Am I Eligible for the NDIS? Access Requirements Explained
The NDIS eligibility criteria in plain English: age, residence and disability rules, how to check if you qualify, and what's changing.
The four NDIS eligibility criteria in one place
The age rule: under 65 when you apply
The residence rule: where and how you live in Australia
The disability requirement: what "permanent and significant" means
The early intervention pathway (an alternative route in)
Does my condition qualify? Lists and the "it depends" reality
How eligibility is changing from 2027–2028
What is NOT changing about getting on the Scheme
How to check where you stand before you apply
Common pitfalls that trip people up
If you're not eligible: you still have options
What to do next
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a formal diagnosis to be eligible for the NDIS?
Not always. Some conditions on the NDIA's reference lists make the disability test easier to meet, but the Scheme is really about how your impairment affects your everyday functioning. Even without a well-known diagnosis, strong evidence of permanent, substantial functional impact can meet the criteria. A diagnosis alone also isn't a guarantee of access.
I'm 64 and have a disability. Can I still apply?
Yes, as long as you make your access request before you turn 65. If you become a participant before 65, you can generally choose to stay in the NDIS afterwards rather than moving to aged care. If you're already 65 or over and not yet on the Scheme, My Aged Care is usually the right pathway — the NDIA can confirm your options.
Will the 2026–27 reforms make it harder to get on the NDIS?
The reforms change how support needs are assessed and how plans are built, not the core eligibility structure of age, residence and a permanent, significant disability. Eligibility is intended to focus more on functional capacity from 2028 at the earliest. Someone with significant, ongoing functional impairment should continue to qualify, but only the NDIA can decide an individual case, and dates may shift — confirm current timelines with them.
What happens if my access request is refused?
A refusal isn't necessarily the end. You can ask the NDIA to review the decision and, if needed, take it to the Administrative Review Tribunal. There's extra appeals-advocacy funding available in 2026–27, and a free disability advocate can help. It's often worth checking whether your evidence clearly described your functional impact, as thin evidence is a common reason for refusal.
I don't think I'll qualify. Is there any other support?
Yes. The government has committed around $5 billion to Foundational Supports outside the NDIS, including a $2 billion Thriving Kids focus for children, aimed at people who don't qualify or lose access. Availability varies by area as these roll out, so it's fair to ask what's on offer near you. Mainstream health, education and community services also remain available regardless of your NDIS status.