NDIS Eligibility Guide
Am I Eligible for the NDIS?
A clear, practical guide to NDIS eligibility for participants and families across South West Sydney. Check the requirements, understand the process, and learn how to apply with confidence.
✓ Quick Self-Assessment: Am I Likely Eligible?
Check the boxes that apply to you.
Age & Residency
Disability Impact
Who Can Apply for the NDIS?
The NDIS supports Australians with permanent and significant disability. To be eligible, you must meet all 4 requirements:
1. Age
Under 65 when you apply
2. Residency
Australian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Special Category Visa holder
3. Disability
Permanent and significant disability that affects daily life
4. Early Intervention
OR early intervention support for children under 9
📈 What Makes Applications Succeed?
Strong NDIS applications focus on functional impact — how your disability affects daily life and why you need support.
Focus on Function
Explain what you can't do or struggle with — not just your diagnosis. "I can't shower safely without help" is stronger than "I have mobility issues."
Strong Evidence
Medical reports from specialists describing your disability and functional limitations. Recent reports (within 12 months) are best.
Show It's Permanent
The NDIS supports lifelong disabilities. Evidence should show your condition is permanent or expected to last at least 12 months.
Explain Support Needs
Be specific about what support you need and why. Connect your disability directly to the help you require.
The 4 Eligibility Requirements in Detail
Requirement 1: Age
You must be under 65 years old when you apply for the NDIS. If you're turning 65 soon, apply as early as possible. Once you turn 65, you may need to access aged care supports instead.
Requirement 2: Residency
You must be one of the following:
- Australian citizen
- Permanent resident (holds a permanent visa)
- Protected Special Category Visa holder
You must also live in Australia and reside in an area where the NDIS operates (which includes all of NSW).
Requirement 3: Disability
Your disability must be:
- Permanent — Lifelong or likely to be permanent
- Significant — Substantially reduces your functional capacity
- Affects daily life — Impacts communication, social interaction, learning, mobility, self-care, or self-management
The NDIS doesn't use a specific disability list. What matters is functional impact — how your disability affects what you can do each day.
Requirement 4: Early Intervention (Alternative to #3)
If you're a child under 9, you may be eligible for early intervention supports even if your disability isn't permanent yet. Early intervention focuses on developmental delays and helping children build skills early.
How to Describe Functional Impact
The NDIS cares about function, not just diagnosis. Strong applications explain what daily life looks like and what you struggle with.
Examples of Functional Impact:
Mobility
"I can't walk more than 50 meters without resting. I use a wheelchair for longer distances and need help getting in and out of the car."
Self-Care
"I need help showering safely because of my balance issues. I can't dress myself due to limited upper body movement."
Communication
"My speech disability makes it hard for people to understand me. I use an AAC device to communicate in the community."
Social Interaction
"My autism means I struggle with sensory overload in public places. I need support to participate in social activities."
❌ Red Flags vs ✅ Green Lights
What helps and what hurts your NDIS application.
RED FLAGS
- Vague descriptions like "I need help with things"
- Only mentioning diagnosis without explaining impact
- Old or incomplete medical evidence
- Not explaining why supports are needed
- Describing temporary conditions as permanent
- Applying for conditions covered by Medicare/aged care
GREEN LIGHTS
- Specific examples of daily tasks you struggle with
- Recent medical reports (within 12 months)
- Reports from specialists (not just GPs)
- Clear explanation of how disability is permanent
- Evidence showing functional limitations
- Support from therapists/allied health professionals
Need help gathering evidence?
See our complete Evidence Checklist on the NDIS Guide page
for detailed information on what to collect and why.
What if I'm Not Eligible?
If your NDIS application is rejected or you don't meet eligibility requirements, you still have options:
Request a Review
You can request an internal review if you believe the decision was wrong. You have 3 months to request a review.
Reapply with Stronger Evidence
Work with your doctor or allied health professional to gather stronger functional evidence and reapply.
Access Alternative Supports
Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), My Aged Care, or state disability services may be able to help.
Get Advocacy Support
Disability advocacy services can help you understand the decision and explore your options for appeal.
📞 Alternative Support Services & Contacts
If you're not eligible for NDIS, these services may be able to help you access support:
My Aged Care (65+)
Support for people 65+ (or 50+ for Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander people). Includes home care packages and Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP).
Phone: 1800 200 422
Website: myagedcare.gov.au
NSW Disability Services
State-funded disability support programs and services for people with disability in NSW.
Phone: 1800 144 145
Website: dcj.nsw.gov.au
Disability Advocacy NSW
Free advocacy support to help you understand NDIS decisions, appeal rejections, and access your rights.
