Age
You must be under 65 when you apply.
If you are 65 or older when you first apply, you will be referred to aged care services instead.
NDIS · Eligibility
Am I eligible for the NDIS?
The three things the NDIA checks, what evidence you'll need, and the real steps from application to first plan. Plain English, no sales pitch.
The three criteria
You need all three to qualify.
Residency
Australian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Special Category Visa holder.
Some New Zealand citizens on Protected SCV are also eligible. You must live in Australia.
Disability
A permanent and significant disability that affects daily activities.
The NDIA looks at impairment (physical, intellectual, sensory, cognitive, psychosocial) and how it impacts communication, mobility, self-care, self-management, learning, or social interaction.
From application to first plan
Four steps, start to finish.
Check yourself
Use the NDIS access checklist to see if you meet the three criteria above.
Gather evidence
Reports from your GP, specialist, therapist, or school. We can help you understand what is needed.
Submit an Access Request
By phone, online, or in paper form. The NDIA has 21 days to decide once they have the evidence.
Plan meeting
If approved, you attend a planning meeting where your first plan is built around your goals.
Common questions
Quick answers.
What if I am not eligible?
The NDIS is not the only option. We can help you find community services, state-based supports, and other disability programs that may suit.
Some conditions are automatically eligible — which?
List A conditions (such as certain intellectual disabilities, blindness, or paraplegia) usually give automatic access. Your doctor can confirm.
Can I reapply if I am denied?
Yes. You can request an internal review within three months, or submit new evidence and apply again. We can help you prepare either.
Need help applying?
We can help with evidence, paperwork, and the plan meeting.
Get in touch
Tell us what you need. We'll take it from there.
Whether you're exploring NDIS for the first time, looking for a support worker, or asking about one of our homes, we'll reply within one business day.
- Response within one business day
- No call centre. Real people.
- Confidential. Always.
Prefer to call? 03 5998 0717