Who Is Eligible for NDIS? A Simple Guide to NDIS Eligibility

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides funding and support to eligible people with permanent and significant disability. However, having a disability does not automatically mean you qualify for the NDIS.

To become an NDIS participant, you generally need to meet requirements relating to age, residency and disability or early intervention. Understanding these requirements can help you determine whether you may be eligible and what to do next.

Who Is Eligible for the NDIS?

You may be eligible for the NDIS if you:

• Are aged between 0 and 64 when you apply

• Live in Australia

• Are an Australian citizen, permanent resident or Protected Special Category visa holder

• Have a permanent impairment that significantly affects your everyday life

• Are likely to need NDIS support for your lifetime

You may also qualify through the early intervention requirements in certain circumstances.

1. Age Requirement

You must be younger than 65 when you apply for the NDIS.

Children can also access the NDIS if they meet the relevant requirements. Children younger than 9 and their families can work with an early childhood partner, while children younger than 6 with developmental delay may qualify through the early intervention requirements.

If you are already an NDIS participant when you turn 65, different options may apply, including continuing with the NDIS or moving to aged care supports.

2. Residency Requirements

You must live in Australia and meet one of the following residency conditions:

• Australian citizen

• Permanent resident

• Protected Special Category visa holder

You must also live in Australia and spend most of your time here.

3. Disability Requirements

Your disability must generally be related to a permanent impairment.

The impairment may be intellectual, cognitive, neurological, sensory or physical. Psychosocial disability may also be considered where it is caused by a permanent impairment.

Your impairment must substantially affect your ability to perform everyday activities such as:

• Communicating

• Moving around

• Learning

• Socialising

• Looking after yourself

• Managing your daily life

The NDIS also considers how your impairment affects your ability to work, study or participate in social and community activities.

Does Your Disability Have to Be Permanent?

Generally, yes.

The NDIS looks at whether your impairment is likely to be permanent and whether you are likely to need NDIS supports for your lifetime.

A diagnosis by itself does not automatically make someone eligible. The NDIS considers how the impairment affects your functional capacity and everyday life.

Can Children Qualify for the NDIS?

Yes. Children may qualify under the disability requirements or early intervention requirements.

For children younger than 6, developmental delay may be considered under the early intervention requirements. Children younger than 9 can also receive assistance through the NDIS early childhood approach.

Early intervention may apply where support is expected to improve functional capacity, reduce future support needs or prevent a person's situation from getting worse.

What Evidence Do You Need to Apply for the NDIS?

You may need evidence from a doctor, specialist or treating professional to demonstrate how your impairment affects your everyday life.

Supporting evidence may include medical reports, assessments, treatment information and information about your functional capacity.

The NDIS may consider areas such as mobility, communication, social interaction, learning, self-care and self-management.

It is helpful to provide clear evidence explaining what your impairment is, how it affects your daily activities and what support you are likely to need.

Does Having a Medical Diagnosis Mean You Automatically Qualify?

No.

A medical diagnosis alone does not automatically mean you are eligible for the NDIS. Eligibility is based on the relevant NDIS requirements, including the impact of your impairment on your functional capacity and whether you are likely to require NDIS support for your lifetime.

For example, two people with the same diagnosis may have very different levels of functional impairment and support needs.

How Do You Check Your NDIS Eligibility?

If you think you may be eligible, you can start by checking the NDIS eligibility requirements.

The NDIS recommends connecting with an NDIS partner for guidance. Depending on your age, this may be a Local Area Coordinator or an early childhood partner.

You may need to provide identity documents and evidence relating to your age, residency and disability.

What If You Are Not Eligible for the NDIS?

Not meeting the NDIS requirements does not mean you cannot receive disability support.

The NDIS works alongside other government, community and mainstream services. If you do not qualify, an NDIS partner may be able to help you identify other supports available in your local community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get NDIS funding if I have a disability?

Possibly. You must meet the NDIS eligibility requirements. Having a disability alone does not automatically make you eligible.

Can I apply for the NDIS after turning 65?

Generally, you must be younger than 65 when you apply. If you are already an NDIS participant when you turn 65, different rules apply.

Can people with psychosocial disability access the NDIS?

Yes, psychosocial disability can be considered under the NDIS where the relevant disability requirements are met.

What happens after I am approved for the NDIS?

If you meet the access requirements, you can move into the next stages of the NDIS process, including planning for the supports and services that are appropriate for your needs and goals.

Final Thoughts

Understanding who is eligible for the NDIS is the first step towards accessing disability support. You generally need to meet the age and residency requirements and satisfy the disability or early intervention requirements.

If you are unsure whether you qualify, speak with an NDIS partner or contact the NDIS directly. Having clear and relevant supporting evidence can also help explain how your disability affects your everyday life.

Important: NDIS rules and legislation are changing over time. The NDIS states that eligibility changes from recent reforms will not occur until 1 January 2028, so always check the latest official NDIS information when applying.