Phone: 1800 422 015
Website: disabilityadvocacynsw.org.au
Centrelink DSP
Disability Support Pension provides income support (separate from NDIS supports). You can receive both DSP and NDIS.
Phone: 13 27 17
Website: servicesaustralia.gov.au/dsp
How to Apply for the NDIS (5-Step Process)
Step 1: Gather Your Evidence
Collect medical reports, specialist assessments, and evidence of functional impact. Recent reports (within 12 months) are strongest.
Step 2: Contact the NDIS
Call 1800 800 110 or contact a Local Area Coordinator (LAC) to discuss eligibility and start the process.
Step 3: Complete the Access Request Form
Fill out the NDIS Access Request Form with details about your disability, how it affects daily life, and what support you need.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Submit the Access Request Form along with all supporting medical evidence. You can submit online, by email, or by post.
Step 5: Wait for a Decision
The NDIS aims to make a decision within 21 days. They may contact you or your doctors for more information.
⏰ Application Timeline & What to Expect
Understanding timeframes helps you plan and manage expectations.
Typical Timeframes:
Access Decision
21 days is the NDIS standard, but complex cases can take longer. You'll receive a letter confirming if you're eligible.
Planning Meeting
If approved, a planning meeting is scheduled within 3-4 weeks. This is where you discuss your goals and supports.
Plan Approval
Your plan is usually approved within 7-14 days after your planning meeting. You'll receive a copy of your plan.
Start Services
Once your plan is approved, you can start using supports immediately. Finding providers and setting up services takes time.
What if it's urgent?
If you have urgent support needs, tell the NDIS when you apply. Some participants can access early intervention
supports while waiting for a decision. Contact 1800 800 110 to discuss urgent needs.
How to Follow Up:
- Check your application status on the myplace portal (myplace.ndis.gov.au)
- Call the NDIS on 1800 800 110 if it's been longer than 21 days
- Make sure you respond quickly if the NDIS requests more information
- Keep copies of all documents you submit
Request the NDIS Access Form
Ready to apply? Download the NDIS Access Request Form or contact the NDIS for assistance.
Common Mistakes That Delay NDIS Applications
Avoid these pitfalls to speed up your application:
Incomplete Forms
Missing information or unanswered questions delay processing. Double-check every section before submitting.
Missing Evidence
Applications without medical reports or specialist assessments are rejected or delayed while evidence is gathered.
Vague Descriptions
"I need help with daily living" isn't specific enough. Explain exactly what tasks you struggle with and why.
Old Evidence
Medical reports older than 2 years may be questioned. Get recent assessments from your treating specialists.
🔄 NDIS vs Other Support Systems
Understanding which system covers what helps you access the right supports.
NDIS Covers:
- Disability-related supports (personal care, therapy, equipment)
- Capacity building and skill development
- Support coordination and plan management
- Transport to access community activities
- Home modifications for disability access
Medicare Covers:
- GP visits and specialist consultations
- Hospital treatment
- Some allied health (with chronic disease management plan)
- Medications (PBS)
- Diagnostic tests and scans
Aged Care Covers:
- Support for people 65+ (or 50+ for Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander)
- Home care packages
- Residential aged care
- Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)
Note: If you're under 65 with disability, apply for NDIS. If you're 65+, contact My Aged Care.
Centrelink Covers:
- Disability Support Pension (income support)
- Carer Payment and Carer Allowance
- Mobility Allowance
- Rent assistance and other payments
Note: You can receive both NDIS supports AND Centrelink payments.
🧩 Types of Disabilities Covered by the NDIS
The NDIS doesn't use a specific disability list. What matters is functional impact — how your disability affects daily life. However, these are common disability types supported:
Physical Disabilities
Cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, muscular dystrophy, amputation, mobility impairments, chronic pain conditions
Intellectual Disabilities
Down syndrome, intellectual disability, developmental delay, cognitive impairments, learning disabilities
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism, Asperger's syndrome, pervasive developmental disorders, related conditions affecting social interaction
Sensory Disabilities
Blindness, low vision, deafness, hearing impairment, deaf-blindness, sensory processing disorders
Chronic Conditions
Multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, acquired brain injury, stroke, chronic neurological conditions
Not sure if your condition is covered?
Contact the NDIS on 1800 800 110 or reach out to Blue Bird Aged Care and Disability Services for guidance.
Remember: it's about functional impact, not just the diagnosis.
Need Help with Your NDIS Application?
Blue Bird supports participants across South West Sydney through the NDIS application process and beyond. Contact us for guidance, support, or to get started with services.