Who is eligible to apply for the NDIS?

You can generally apply if you are under 65 at the time of your request, are an Australian citizen, permanent resident or Protected Special Category Visa holder, and have a permanent and significant disability that affects your everyday activities. The NDIA assesses each request against these access requirements before making a decision.

How do I make an access request to the NDIS?

You have three main options. Call the NDIA on 1800 800 110, complete the Access Request Form, or ask a Local Area Coordinator or Early Childhood partner to help you. Choose whichever feels easiest. Having your evidence ready before you start means your request can be completed faster.

What evidence do I need to apply?

You need recent, function-focused evidence from your treating professionals, such as your GP, specialist or allied health team. It should explain how your disability affects your daily life and everyday tasks, not just name the diagnosis. Current, detailed information gives the NDIA a clear picture of your support needs.

How long does an NDIS access decision take?

Once the NDIA has a complete access request with all the information it needs, it aims to make a decision within 21 days. If more information is required, the clock may pause until you provide it, so submitting complete, current evidence upfront helps avoid delays.

What happens if my access request is not approved?

If your request is not approved, the NDIA will explain why in writing. You can provide additional evidence and ask for a review of the decision. Many people succeed on a second attempt by supplying stronger, function-focused reports. A Local Area Coordinator can help you understand your options and next steps.

Applying to the NDIS — access checklist

Becoming an NDIS participant starts with an access request. Working through this before you apply helps you avoid delays and gives the NDIA a strong, complete picture from day one.

Check you meet the requirements

You are under 65 at the time you apply
You are an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a protected special category visa
You live in Australia
You have a permanent and significant disability, or a child under 7 with developmental delay (early intervention)

Gather your evidence

Recent reports from the professionals who treat you (GP, specialist, OT, psychologist)
Evidence that describes function — what you can and can’t do day to day — not just a diagnosis
Confirmation your disability is permanent (or likely to be) and how it affects everyday life
The Supporting Evidence Form completed by a treating professional, if you’re using it

Make your request

Call the NDIS on 1800 800 110 to make a Verbal Access Request, or complete the Access Request Form
Ask a Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or Early Childhood partner to help if you’d like support
Submit your supporting evidence at the same time
Keep a copy of everything you send

After you apply

The NDIA aims to decide within 21 days of getting your request and all evidence
Watch for a request for more information and respond quickly
If you’re found eligible, your next step is a planning meeting
If you disagree with the decision, you can ask for a review — an advocate can help

Good to know

Recent, specific, function-focused evidence is the single biggest thing that speeds up a decision.
You don’t have to do this alone — a support coordinator or free advocate can help.

Why this checklist

Applying to the NDIS goes much more smoothly when you know what the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is looking for before you make contact. This checklist helps you confirm you meet the access requirements and gather the right evidence, so you are not scrambling at the last minute.

To become a participant, you generally need to be under 65 when you apply, be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or hold a Protected Special Category Visa, and have a permanent and significant disability that affects your everyday life. Checking these first saves time and disappointment.

How to use it

Work through the list in order. Start by confirming the age, residency and disability requirements apply to you. Then gather recent, function-focused evidence from your treating professionals, such as your GP, specialist or allied health team, that describes how your disability affects daily tasks, not just the diagnosis.

Next, make your access request. You can call the NDIA on 1800 800 110, complete the Access Request Form, or get help from a Local Area Coordinator or Early Childhood partner. Once your request is complete, the NDIA aims to make an access decision within 21 days. Keep copies of everything you submit so you have a record to refer back to.

Benefits of preparing it beforehand

Preparing beforehand means your request is complete the first time, which reduces back-and-forth and delays. Strong, current evidence that focuses on function gives the NDIA a clear picture of your support needs and helps them decide sooner.

It also lowers stress. When your documents are organised and you understand each step, applying feels manageable rather than overwhelming, and you can walk into the process feeling confident and in control.

Finally, being prepared makes it easier to accept help from a Local Area Coordinator or Early Childhood partner, because you can hand them clear, complete information and let them guide you the rest of the way.

Applying to the NDIS — access checklist — FAQs

Who is eligible to apply for the NDIS?: You can generally apply if you are under 65 at the time of your request, are an Australian citizen, permanent resident or Protected Special Category Visa holder, and have a permanent and significant disability that affects your everyday activities. The NDIA assesses each request against these access requirements before making a decision.
How do I make an access request to the NDIS?: You have three main options. Call the NDIA on 1800 800 110, complete the Access Request Form, or ask a Local Area Coordinator or Early Childhood partner to help you. Choose whichever feels easiest. Having your evidence ready before you start means your request can be completed faster.
What evidence do I need to apply?: You need recent, function-focused evidence from your treating professionals, such as your GP, specialist or allied health team. It should explain how your disability affects your daily life and everyday tasks, not just name the diagnosis. Current, detailed information gives the NDIA a clear picture of your support needs.
How long does an NDIS access decision take?: Once the NDIA has a complete access request with all the information it needs, it aims to make a decision within 21 days. If more information is required, the clock may pause until you provide it, so submitting complete, current evidence upfront helps avoid delays.
What happens if my access request is not approved?: If your request is not approved, the NDIA will explain why in writing. You can provide additional evidence and ask for a review of the decision. Many people succeed on a second attempt by supplying stronger, function-focused reports. A Local Area Coordinator can help you understand your options and next steps.

Explore more NDIS resources

Official NDIS sources

Novida is an independent directory, not the NDIA. We explain each form in plain English and link you to the official copy — always download and submit the current version from the official website, as forms are updated from time to time.