Eligibility
Check if You Qualify for NDIS Funding to Access Professional Care
Clear Requirements, Documentation Tips, and Simple Application Steps Decoded
Navigating the rules around NDIS eligibility can feel overwhelming, but checking if you qualify for NDIS funding is the very first step to accessing support. To qualify, you must meet three primary requirements:
The Three Core Requirements
1. Age Requirement
You must be aged between 7 and 65 years old when you submit your formal Access Request. (For children under 7, early intervention support is accessed via the Early Childhood pathway).
2. Residency Status
You must live in Australia and be an Australian citizen, OR an Australian Permanent Resident, OR a Protected Special Category Visa holder.
3. Disability Requirement
You must have a permanent and significant disability. This means your disability is likely to be lifelong, substantially reduces your capacity to perform everyday tasks (such as communication, learning, mobility, self-care, or self-management), and impacts your capacity to participate in social and work environments.
The 4-Step Application Process
Gather Evidence
Collect medical records, reports, and functional capacity assessments from your doctors and therapists.
Submit Request
Contact your local Area Coordinator or contact the NDIA directly to fill out and submit an Access Request Form.
Plan Meeting
Meet with an NDIS representative to discuss your lifestyle goals, daily tasks, and what supports are reasonable and necessary.
Receive Plan
Your approved funding is officially allocated to separate budgets, allowing you to choose your service providers and begin.
Start Your Application Journey Today
While we cannot approve your funding directly, our team can help explain the requirements, guide you toward resources, and help you design your ideal support plans once approved.
Contact Our Eligibility AssistantEligibility Related Questions
Here are some of the questions we get asked the most.
It is best to have a formal diagnosis, but early intervention support may be available for developmental delays without a diagnosis. NDHS can help you navigate these assessments.
You typically need medical evidence, reports from specialists, and supporting letters from clinicians showing the permanent and significant impact on your life.
Yes. Children under 7 with developmental delay or disability can get early support through the Early Childhood pathway without needing a diagnosis of permanent disability.
The NDIA usually processes Access Requests and responds within 21 days of receiving all documentation, but processing times can vary based on request complexity.