Is the NDIS means-tested?

No. Your income and assets do not affect eligibility or funding — only your disability and support needs do. Can I get the NDIS and the Disability Support Pension at the same time? Yes; they are separate systems and many people receive both. The DSP is income support you can spend freely, while NDIS funding pays for…

How long does an application take?

The NDIA generally aims to make an access decision within about 21 days of receiving everything it needs, though gathering strong evidence beforehand is what really determines the timeline. What if I am rejected? A rejection is not the end — you can ask for a review of the decision, and many initial “no” outcomes are…

What is the NDIS? A Plain-English Guide (2026)

Updated 15 Jun 2026 · reviewed by Prakash Bartaula, Founder, Novida

The NDIS is Australia's National Disability Insurance Scheme, a government-funded program that gives eligible Australians with permanent and significant…

Frequently asked questions

Is the NDIS means-tested?: No. Your income and assets do not affect eligibility or funding — only your disability and support needs do. Can I get the NDIS and the Disability Support Pension at the same time? Yes; they are separate systems and many people receive both. The DSP is income support you can spend freely, while NDIS funding pays for…
How long does an application take?: The NDIA generally aims to make an access decision within about 21 days of receiving everything it needs, though gathering strong evidence beforehand is what really determines the timeline. What if I am rejected? A rejection is not the end — you can ask for a review of the decision, and many initial “no” outcomes are…