Avion Care
Get in Touch

NDIS

Am I Eligible?

The access criteria in plain language, what evidence actually helps, and what to do if the answer comes back no.

There are two ways in. Most people come through the disability requirements; children under six generally come through early intervention, which has a lower threshold because acting early changes outcomes.

The basics first

Before anything about disability is assessed, you need to meet all three of these:

  • Be aged under 65 when you first apply
  • Be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa
  • Live in Australia

Turning 65 after you join does not remove you from the scheme. Applying for the first time after 65 does mean aged care instead.

The disability requirements

You will also need evidence that your disability:

  • Is caused by an impairment that is likely to be permanent
  • Substantially reduces your ability to do everyday things — moving around, communicating, socialising, learning, self-care or self-management
  • Affects your capacity for social or economic participation
  • Means you are likely to need support for your whole life

Permanent does not mean unchanging. It means there is no known treatment likely to remedy it. A condition that fluctuates — many mental health conditions, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain — can still meet the test.

Early intervention

You may get in on early intervention grounds if support now would reduce your future need. For children younger than six with developmental delay, the criteria are deliberately broader, and you do not need a formal diagnosis to start the conversation with an Early Childhood partner.

How to apply

  1. Talk to a Local Area Coordinator

    Call the NDIS on 1800 800 110 or find your LAC by postcode. This is free and they will tell you whether it is worth applying before you do the paperwork.

  2. Gather your evidence

    You need reports confirming the diagnosis, that it is permanent, and — most importantly — its functional impact on daily life. Vague letters are the single most common cause of a knockback.

  3. Submit an Access Request

    By phone, or on the Access Request Form. Ask your treating professionals to complete their sections in functional terms: what you can and cannot do, not just the diagnosis.

  4. Wait for a decision

    The NDIA aims to decide within 21 days of receiving a complete request. They may come back asking for more information, which restarts the clock.

  5. If you are refused, you can challenge it

    Ask for an internal review within three months. If that fails, the matter can go to the Administrative Review Tribunal. A free disability advocate can help, and many decisions are overturned.

Evidence that actually helps

The single biggest difference between a successful and unsuccessful application is usually the quality of the functional evidence. Reports that describe what you cannot do on a bad day, how long tasks take, and what support you already rely on carry far more weight than a diagnosis alone.

This page is a plain-language summary written by Avion Care, not legal or official advice. The NDIA sets and changes the rules; always check ndis.gov.au for the current position, or speak to your Local Area Coordinator or an independent advocate.

Ready to start your journey?

Let’s create a brighter future together.

Get in touch with our friendly team today to discuss your needs and how we can help.

Contact Us