NDIS Access Request Form

The form that starts your application to become an NDIS participant.

Who fills it in

A person who wants to apply for the NDIS (or someone applying on their behalf, with consent).

When you’d use it

When you want to become a participant and you meet the age, residency and disability requirements.

How to submit it

You can also apply by calling 1800 800 110 and completing a Verbal Access Request, or by asking your Local Area Coordinator or Early Childhood partner to help.

What the Access Request Form is

The NDIS Access Request Form is the document that officially starts your application to become an NDIS participant. It's the very first step in the process, where you tell the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) who you are and ask them to consider you for support.

Think of it as opening the door. On its own, the form doesn't decide whether you get funding, but it kicks off the assessment that leads to that decision. It captures your personal details, your consent, and confirmation that you meet the basic requirements to apply.

What it does

The form gathers the information the NDIA needs to check whether you're eligible. This includes your age, your residency status, and details about your disability or need for early intervention support. It's usually submitted together with supporting evidence from a health professional who treats you.

Once the NDIA has your request and your evidence, they use it to decide whether you meet the access criteria. If you do, you become a participant and move on to planning. If more information is needed, they'll get in touch.

Who needs to use it

Anyone who wants to apply to the NDIS uses this form, either the person applying themselves or someone acting with their consent, such as a family member, carer or support worker. To be eligible you generally need to be under 65 at the time you apply, be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or hold a protected special category visa, and meet the disability or early intervention requirements.

If you're not sure whether you meet these requirements, that's okay. You can still reach out and ask, and the NDIA or a partner in your area can help you understand your options.

When and how to use it

Use the Access Request Form when you're ready to apply and you believe you meet the eligibility criteria. You don't have to fill in a paper form on your own. You can make a Verbal Access Request by phoning the NDIS on 1800 800 110, or ask a Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or Early Childhood partner to help you through it.

After you submit, the NDIA reviews your request and evidence and will let you know the outcome, usually in writing. If you're found eligible, the next step is creating your first NDIS plan.

About the NDIS Access Request Form

How do I apply for the NDIS?
You apply by completing an NDIS Access Request. You can phone the NDIS on 1800 800 110 to make a Verbal Access Request, complete the Access Request Form, or ask a Local Area Coordinator or Early Childhood partner to help. You'll usually submit supporting evidence from a treating health professional at the same time.
Do I need a diagnosis to apply for the NDIS?
The NDIS focuses on how your disability affects your daily life, not just a diagnosis label. That said, evidence from a treating health professional, which often includes diagnosis and how it impacts your function, is usually needed to show you meet the disability requirements. Recent evidence describing what you can and can't do day to day is most helpful.
What are the eligibility requirements for the NDIS?
To apply you generally need to be under 65 at the time you apply, be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or hold a protected special category visa, and meet the disability or early intervention requirements. The NDIA checks these when they assess your Access Request. If you're unsure, you can still contact them to talk it through.
Can someone apply to the NDIS on my behalf?
Yes. Someone can apply for you with your consent, such as a family member, carer, guardian or support worker. A Local Area Coordinator or Early Childhood partner can also help you make the request. The application still needs your permission, and your details and evidence are what the NDIA assesses.
How long does an NDIS Access Request take?
Once the NDIA has your completed Access Request and enough supporting evidence, they work to make a decision and let you know the outcome, usually in writing. If they need more information, they'll contact you, which can extend the timeframe. Submitting recent, complete evidence up front helps avoid delays.

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.