To be eligible for the NDIS, you must be under 65, live in Australia as a citizen or permanent resident (or hold a Protected Special Category Visa), and have a permanent and significant disability that affects daily life.
That’s the foundation of NDIS Eligibility. But understanding each part of that criteria can make all the difference when it comes to your application. Let’s break it down.
What Is the NDIS?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme is an Australian Government initiative that funds individualised support for people living with permanent and significant disabilities.
NDIS is managed by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and covers a broad range of supports:
- Personal care
- Therapy services
- Assistive technology
- Community participation
- Home modifications
But here’s the thing: not everyone with a disability automatically qualifies. If you are unsure who is eligible for NDIS assistance, it is important to look at the 3 core requirements.
The 3 Core NDIS Eligibility Requirements
1. Age Requirement
You must be under 65 at the time you submit your access request to the NDIA. This is a firm cutoff for new participants. If you apply the day after your 65th birthday, you will not be eligible.
2. Residency Requirement
You must be living in Australia and hold one of the following:
- Australian citizenship
- A permanent visa (permanent residency)
- A Protected Special Category Visa (SCV) (available to certain New Zealand citizens who have had longstanding ties to Australia)
Temporary visa holders who don’t meet the Protected SCV criteria are not eligible.
3. Disability Requirement
Your condition must be:
- Permanent: lifelong or very likely to be (episodic and fluctuating conditions can still qualify)
- Significant: it must substantially reduce your functional capacity in at least one of the following areas:
- Mobility
- Communication
- Social interaction
- Self-care
- Self-management
- Learning
- Attributable to an impairment: the disability must stem from any of the following impairments:
- Intellectual
- Cognitive
- Neurological
- Sensory
- Physical
- Psychosocial
Important: The NDIS is not means-tested. Income and assets do not affect eligibility.
Types of Disabilities That Qualify
1. Physical disabilities
Cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, muscular dystrophy, limb differences, and acquired injuries that result in lasting physical impairment.
2. Intellectual disabilities
Down syndrome, global developmental delay (in adults), and moderate to profound intellectual disability.
3. Neurological conditions
Acquired brain injuries, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and early-onset dementia (diagnosed before age 65).
4. Sensory disabilities
Permanent blindness, permanent bilateral (both ears) hearing loss, and deaf blindness.
5. Cognitive conditions
Autism spectrum disorder (particularly Level 2 or Level 3 under DSM-5 criteria).
6. Psychosocial disabilities
Mental health conditions like schizophrenia, severe bipolar disorder, and other persistent psychiatric conditions.
The NDIS List A vs List B
| Criteria | List A | List B |
| Definition | Conditions that are almost always considered permanent and functionally significant | Conditions that may meet criteria depending on severity and individual circumstances |
| Evidence Required | Diagnosis only | Diagnosis + functional evidence |
| NDIA Approach | Accept automatically | Case-by-case assessment |
| Examples | Intellectual disability, cerebral palsy (higher GMFCS levels), permanent bilateral deaf blindness | Varies by condition and severity |
| Key Note | Easier and quicker to meet eligibility | More documentation needed; still qualify |
The Early Intervention Pathway: A Second Route to NDIS
When determining who is eligible for NDIS funding, the NDIA also considers “Early Intervention.”
You may be eligible if the NDIA is satisfied that providing early intervention now would:
- Reduce your future need for disability supports
- Improve your functional capacity over time
- Prevent deterioration of your condition
For Children Under 9
Supported through the Early Childhood Approach. Families are connected with an Early Childhood Partner rather than applying directly.
Children under 7: Can access support even without a formal diagnosis
Children 7–9 (with more complex needs): May progress to a full NDIS application
Who Is NOT Eligible for the NDIS?
- Anyone aged 65 or over at the time of their first application (they are directed to My Aged Care and aged care services instead)
- People on temporary visas who don’t hold a Protected Special Category Visa
- People whose condition is temporary and expected to resolve fully
- People whose needs are already fully met by Medicare or other government-funded programmes
- People whose disability does not substantially affect their functional capacity in one of the key life areas
What Evidence Do You Need to Apply?
The NDIA wants to know:
- What is your condition
- How does it affect your daily life
Useful evidence typically includes:
- Reports from your GP, specialist, or psychiatrist
- Functional assessments from allied health professionals (occupational therapists, speech pathologists, or physiotherapists)
- Letters from treating professionals explaining functional limitations
Practical tip: Describe your typical and worst days, not just your best. The NDIA needs to understand the full picture of your support needs.
How to Apply for the NDIS
Step 1: Call the NDIA on 1800 800 110 or download the Access Request Form from the NDIS website.
Step 2: Complete the form with your health professional’s input. Include detailed information about your disability and how it affects your life.
Step 3: Submit supporting evidence (medical reports, specialist letters, and functional assessments) within 90 days following your access request.
Step 4: The NDIA reviews your application and notifies you if you’ve been approved.
Step 5: If approved, you’ll develop an individual support plan with an NDIA planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC)
Need Help Navigating the NDIS?
If you or someone you care for is exploring NDIS access, Dream Big Support Services is here to help. We’re a dedicated disability support provider committed to helping participants live with greater independence, confidence, and choice.
