If you’re wondering whether you’re eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), you’re not alone.

Understanding the criteria can feel overwhelming at first, but the NDIS is designed to make sure people with permanent and significant disabilities can access the right supports to live well and work toward their goals. In this article, we’ll explain who can access the NDIS how eligibility is and what to do if you are unsure if you qualify. We’ll also share how Baptist Care SA can help you navigate the process with confidence.

 

Understanding NDIS eligibility

To access the NDIS, you’ll need to meet a set of criteria around age, residency and disability. These checks help ensure that people receive the right level of support at the right time. The NDIS also considers whether early intervention could reduce the impact of your disability over the long term.

 

The NDIS eligibility criteria explained

 

There are four key NDIS eligibility requirements:

Age

You must be under 65 at the time you apply for the NDIS.

Residency

You must:

  • live in Australia; or
  • be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Special Category visa holder.

Disability

You may be eligible if you have a permanent and significant disability that affects your ability to take part in everyday activities. This can include physical, intellectual, cognitive, neurological, sensory, or psychosocial disabilities. Eligibility is based on how your condition affects your daily life — not the diagnosis alone.

Early intervention

You may also be able to access the NDIS if early supports could lessen the impact of your disability over time or help you develop functional skills.

 

What does ‘permanent and significant’ mean?

A disability is considered permanent if it is likely to be lifelong. It is considered significant if it makes daily activities such as communication, mobility, self-care, socialising or managing routines, difficult without support. The NDIS looks at what you can do, what you need help with and what supports could make a meaningful difference in your life.

 

How to apply for the NDIS

If you think you may be eligible, the next step is to:

  1. Check your eligibility using the NDIS website.
  2. Complete an Access Request Form and provide supporting evidence, such as medical or functional assessment reports.
  3. Prepare for your planning meeting. Tools like the Baptist Care SA (link) NDIS Pre-Planning Guide can help you think about your goals, strengths, daily life and support needs.

After you apply, the NDIA reviews your information and lets you know whether you’ve been approved.

 

If you’re not eligible

If the NDIA decides you’re not eligible, you still have options. You can:

  • ask for a review
  • access other community or government supports
  • speak with a Local Area Coordinator (LAC) about services available outside the NDIS.

 

How Baptist Care SA can support you

Baptist Care SA will walk alongside you throughout your NDIS journey. Our team can help you understand eligibility, prepare your planning information and connect with supports that align with your goals. We focus on what matters most to you and work together to help you live the life you choose.

 

Get in touch 

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