What the NDIS eligibility requirements are
The eligibility requirements are the rules we must follow to decide if a person with disability can become an NDIS participant. The rules are the same for everyone who applies to access the NDIS.
You need to give us evidence for each requirement to help us decide if you’re eligible.
You may be able to access other supports if you don’t meet the eligibility requirements and aren’t eligible for the NDIS.
Your NDIS partner can help you learn more about community and mainstream supports and services in your area.
What the NDIS eligibility requirements are for
The NDIS was never designed to support every Australian with a disability.
There are different government systems that offer services and programs to all Australians.
These systems include health, employment services, social security, education, housing, the NDIS and many others.
These systems aren't designed to double up or offer similar supports at the same time to the same people. Instead, they work together to deliver supports to all Australians with disability.
That’s why we have eligibility requirements to become an NDIS participant.
What the NDIS eligibility requirements are like
There are 3 main eligibility requirements you need to meet:
- age
- residency status
- the disability requirements, early intervention requirements or both.
Your age
You must be aged from 0 to 64 years when you apply.
Early childhood partners will support children younger than 9 and their families to apply to the NDIS through our early childhood approach.
Learn more about the NDIS age requirements.
Your residency status
You must be living in Australia and be either:
- an Australian citizen
- a permanent resident
- a Protected Special Category visa holder.
Learn more about the residence requirements.
Your disability and impairment
The disability requirements
To be eligible under the disability requirements:
- you’ll have a disability related to a permanent impairment, or have a psychosocial disability caused by a permanent impairment
- your permanent impairment will significantly impact your life and your ability to do everyday tasks
- you’ll likely need NDIS supports for your lifetime.
Learn more about the disability requirements.
The early intervention requirements
To be eligible under the early intervention requirements:
- you’ll have an impairment, or a psychosocial disability caused by an impairment, that’s likely to be permanent, or be a child younger than 6 with developmental delay
- the early intervention supports you need will reduce your need for support in the future, improve your functional capacity or prevent it from getting worse, and be NDIS supports.
Learn more about the early intervention requirements.
Tip: Not sure if you meet the eligibility requirements?
If you meet the age and residence requirements, but are unsure if you meet the disability or early intervention requirements, get in touch with your local NDIS partner for advice.
This is a local area coordinator if you're aged 9 and over.
Families of children younger than 9 can contact an early childhood partner.
Call our National Contact Centre on 1800 800 110 if you don’t have an NDIS partner in your area.