Understanding who can access the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides support for people living with permanent and significant disabilities across Australia. However, not everyone automatically qualifies for the scheme. To access the NDIS, individuals must meet a number of eligibility requirements set by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). These requirements are designed to ensure the scheme supports people who require long-term assistance with everyday activities due to their disability. Eligibility is determined based on factors such as age, residency and the nature of the disability.
To access the NDIS, you need to meet key eligibility criteria set by the NDIA.
You must be under 65 years of age at the time of applying for the NDIS to meet the eligibility criteria.
You must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa.
You must have a permanent and significant disability that affects your ability to perform everyday activities.
For the purposes of the NDIS, a disability is considered permanent if it is likely to be lifelong and cannot be fully resolved through treatment or medical intervention. This means the condition is ongoing and requires long-term support rather than short-term care.
A disability is considered significant when it substantially affects a person’s ability to carry out everyday activities such as mobility, home and community care, or social participation. The NDIS focuses on providing support that helps individuals manage these challenges while improving independence and overall quality of life.
The NDIA reviews your access request to determine if you meet the NDIS eligibility criteria.
The NDIA reviews reports from health professionals to understand your condition and how it impacts your daily life.
Assessment focuses on how your disability affects your ability to perform everyday tasks and participate in daily life.
The NDIA evaluates the types of support you may need to improve independence and overall wellbeing.
The NDIS is available across all states and territories in Australia, and eligibility is not based on where you live. However, you must meet residency requirements, such as being an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or holding a Protected Special Category Visa.
While eligibility is the same nationwide, the availability of services and providers can vary by location. This means accessing the right support in your area is an important part of your NDIS journey.
Yes. Children with developmental delays or disabilities may be eligible for NDIS support, depending on their circumstances and the impact on daily activities.
Individuals must generally be under the age of 65 when applying. People over 65 may instead access aged care support services.
Yes. Medical evidence or reports from health professionals are typically required to demonstrate how the disability affects everyday life.
If a person is not eligible for the NDIS, the NDIA may direct them to other government or community support services that may be more appropriate.
Yes. In some cases, individuals who were previously not eligible may become eligible later if their circumstances or support needs change.
If you believe you or a family member may meet the eligibility requirements for the NDIS, the next step is to understand the application process and how to begin an access request.
Learning how to apply for the scheme can help ensure the application process is completed correctly and that the necessary supporting information is provided.
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© 2026 My Guardian Terms & Conditions | Disclaimer
We acknowledge the traditional owners and custodians of country throughout Australia and acknowledge their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the elders past, present and emerging.
© 2026 My Guardian Terms & Conditions | Disclaimer
We acknowledge the traditional owners and custodians of country throughout Australia and acknowledge
their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures
and the elders past, present and emerging.
