NDIS runs a participant portal called myplace. There are also a growing number of apps and digital tools designed to make using the scheme easier. Some are useful. Some are harder to use than they should be. Here's a practical rundown of what's available.

The myplace portal

myplace is NDIA's official online portal for participants. You access it through your myGov account.

What myplace does:

Shows your current plan in detail — including funding amounts by category and how much has been spent so far.

Lets you see service bookings (for agency-managed funding).

Allows you to submit claims (for self-managed participants).

Provides messaging with NDIA (though slow).

Lets you track plan reviews and important dates.

Stores your documents — copies of your plan, decision letters, correspondence.

The portal is functional but has rough edges. The user interface is dated. Some features only work on desktop, not mobile. Updates can be slow to appear. Some participants report inconsistent data — funding shown that doesn't match plan documents, or claims that show as pending for weeks.

If you're plan-managed, your plan manager's portal is usually more useful for day-to-day budget tracking. If you're agency-managed, myplace is your main view of how funding is being used.

Useful apps for NDIS participants

A few apps that participants use:

MyNDIS app. NDIS-issued mobile app that mirrors some myplace functionality. Limited but useful for checking plan basics on a phone.

Plan management apps. Most plan management providers have their own apps for clients to track spending, see invoices, and contact their manager. Quality varies — some are excellent (real-time updates, clear interfaces), others basic.

Time and shift tracking apps. For participants using support workers, apps that track shift times and notes can help with verification and dispute resolution.

Goal tracking apps. General productivity apps (Notion, Apple Notes, Google Docs, Trello) work well for tracking NDIS goals, planning meetings, and organising documents.

Communication aids. For participants with communication impairments, AAC apps (augmentative and alternative communication) like Proloquo2Go, TouchChat, and others. These are often funded as Capital supports under Assistive Technology.

Calendar and reminder apps. Critical for participants managing multiple appointments — Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, or specific reminder apps for medication and appointments.

Digital skills support under NDIS

Building digital skills can be funded under Capacity Building, particularly Improved Daily Living. Specific things that fit:

Learning to use a smartphone for basic communication and access.

Building skills with assistive technology (screen readers, voice control, accessibility features).

Setting up and using AAC devices.

Building skills with email, online banking, and digital admin.

Online safety and scam awareness training.

Online communities and peer support — building skills to engage with others online safely.

This isn't a separate funding category — it's typically funded as part of broader life skills or capacity building goals, with specific digital skills training included.

Online community and peer networks

Online connection matters for NDIS participants — especially in rural areas where in-person community is limited.

Resources that work:

NDIS-related Facebook groups. Various participant-run and family-run groups discuss plan-related questions, share experiences, and exchange information. Quality varies; some are well-moderated, others chaotic.

Disability-specific online communities. Communities for specific conditions (autism, MS, spinal injury, deafness, etc.) often have substantial online presence in Australia.

Peer support networks. Some funded through Capacity Building or organised by disability advocacy organisations. ADA Australia and QAI organise peer connections.

Mainstream platforms. Reddit, Twitter/X, and similar platforms have disability-related discussion. Some participants find them useful; others find them noisy.

Online communities can be great for information sharing and reducing isolation. They can also be misleading — not all advice is good, and people's NDIS experiences vary enormously by location and circumstance.

What NDIS won't fund technologically

A few things NDIS doesn't usually fund:

Generic computers, smartphones, or tablets unless specifically required for disability use (e.g. as an assistive technology for communication).

Internet bills, mobile phone bills, streaming subscriptions.

Non-disability-related apps or services.

Gaming or entertainment, unless tied to specific disability-related goals.

Smart home devices (Alexa, Google Home) unless specifically prescribed for disability use.

The line is whether the technology specifically addresses a disability-related need. Generic tech that everyone uses falls outside.

Frequently asked questions

Can NDIS fund my phone or computer?

Usually no, with exceptions. If you need a specific device for AAC (augmentative communication), that's funded. If you need adaptive computer access for blind or low-vision use, that's funded. A general smartphone for everyday use isn't.

Is myplace secure?

Yes, reasonably so. Access is via your myGov account and uses standard government security. Be wary of phishing attempts pretending to be NDIA.

My plan manager has an app. Is it the same as myplace?

No. Your plan manager's app shows the data they manage. myplace shows what NDIA has on file. Sometimes they don't match — usually because the plan manager has more recent data than NDIA's portal reflects.

Can my support coordinator log in to myplace as me?

Only if you've nominated them as a representative through NDIA. Casual access without formal authorisation isn't allowed and is a privacy issue.

If you'd like help navigating NDIS technology — including the portal, apps, or digital tools — Seareal can talk through what works best for your situation.