
Under the NDIS you can fund a wide range of supports, for example:
- Core supports – daily living activities, transport, consumables.
- Capacity‑building supports – therapy, skill development, assistive technology.
- Capital supports – home modifications, equipment purchases.
All funded items must align with the latest NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits, which set the maximum rates providers can charge for each support type.
Exclusions
The NDIS does not cover services that are already provided by the health system (e.g., hospital treatment, Medicare‑funded allied health) or items that are not directly related to your disability goals. Personal expenses unrelated to disability, such as general household bills, are also excluded.
Funding and planning considerations
When your planner creates a plan, they allocate funding across the three support categories based on your goals and functional needs. Key points to remember:
- Funding is reviewed annually or when significant changes occur.
- Providers must charge within the limits set by the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits.
- Any participant contribution (e.g., co‑payment for certain services) must be clearly outlined in the plan.
- Unused funds may be re‑allocated during a plan review, but they generally cannot be carried forward to the next plan year.
It is advisable to keep a simple record of your spending and service receipts. This helps you stay within budget and provides evidence if the NDIS requests clarification.
How to request or activate your rights
- Confirm your plan details: Review the plan document you received after your planning meeting. Check that all goals, supports and budgets are correctly listed.
- Choose approved providers: Use the NDIS Provider Finder or local directories. For example, you might explore NDIS home care supports in Wyndham, NDIS home care services in Wyndham, or NDIS home care in Wyndham for nearby options.
- Contact the provider: Discuss your needs, confirm they operate within the Pricing Arrangements, and arrange a start date.
- Submit a service request: If you need a new support not listed, ask your planner or support coordinator to amend the plan. You can also lodge a request through the MyGov portal.
- Monitor delivery: Keep track of appointments, service quality, and any issues. If a provider fails to meet standards, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.
Local context – Victoria and nearby areas
Victoria’s diverse geography means that service availability can vary. In the metropolitan fringe, suburbs such as Belgravia benefit from a strong network of community health centres that collaborate with NDIS providers. Chelsea offers several specialist disability organisations that focus on aquatic therapy and vocational training. In Pimlico, local councils work with the NDIS to provide transport assistance and accessible housing initiatives.
Regardless of where you live, the NDIS aims to deliver consistent rights and responsibilities. If you encounter barriers specific to your area, contact your local disability liaison officer for tailored advice.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I think my provider is overcharging?
Check the service against the latest NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits. If the charge exceeds the limit, raise the issue with the provider first. If it is not resolved, you can lodge a complaint with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.
Can I change my support provider during a plan year?
Yes. You may switch providers at any time, but you must ensure the new provider is NDIS‑approved and that the transition does not disrupt your services. Inform your planner or support coordinator of the change.
What are my rights if I disagree with a plan decision?
You have the right to request an internal review of the decision. If you are still unsatisfied, you can appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). Throughout the process, you can seek assistance from a support coordinator or an advocacy service.
Do I need to report changes in my living situation?
Yes. Any change that may affect your support needs – such as moving to a new address, changing household composition, or a change in health status – should be reported to the NDIS as soon as possible.
How can I ensure my supports are culturally appropriate?
When selecting providers, look for those that demonstrate cultural competence and have experience working with diverse communities. You can also request that your planner include cultural considerations in your plan goals and outcomes.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only. Check your own NDIS plan and speak with your planner or support coordinator for advice specific to your circumstances.