Am I Eligible for the NDIS? Quick Pre-Check
Check if you meet the basic age, residence, and disability requirements
Age Requirement
You must be under 65 when you first apply for the NDIS.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides support to Australians with permanent and significant disability. To access the NDIS, you must meet specific eligibility criteria covering age, residence, and disability requirements. This pre-check walks you through the basic requirements to help you understand whether you may be eligible.
NDIS Eligibility Requirements
Age Requirement
You must be under 65 when you first apply for the NDIS. If you're 65 or older, you may be eligible for aged care services through My Aged Care instead. If you're already an NDIS participant when you turn 65, you can continue receiving NDIS supports.
Residence Requirement
You must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa. You must also reside in Australia. Temporary visa holders and tourists are not eligible for the NDIS.
Disability or Early Intervention Requirement
You must have a permanent and significant disability that substantially reduces your ability to participate effectively in everyday activities. The disability must be attributable to an intellectual, cognitive, neurological, sensory, physical, or psychosocial impairment (or a combination).
Alternatively, you may be eligible under the early intervention pathway if you have a condition likely to benefit from early supports, even if it's not yet permanent or fully diagnosed. This is especially relevant for children and young people.
Early Childhood Approach (Under 9)
Children under 9 can access the Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) approach. This pathway doesn't require a formal diagnosis—families can get help based on developmental concerns. Children under 6 with developmental delay (not yet a permanent disability) can still access supports. From 6-8, the criteria are slightly stricter, but early intervention remains a focus.
What This Tool Can't Tell You
This pre-check is not an official NDIS eligibility decision. It covers only the basic criteria. The full NDIS access process involves submitting evidence of your disability (medical reports, assessments), demonstrating that your condition is permanent and significantly impacts your life, and showing that supports are reasonable and necessary. The NDIA makes the final decision, usually within 21 days of receiving your completed Access Request.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a 'permanent' disability?
Permanent means the disability is likely to be lifelong. It doesn't mean the condition can never improve—many disabilities fluctuate or respond to treatment—but the underlying impairment is expected to remain. Conditions like autism, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, and chronic mental illness are typically considered permanent.
I have a disability, but I don't think it's 'significant'. Can I still apply?
Significant means the disability substantially reduces your ability to participate in activities without support. If you can manage most daily tasks independently and participate in work, education, and community life without assistance, the NDIS may determine your disability is not significant enough. However, if you're unsure, it's worth applying—the NDIA will assess your individual circumstances.
What if my child doesn't have a formal diagnosis yet?
Children under 9 can access supports through the Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) approach without a formal diagnosis. Contact an ECEI partner in your area to discuss your concerns. For older children and adults, you'll need evidence of the condition (medical reports, assessments) but not always a specific diagnosis label.
Can I apply if I'm over 65 but not yet accessing aged care?
No, the NDIS age cutoff is strict. If you're 65 or older, you need to access aged care services through My Aged Care. However, if you became an NDIS participant before turning 65, you can stay in the NDIS.
What happens after I apply?
The NDIA will review your Access Request and supporting evidence. They may request more information or arrange an assessment. If you're found eligible, you'll have a planning meeting to discuss your goals and supports. Your first plan is usually for 12 months. If you're not eligible, you can request a review of the decision.
What evidence do I need to include with my application?
You need reports from treating professionals (doctors, therapists, psychologists) that describe your disability, how it affects your daily life, and why it's permanent. Include assessments, diagnosis letters, hospital records, and any reports from specialists. The more detailed and recent the evidence, the stronger your application.
Important: This is general information only, not financial or care advice. NDIS price limits change annually. Always check the official NDIS pricing schedule for the most current rates and consult your plan manager or support coordinator about your specific situation.
Official Sources
Effective: 1 January 2028 (legislative changes) | Last checked: 16 October 2026
Effective: Current | Last checked: 16 October 2026
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