To access the NDIS, you need to meet both the eligibility and disability requirements. The eligibility requirements are:
- You are aged between 9 and 65. Children aged younger than 9 and their families can be supported through the early childhood approach.
- You live in Australia, are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or hold a permanent visa or special category visa (SCV). New Zealanders living in Australia are only eligible for the NDIS if they are an Australian resident or SCV holder.
- You meet the disability requirements or early intervention requirements or both. Eligibility is focused on how a disability affects your ability to actively participate in work and society.
To meet the disability requirements, the NDIS needs evidence of all of the following:
- Your disability is caused by an impairment
- The impairment is likely to be permanent (likely to be lifelong)
- Your permanent impairment substantially reduces your functional capacity to undertake one of or more of the following activities: moving around, communicating, socialising, learning or undertaking self-care or self-management tasks
- Your permanent impairment affects your ability to work, study or take part in social life
- You’ll likely require an NDIS Support under the NDIS for your whole life.