AM I Eligible for the NDIS. Eligibility Requirements

Am I Eligible for the NDIS?

To be eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), you must meet its age and residence requirements. You must also meet the disability requirements, early intervention requirements or both.

This guide provides general information about NDIS eligibility and how to apply.

Everyday Independence is not the NDIS or the NDIA.

Everyday Independence is an independent NDIS-registered provider of therapy and employment supports. We cannot determine whether you are eligible, submit your NDIS application or approve your funding.

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) administers the NDIS and makes eligibility and funding decisions. To apply, check an application or ask about eligibility, visit the official NDIS website or call the NDIS on 1800 800 110.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a government-funded initiative. It’s designed to ensure all Australians living with disability have access to the support they require. Participants who are eligible for the NDIS will be empowered to take an active role in creating a tailored NDIS plan. A NDIS plan is designed to support participants in gaining greater independence, new skills and improved quality of life.

Who is eligible for the NDIS?

There are three main NDIS eligibility requirements:

• you must be younger than 65 when you apply
• you must meet the residence requirements
• you must meet the disability requirements, early intervention requirements or both.

Meeting these requirements does not automatically mean your application will be approved. The NDIA assesses every application and determines whether a person is eligible.

NDIS eligibility requirements

Age requirements

You must be aged between 0 and 64 when you apply for the NDIS.

Your completed application must be received by the NDIA before you turn 65. If you are approaching 65, contact the NDIS for advice about applying on time.

Residence requirements

To meet the residence requirements, you generally need to:

• live in Australia
• be an Australian citizen
• hold a permanent visa, or
• hold a Protected Special Category Visa.

The NDIA may ask you to provide documents confirming your identity, age and residence status.

Disability requirements

NDIS eligibility is based on the impact of your impairment, not only on having a particular diagnosis.

You may meet the disability requirements if you have an impairment that:

• is attributable to a disability
• is likely to be permanent
• substantially reduces your ability to undertake one or more everyday activities
• affects your capacity for social or economic participation, and
• means you are likely to require NDIS supports throughout your life.

The NDIA will generally require evidence from a doctor, specialist or treating health professional. This evidence should explain your impairment, whether it is likely to be permanent and how it affects your everyday life.

Having a diagnosis does not automatically make someone eligible for the NDIS. Similarly, you may still be eligible even if your particular diagnosis does not appear on a list. The NDIA considers the available evidence and the functional impact of your impairment.

Early intervention requirements

You may meet the early intervention requirements if receiving support now is likely to:

• reduce the impact of your impairment
• prevent or slow a decline in your functional capacity
• improve or maintain your ability to undertake everyday activities
• improve or maintain your social or economic participation, or
• reduce the support you may require in the future.

The NDIA decides whether a person meets the disability requirements, early intervention requirements or both.

How do I check if I qualify for the NDIS?

You can use the NDIS eligibility checklist as a starting point.

The checklist considers:

• your age
• whether you live in Australia
• your citizenship or visa status
• whether your impairment is likely to be permanent
• how your impairment affects your everyday activities
• whether early support could improve or maintain your abilities.

The checklist provides general guidance only. The NDIA makes the final decision after reviewing your completed application and supporting evidence.

How to apply for the NDIS

The NDIS application process generally involves:

• connecting with an NDIS partner
• gathering evidence from your treating health professionals
• completing your application
• submitting the application to the NDIA
• waiting for the NDIA’s decision.

Visit the official NDIS application page for current instructions, forms and contact information.

Everyday Independence does not receive or submit NDIS applications. Please send your application and supporting information directly to the NDIA or through the NDIS partner helping you apply.

Applying if you are aged 9 to 64

An NDIS partner, such as a local area coordinator, can help people aged 9 to 64 understand the application process.

Use the NDIS office and partner finder to find support in your area. You can also call the NDIS on 1800 800 110.

Getting help for a child younger than 9

The NDIS early childhood approach supports children younger than 9 with disability or developmental concerns and their families.

If you are concerned about your child’s development, you can start by speaking with your child’s:

• family doctor
• child health nurse
• early childhood educator
• other health or education professional.

They may connect you with an early childhood partner. Families can also contact an early childhood partner directly.

An early childhood partner can help your family understand its options, connect with early supports and, where appropriate, apply to the NDIS.

Visit the NDIS website to learn how to get help for a child younger than 9.

What evidence do I need for an NDIS application?

The evidence required will depend on your individual circumstances. The NDIA may ask for evidence from a doctor, specialist or treating health professional that explains:

• your disability and impairment
• whether your impairment is likely to be permanent
• the treatment or support you have received
• how your impairment affects your everyday activities
• whether early intervention is likely to help
• the types of assistance you currently require.

Your treating professional can provide relevant clinical evidence, but the NDIA assesses the evidence and makes the eligibility decision.

Is NDIS eligibility based on income?

No. NDIS eligibility is not based on your income or assets.

If your application is approved, the amount and type of funding in your plan will depend on your disability-related support needs and the supports the NDIA decides meet the NDIS funding criteria.

Can I receive the NDIS and Centrelink payments?

You can apply for or receive NDIS supports while claiming or receiving the Disability Support Pension.

The NDIS and Centrelink provide different forms of assistance and have separate eligibility requirements. Your eligibility for one does not automatically mean you are eligible for the other.

Contact Services Australia if you have questions about how your circumstances may affect a Centrelink payment.

What happens after my NDIS application is approved?

If the NDIA decides you are eligible, you will become an NDIS participant. The NDIS will work with you to create a plan based on your disability-related support needs and goals.

Once you have an approved plan, you can choose the providers you want to deliver your funded supports.

Everyday Independence provides therapy and employment supports for children, young people and adults. We do not create or approve NDIS plans, but we can discuss your therapy needs once you have received your plan.

Read more:

Your NDIS plan is approved: what happens next?

Frequently asked questions about NDIS eligibility