NDIS vs. NDIA – What’s the Difference?

What Is the NDIS?

NDIS stands for the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
The national program provides funding and support to eligible people with a disability, as well as their families and carers.

The NDIS is designed to:

• Provide funding to help participants pursue their goals
  
• Support independence, skills development, and community participation
  
• Give participants more choice and control over their services and providers
  
  

If you meet the NDIS eligibility criteria, you receive a personalised NDIS plan. This plan outlines your goals, your funding budgets, and the types of support you can access to help you live more independently.

What Is the NDIA?

NDIA stands for the National Disability Insurance Agency.
The NDIA is the government organisation that administers and manages the NDIS.

The NDIA’s responsibilities include:

• Assessing eligibility for the NDIS
  
• Creating and approving individual NDIS plans
  
• Managing funds for participants whose plans are NDIA-managed
  
• Ensuring the scheme operates fairly and transparently for all participants and providers
  
  

In short:

• The NDIS is the scheme (the support system and funding).
  
• The NDIA is the agency (the team that operates and oversees the scheme).



When and How to Contact the NDIS vs. the NDIA

It is helpful to know who to contact depending on what you need:



You would contact the NDIA if:

• You need to check the status of your application or eligibility
  
• You want to request a change to your NDIS plan (e.g., plan review)
  
• You have questions about how your funds are managed (especially if you are NDIA-managed)
  
• You need to lodge a complaint or provide feedback about the NDIS process.

The NDIA can be contacted through their call centre at 1800 800 110, via email, or through your local NDIA office.

You would contact your providers, Plan Manager, or Support Coordinator if:

• Plan Manager (like Empowrd)
  
• You need help paying invoices from your service providers
  
• You want help tracking your spending and managing your NDIS budget
  
• You need financial reporting on your funding use
  
• You want to use unregistered providers (self- or plan-managed participants can do this)
  
  
• Support Coordinator (if you have one in your plan)
  
• You need assistance finding and connecting with NDIS providers
  
• You want help organising supports that align with your plan goals
  
• You need help navigating complex or multiple supports
  
• You need assistance preparing for plan reviews or service changes
  
  

In short:

• Your Plan Manager helps you with the financial side of your plan.
  
• Your Support Coordinator helps you with the support and service side of your plan.
  
  

Both roles are designed to make your NDIS experience easier, without needing to contact the NDIA for everyday tasks.

Why Knowing the Difference Matters

Knowing the difference between the NDIS and the NDIA empowers you to get the right support when you need it.

It ensures that you:

• Understand who to contact for help
  
• Get the most value from your NDIS funding
  
• Feel more confident in managing your supports and services
  
  

Having the right knowledge makes the NDIS journey smoother and more empowering.

How Empowrd Can Help

At Empowrd, we provide professional and Support Coordination services across the Eyre Peninsula and Plan Management Australia-wide.

We can help you:

• Understand and maximise your NDIS plan
  
• Navigate NDIA processes
  
• Find providers that align with your goals
  
• Stay on track with your funding and supports
  
  

We believe in making the NDIS simple, straightforward, and focused on what matters most — your goals and independence.

Get in Touch

Call us today on (08) 8683 4401
Or visit our website to learn more about how we can support your NDIS journey.