The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides funding and support to Australians with permanent and significant disabilities. This comprehensive guide explains the eligibility requirements and how to access NDIS support.
What is the NDIS?
The NDIS is Australia's national scheme for people with disability. It provides funding for supports and services that help participants:
- Pursue their goals and aspirations
- Increase their independence
- Participate in social and economic life
- Develop skills and build capacity
Basic Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the NDIS, you must meet requirements in three key areas:
1. Age Requirement
You must be under 65 years of age when you first apply for NDIS access. Once you're an NDIS participant, you can remain in the scheme after turning 65.
2. Residency Requirement
You must live in Australia and be one of the following:
- An Australian citizen
- A permanent visa holder
- A Protected Special Category Visa holder
3. Disability Requirement
You must have a permanent disability that significantly affects your ability to take part in everyday activities. The disability must:
- Be permanent (likely to be lifelong)
- Significantly impact your functional capacity
- Require support from the NDIS
Types of Disabilities That May Qualify
The NDIS supports people with various types of disabilities, including:
- Intellectual disability - including Down syndrome, developmental delay
- Physical disability - including cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, muscular dystrophy
- Sensory disability - including vision or hearing impairment
- Psychosocial disability - arising from mental health conditions
- Neurological conditions - including multiple sclerosis, acquired brain injury
- Autism spectrum disorder
- List A conditions (e.g., cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, spinal cord injury with significant functional impairment) generally only require diagnostic evidence
- List B conditions (e.g., multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, single limb amputation) require both diagnosis and functional capacity evidence showing how the condition affects daily life
If your condition isn't on either list, you can still apply - you'll need evidence demonstrating your functional impairment meets the eligibility criteria.
Section 24 Disability Requirements
Under Section 24 of the NDIS Act, to meet the disability requirements you must demonstrate all of the following:
- You have an impairment attributable to an intellectual, cognitive, neurological, sensory, physical, or psychosocial disability
- The impairment is, or is likely to be, permanent
- The impairment results in substantially reduced functional capacity in at least one of the six life domains
- The impairment affects your capacity for social or economic participation
- You are likely to require NDIS supports for your lifetime
What Does "Permanent and Significant" Mean?
Permanent
Your disability is likely to be lifelong. This doesn't mean your condition won't change - it means the underlying impairment is expected to be permanent.
Significant
Your disability significantly reduces your ability to participate effectively in activities, including:
- Communication
- Social interaction
- Learning
- Mobility
- Self-care
- Self-management
How to Apply for NDIS Access
Follow these steps to apply for NDIS access:
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Use the NDIS eligibility checker on the official NDIS website.
Step 2: Gather Supporting Evidence
You'll need evidence from health professionals that documents:
- Your diagnosis (from a relevant specialist or GP)
- How your disability affects your daily life across the six functional domains
- What supports you currently receive
- What supports you need
Step 3: Submit an Access Request
Complete an Access Request Form and submit it to the NDIA with your supporting evidence.
Step 4: Access Decision
The NDIA will review your application and make a decision within 21 days.
What If I'm Not Eligible?
If you don't meet NDIS eligibility requirements, other support options may be available:
- Aged care services (for people 65+)
- State/territory disability services
- Community health services
- Mental health services
- Carer support programs
How INREACH Supports Can Help
Understanding NDIS eligibility can be confusing. Our team at INREACH Supports can:
- Explain the eligibility requirements in plain language
- Help you understand what evidence you need
- Connect you with support coordinators
- Discuss the services we provide once you're approved
Need Help Understanding Your Eligibility?
Contact our friendly team for a free, no-obligation chat about NDIS eligibility and how we can support you.
Official NDIS Resources
Access official NDIS information and tools to support your application: