Who is eligible for the NDIS in Australia?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides funding and support for Australians living with disability. One of the most common questions people ask when learning about the NDIS is whether they are eligible to apply.

Eligibility for the NDIS is determined by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). The agency assesses applications based on several criteria, including age, residency, and how a disability affects everyday life.

This guide explains the general eligibility requirements and what individuals may need to consider before applying.

Age requirements

To apply for the NDIS, a person must generally be under the age of 65 at the time they apply.

People who develop a disability after the age of 65 may still be able to access support through other programs, such as My Aged Care.

Residency requirements

Applicants must meet certain residency requirements to access the NDIS.

Generally, a person must:

• live in Australia

• be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa

These requirements ensure that the scheme supports individuals who live permanently in Australia.

Disability requirements

The NDIS is designed to support people who have a permanent and significant disability.

This means the condition is likely to be lifelong and has a substantial impact on a person’s ability to carry out everyday activities.

These activities may include things such as:

• communication

• mobility

• self-care

• learning

• social interaction

• managing daily tasks

The NDIA considers how the disability affects a person’s independence and participation in daily life.

Evidence required for an application

When applying for the NDIS, individuals are usually asked to provide evidence about their condition.

This evidence may include reports or letters from:

• general practitioners

• specialists

• therapists or allied health professionals

These documents help the NDIA understand how the condition affects the person’s daily life and whether the eligibility criteria are met.

What happens after an application is submitted?

Once an application is submitted, the NDIA reviews the information provided to determine eligibility.

If a person is found eligible, the next step is usually a planning meeting, where the participant discusses their goals, daily needs, and the types of supports that may help them.

The NDIA then develops an NDIS plan outlining the supports and funding available.

What if someone is not eligible?

Not everyone who applies for the NDIS will meet the eligibility criteria.

If a person is not eligible, there may still be other community services or support programs available that can provide assistance.

Sometimes additional information or medical evidence may also be required if someone chooses to explore the process further.

How support coordination can help

For participants who receive NDIS funding, some plans include Support Coordination.

Support Coordinators help participants:

• understand their NDIS plan

• explore available support options

• connect with service providers

• navigate the NDIS system

This can help participants feel more confident in managing their supports and working towards their personal goals.

Understanding whether someone may be eligible for the NDIS can sometimes feel complex, particularly when navigating medical evidence and application requirements.

If you or someone you support would like guidance understanding the NDIS or exploring available options, Assist Care Management can help explain the process and provide information about navigating the system.