NDIS Eligibility Criteria 2026: Who Qualifies and How to Apply
Last reviewed: July 2026
To be eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), you must be under 65 years old, be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Special Category Visa holder, and have a permanent and significant disability that substantially reduces your ability to take part in everyday activities. You apply through the NDIS by lodging an Access Request Form, either online, by phone, or with help from a Local Area Coordinator (LAC).
This guide breaks down exactly who qualifies, how the application process works, and what happens once you’re approved.
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Who Is Eligible for the NDIS?
You generally meet the NDIS access requirements if you satisfy all of the following:
- Age — You are under 65 when you first apply (once you’re a participant, you can stay in the Scheme after turning 65 as long as you remain eligible).
- Residency — You live in Australia and are an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa.
- Disability requirement — You have an impairment that is likely to be permanent and that significantly affects your ability to do everyday tasks (communicating, learning, moving around, self-care, or self-management).
- Early intervention requirement (alternative pathway) — If your disability isn’t necessarily permanent, you may still qualify if early intervention support would reduce your future support needs.
Children under 7 can also access support through the NDIS’ early childhood approach without needing to meet the full disability requirements, if a delay in development is identified.
What Disabilities Typically Qualify?
The NDIS doesn’t use a fixed list of conditions — eligibility is based on the impact of the disability, not the diagnosis alone. That said, some conditions are automatically considered likely to meet the disability requirements (called “List A” conditions), including:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (Level 2 or 3)
- Cerebral palsy
- Down syndrome
- Spinal cord injury (with permanent paralysis)
- Legal blindness
- Intellectual disability (with an IQ below 70)
Psychosocial disabilities (such as those linked to schizophrenia, severe bipolar disorder, or complex PTSD) are also eligible when the condition permanently and significantly affects daily functioning.
How to Apply for the NDIS (Step-by-Step)
- Check you meet the access requirements above.
- Gather supporting evidence — reports from your treating doctor, specialist, psychologist, or allied health professional describing your diagnosis, its permanence, and how it affects daily life.
- Submit an Access Request Form (ARF) — via the NDIS contact centre (1800 800 110), online through myplace, or with help from a Local Area Coordinator or NDIS Partner in your area.
- Wait for the outcome — the NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency) reviews your application and notifies you in writing, generally within 21 days of receiving a complete request.
- Attend a planning meeting — if approved, you’ll meet with an NDIA planner or LAC to build your first NDIS plan based on your goals and support needs.
- Plan approval and rollout — once your plan is approved, funding is allocated to your chosen support categories and you can start engaging providers. If you’d rather have someone manage this process for you, a support coordinator can help interpret your plan and connect you with providers.
What Happens If You’re Not Eligible?
If your access request is declined, you’ll receive a written explanation and can request a formal review (internal review) within 3 months. Many people who are initially declined are approved after providing additional medical evidence. You may also be referred to state or community-based disability services outside the NDIS. If psychosocial disability is part of your situation, a psychosocial recovery coach can also help you build a stronger case for reapplying.
How Long Does the NDIS Application Process Take?
| Stage | Typical Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Access decision (after complete ARF submitted) | Up to 21 days |
| First planning meeting (after approval) | 2–8 weeks |
| Plan approval and fund release | Within days of planning meeting |
| Internal review (if declined) | Up to 60 days |
Timeframes can vary based on complexity of evidence and local demand.
This article is general information only and does not replace official guidance from the NDIS. For the most current eligibility rules, visit ndis.gov.au.
No — you must apply before turning 65. If you’re already a participant, you can choose to stay in the NDIS or move to My Aged Care once you turn 65.
Yes, you need supporting evidence from a treating health professional confirming your diagnosis and its permanent impact on daily functioning — a self-report alone isn’t sufficient.
Yes, psychosocial disability arising from a mental health condition is covered where it’s assessed as permanent and significantly limits daily activities.
Yes, if the underlying impairment is permanent even though symptoms fluctuate (common with psychosocial disability, chronic pain conditions, or some autoimmune conditions), you may still be eligible.
No, DSP and NDIS eligibility are assessed separately, though DSP medical evidence can support your NDIS application.
Yes, you can lodge a new Access Request Form at any time, particularly if your condition has changed or you have new supporting evidence.