NDIS Eligibility Criteria
What is the NDIS Eligibility Criteria?
The NDIS eligibility criteria are a set of requirements set the National Disability Insurance Agency. These criteria determine who can access funding and supports under the NDIS.
NDIS eligibility is based on three main areas:
- Age
- Residency
- Disability or early intervention needs
1. Aged Requirements
This one is the easiest to determine! To meet NDIS eligibility criteria, you must be under 65 years old at the time of applying.
2. Residency Requirements
This is also an easy one to determine – you must live in Australia and be one of the following:
- An Australian Citizen
- A permanent resident
- A protected special category visa holder
3. Disability Requirements
This part of the NDIS eligibility criteria causes the most confusion as the NDIs does not only assess on diagnosis! Instead, it looks at how your disability impacts your everyday life.
To meet eligibility, your disability must be:
- Permanent or likely to be permanent
- Likely to require lifelong support
- Significantly affecting your ability to function in daily activities
The NDIS looks into how your disability affects areas such as:
- Mobility
- Communication
- Social Interaction
- Learning
- Self care
- Self management
4. Evidence Required for NDIS Eligibility
Providing strong, clear evidence is crucial when applying under the NDIS eligibility criteria.
Common types of evidence include:
- Medical reports from a GP or specialist
- Allied health assessments such as occupational therapy or speech pathology
- Functional Capacity Assessments – this will show in depth what daily tasks require support from a professional point of view!
- Hospital discharge summaries
- School or workplace reports
- Statements from carers or family providers
The most important aspect of this evidence is showing how the disability affects daily life, not just a list of diagnosis.
TIP: Use strong evidence from the last two years if possible. If you can, provide evidence of the increase of support required over the two years and how this affects daily life for the individual with the disability and their support network.
What if you are still unsure?
Many people delay applying for the NDIS because they are unsure if they meet the NDIS eligibility criteria. That’s ok! In reality, many participants who are approved were initially unsure.
Speaking with an allied health provider, support coordinator or NDIS experienced service provider can help clarify eligibility and ensure the right evidence is submitted.
Understanding the NDIS eligibility criteria can feel overwhelming, but it does not have to be. Eligibility is about how a disability affects your daily life and your need for ongoing support.
If you believe you may meet the criteria, seeking advice early can make the process smoother and less stressful.