Eligibility checklist

The NDIS has put together a checklist to determine your eligibility. Below is a rough guide you can use to determine whether you are eligible or not: 

 

1. Age requirements  

To be eligible for NDIS funding, you need to be between 9-65 years of age. If you are a parent of a child under nine years of age, you will be contacted by a NDIS early childhood partner who can provide you with support and advice. If you are over 65 years of age, you may be able to access support outside of the NDIS.  

 

2. Residence status  

To access NDIS funding, you need to be an Australian resident, permanent resident or Protected Special Visa holder. NDIS funding is only available for people living in Australia. If you are not living in Australia, you will not be able to access funding. When applying for funding, you need to provide proof of residence. 

 

3. Does your disability cause a permanent impairment? 

NDIS funding is only provided to people who live with a disability that causes a permanent impairment. A permanent impairment is when you experience a permanent loss or use of part of your body. 

Examples of impairments include a significant change or loss in your body’s: 

• Function  

• Structure  

• Ability to think and learn 

These include: 

• Intellectual impairment (this can affect how you listen, speak and understand things. If you live with an intellectual disability, you may struggle with reading, writing, problem solving, remembering and processing information) 

• Cognitive impairment (this can affect how you learn new things, pay attention or make decisions). 

• Neurological impairment (this can affect how your body functions) 

• Sensory impairment (this can affect how you see, hear or feel things) 

• Physical impairment (this can affect how you move your body) 

• Psychosocial impairment (this can affect how you interact with others) 

The NDIS will deem you eligible for funding if you have evidence of: 

• Your disability being caused by an impairment 

• Your impairment being permanent  

• Your impairment affecting your day-to-day activities (e.g., walking, talking, learning, understanding, socialising or generally taking care of yourself) 

• Your impairment affecting you finding work or socialising

 

4. Early intervention requirement  

Early intervention is an action that requires you to seek support now to manage any future concerns with your disability. Early intervention means you may need early access to support and services to assist with the functional impacts of your disability. You may be eligible for NDIS funding if you need early intervention support to reduce your future need for support. You may also receive funding for your family or caretakers to learn and obtain skills to support you.  

To be considered for early intervention, you must have evidence of living with a permanent impairment. These include intellectual, cognitive, neurological, sensory, physical and psychosocial impairments.