NDIS Eligibility Criteria Explained
Wondering whether you or someone you care for meets the NDIS eligibility criteria? There are 3 main requirements to become a participant: age, residency status, and either the disability requirements, the early intervention requirements, or both. Here's exactly what each one means, straight from the official guidelines.
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Why Eligibility Requirements Exist
The scheme was never designed to support every Australian with disability. Different government systems, including health, employment services, social security, education, housing, and the NDIS, work together to deliver supports, rather than doubling up on the same person at the same time. That's the reason clear eligibility rules exist to become a participant.
The 3 Main Eligibility Requirements
According to the official guidelines, the rules are the same for everyone who applies, and evidence needs to be provided for each requirement:
1. Age
You must be aged from 0 to 64 years when you apply.
2. Residency Status
You must be living in Australia as a citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Special Category visa holder.
3. Disability / Early Intervention
You must meet the disability requirements, the early intervention requirements, or both.
Age Requirements
Applicants must be aged from 0 to 64 years at the time of applying. Anyone aged 65 or over isn't eligible to apply, though other aged care supports may be available instead.
Early childhood partners specifically support children younger than 9 and their families through a dedicated early childhood approach, this pathway exists because young children often benefit most from getting support in place quickly.
Residency Requirements
Applicants must be living in Australia, and be one of the following:
- An Australian citizen
- A permanent resident
- A Protected Special Category visa holder
Disability Requirements
To be eligible under the disability requirements, all of the following generally need to apply:
- A disability related to a permanent impairment, or a psychosocial disability caused by a permanent impairment
- The permanent impairment significantly impacts daily life and the ability to do everyday tasks
- Support under the scheme is likely to be needed for a lifetime
Early Intervention Requirements
To be eligible under the early intervention requirements, either of the following applies:
- An impairment, or a psychosocial disability caused by an impairment, that's likely to be permanent
- Being a child younger than 6 with developmental delay
In both cases, the early support needed must be likely to reduce future support needs, improve functional capacity or prevent it from getting worse, and count as a genuine support under the scheme.
It's entirely possible to meet both the disability requirements and the early intervention requirements at the same time, applicants don't need to choose only one pathway.
Not Sure If You Qualify?
Official guidance: if age and residency requirements are met, but disability or early intervention requirements are unclear, the recommendation is to contact a local area coordinator (for anyone aged 9 and over) or an early childhood partner (for families of children younger than 9). The National Contact Centre can also be reached on 1800 800 110.
We understand this can feel overwhelming to work through alone. Once you're ready to explore your support options, our team is happy to talk it through with you, get in touch.
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This guide is part of our full "Understanding the NDIS" series:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 3 main NDIS eligibility requirements?
Age (0 to 64 years), residency status (Australian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Special Category visa holder, living in Australia), and either the disability requirements, the early intervention requirements, or both.
How old do I need to be to apply?
Applicants must be aged from 0 to 64 years. Anyone aged 65 or over isn't eligible to apply, though other aged care supports may be available.
What happens if I'm about to turn 65?
The official guidance is to get in touch as early as possible so the application can be lodged before turning 65.
Do I need to be an Australian citizen to apply?
Not necessarily. Permanent residents and Protected Special Category visa holders are also eligible, provided they're living in Australia.
What's the difference between the disability requirements and early intervention requirements?
The disability requirements apply where a permanent impairment significantly affects daily life and lifetime support is likely to be needed. The early intervention requirements apply where early support could reduce future needs, improve functional capacity, or where a child under 6 has developmental delay.
Do I need to meet both the disability and early intervention requirements?
No, only one pathway needs to be met, though it's possible to meet both at the same time.
What if I don't meet the eligibility requirements?
Support may still be available through community and mainstream services. A local area coordinator or early childhood partner can help identify other options.
Who do I contact if I'm unsure about my eligibility?
A local area coordinator (for anyone aged 9 and over) or an early childhood partner (for children younger than 9) can provide guidance, or the National Contact Centre on 1800 800 110.