How Long Does NDIS Approval Take? Timeline From Application to First Payment

How Long Does NDIS Approval Take?

Applying for the NDIS can feel like stepping into the unknown.

You submit forms. You gather reports. You wait.

Days pass. Then weeks.

Families often start asking:

• Did we submit everything correctly?
• Has our application been lost?
• Why hasn’t anyone called?
• Is this normal?

Waiting for the NDIS to approve can make you very anxious especially if the supports that you need are from the time. Many parents think that the answer will be a yes, or, no decision straight away but the approval is not instant. There are multiple stages and each stage has its own processing time.

Knowing the timeline helps to reduce your stress and also allows you to get your supports ready in good time.

This guide is very comprehensive and it will tell you step, by, step how long NDIS approval will take in Australia and also what happens at each stage, the reasons for the delays, and what can be done during the waiting period.

The 5 Stages of NDIS Approval

One of the biggest misconceptions is that there is “one waiting period.”

In reality, there are multiple waiting stages:

1. Application submitted
2. Access decision
3. Planning meeting
4. Plan approval
5. Funding ready to use

Each stage moves separately. Delays at any stage can extend the overall timeline.

Let’s break them down.

Stage 1: Application Submitted

Once your Access Request Form is submitted, the NDIS begins reviewing your documents.

Internally, they:

• Check identity and residency
• Review medical reports
• Confirm diagnosis
• Assess evidence of functional impairment

Typical Timeframe:

2–6 weeks

However, this stage can slow down if:

• Medical reports are missing
• GP letters are too vague
• Diagnosis is unclear
• Evidence does not show functional impact

Many delays happen because reports describe the condition but do not explain how it affects daily life.

If documents are incomplete, the NDIS may request additional evidence, restarting parts of the review process.

Stage 2: Access Decision (The Longest Wait)

This is usually the longest stage.

The NDIS reviews whether you meet eligibility criteria under the scheme’s rules.

They assess:

• Permanency of disability
• Impact on daily functioning
• Need for ongoing support

You can review the official NDIS access requirements on the NDIS website.

Typical Timeframe:

4–12 weeks
Sometimes longer for complex cases.

For straightforward physical disabilities with clear evidence, approval may come sooner. For psychosocial disabilities, developmental delays, or incomplete documentation, this stage can extend significantly.

This is often the period when families feel most anxious.

Stage 3: Planning Meeting

Once access is approved, you are contacted for a planning meeting.

This is usually conducted by:

• A Local Area Coordinator (LAC), or
• An NDIA planner

It may be over the phone or face-to-face.

Typical Timeframe:

1–3 weeks after access approval

This meeting is where your actual funding amounts are discussed.

Families should prepare:

• Clear goals
• Examples of daily challenges
• List of current supports
• Risks and safety concerns
• Future aspirations

Before the meeting, understanding how supports work can help see our guide on NDIS support services in Perth.

Preparation here significantly affects funding outcomes.

Stage 4: Plan Approval

After the planning meeting, your plan is reviewed internally and budgets are allocated across categories such as:

• Core Supports
• Capacity Building
• Capital Supports

Typical Timeframe:

1–2 weeks

You will receive your approved plan through the NDIS portal or email.

At this point, funding technically exists but it still needs to be activated with providers.

Stage 5: Funding Ready to Use

Once your plan is approved, you can begin booking services.

Participants can start working with a registered NDIS provider in Perth to organise supports.

This involves:

• Signing service agreements
• Booking service hours
• Setting up plan management (if applicable)
• Confirming funding categories

Funding becomes usable once service bookings are in place.

For many families, this is when support finally begins.

Full Realistic Timeline

Families often want one clear number.

Here is the realistic breakdown:

Fast case:
5–6 weeks total (rare but possible with complete documentation)

Average case:
2–4 months from application to first service

Complex case:
6+ months (psychosocial disability, incomplete reports, reassessment requests)

While some approvals happen quickly, most fall into the 2–4 month range.

Understanding this prevents unrealistic expectations.

Why Some Applications Take Longer

There are several reasons why NDIS application processing time may extend.

Common causes include:

• Insufficient evidence
• Reports not describing functional impact
• Psychosocial disability assessments requiring additional documentation
• Child developmental delay cases needing clarification
• Rural or regional processing backlog
• Requests for reassessment or clarification
• High application volumes

Many delays are documentation-related rather than rejection-related.

What You Should Do While Waiting

Waiting does not mean doing nothing.

Families can use this time productively.

Practical Steps:

• Gather updated therapy reports
• Request functional capacity assessments
• Research local providers
• Prepare written daily challenges
• Outline short-term and long-term goals
• Learn about funding categories

You can also read what happens after approval in our guide on what happens after NDIS plan approval.

Preparation shortens the gap between approval and starting supports.

How To Speed Up Your Application

While you cannot skip stages, you can reduce delays.

Provide Strong Evidence

The most effective way to reduce waiting time is submitting:

• Functional Capacity Assessments
• Occupational Therapy reports
• Clear GP statements
• Impact statements describing daily life

Make the Disability Impact Clear

Reports should explain:

• What the person cannot do independently
• How often support is required
• Risks without support

Diagnosis alone is not enough.

Stay in Contact

You can contact your Local Area Coordinator if waiting extends beyond expected timeframes.

Clear communication prevents files sitting unattended.

When To Follow Up NDIS

If you are waiting longer than expected, follow up.

The NDIS aims to respond within 21 days at certain stages, although real-world delays occur.

If your access decision exceeds normal timeframes:

1. Call the NDIS helpline
2. Request a status update
3. Ask if additional evidence is required
4. Document conversations

Escalation may be necessary in extended cases.

Polite persistence often moves files forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Reassurance

Waiting for NDIS approval can feel frustrating and uncertain.

But approval is a multi-stage process not a single yes-or-no decision.

Most families wait several months.

Understanding each stage helps you:

• Reduce anxiety
• Prepare documentation
• Plan ahead
• Start services quickly once approved

While the process can feel slow, preparation and clear evidence significantly improve outcomes.

And once approval arrives, supports can begin changing daily life almost immediately.

Email: info@elmur.com.au
Phone: (08) 6558 8814
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