Need support for your disability but unsure where to start?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) stands ready to help Australians living with disabilities. Understanding
what is NDIS is the first step towards accessing this support system, which focuses on making daily activities easier through personalised care and assistance. Many people feel overwhelmed when trying to understand NDIS eligibility – but it doesn’t have to be complex.

Three key factors to determine your NDIS eligibility:

• you must be under 65 years old,
• call Australia home
• have a permanent disability that affects your everyday life.

Here’s something reassuring – your income or assets won’t affect your NDIS eligibility. You can receive NDIS support while keeping other benefits like disability support pension or carer’s allowance.

Ready to learn more? This guide walks you through the NDIS eligibility requirements step by step. Whether you’re looking into options for yourself or someone you care about, you’ll find clear answers about qualifying for this valuable support system.

NDIS Eligibility Criteria: The Core Requirements

Want to know exactly what makes you eligible for NDIS support? Let’s break down the essential requirements that determine your qualification.

Age Requirements

Your age plays a crucial role in NDIS eligibility. The key point? Submit your application before you turn 65. Once you’re accepted, you’ll continue receiving support as long as needed.

Residency Requirements

You qualify if you:

• Call Australia home
• Hold Australian citizenship, permanent residency, or a Protected Special Category Visa

Disability Requirements

• 1. Show a permanent impairment – could be:
  • Intellectual
  • Cognitive
  • Neurological
  • Sensory
  • Physical
  • Psychosocial
• 2. Significantly limit your abilities in at least one key area:
  • Daily communication
  • Social connections
  • Learning capacity
  • Moving around
  • Looking after yourself
  • Managing daily tasks

Understanding the NDIS Eligibility Checklist

List A: Straightforward Conditions

• Severe cerebral palsy
• Permanent blindness
• Moderate to profound intellectual disability
• Specific genetic conditions (like Angelman syndrome)

List B: Conditions Needing More Detail

• Alzheimer’s dementia
• Parkinson’s disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Hearing problems

Required documents may include:

• Medical Reports
  • Autism assessment
  • Vision test results
• Daily Life Assessments
  • WHODAS 2.0 for adults
  • PEDI-CAT for children under 16
• Movement Scales
  • Gross Motor Function Scale

How to Self-Assess Your NDIS Eligibility?

Ask yourself:

• Does your disability affect daily activities?
• Do you rely on support or equipment?
• Would early support help long-term?
• Is your condition likely to last long-term?

Key areas of impact:

1. Getting Around
   • Trouble leaving home or using transport?
2. Speaking and Understanding
   • Difficulty expressing or understanding needs?
3. Social Life
   • Struggles making or keeping friends?
4. Learning
   • Trouble remembering or focusing?
5. Looking After Yourself
   • Need help with personal care or medications?
6. Daily Organisation
   • Managing your home, bills, or time is difficult?

If you’re facing challenges in one or more of these areas, we can guide you through the NDIS eligibility process.