Registered provider Eligibility Guide

Am I eligible for the ?

Q: Do I need to complete every form by myself?

No. An NDIS partner can help you understand and complete the application. A family member, friend, representative or treating professional may also support you.

The access requirements can feel complicated. This clear, participant-friendly guide explains what the looks at and connects you with the right official next step.

Check Official Requirements Ask Us About Support

Important: This guide is general information only. The NDIA is the only organisation that can decide whether someone is eligible for the .

A participant and support worker sharing a positive moment

The Access Pathway

AgeYounger than 65
ResidenceLives in Australia
Support NeedsDisability and/or early intervention

Start Here

The looks at your age, residence and support needs.

You must meet the age and residence requirements, then meet the disability requirements, early intervention requirements or both.

Your Age

You must be younger than 65 on the day your completed application is received. Children younger than 9 are supported through the early childhood approach.

Official Age Requirements

Where You Live

You must live in Australia, spend most of your time here and be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or Protected Special Category visa holder.

Official Residence Requirements

Disability Requirements

You may meet this pathway if a likely permanent impairment significantly affects everyday life and you are likely to need disability-specific supports throughout your life.

Official Disability Requirements

Early Intervention

You may meet this pathway when early supports are expected to improve or maintain functional capacity, support informal supports or reduce future support needs.

Official Early Intervention Requirements

Meeting these points does not automatically confirm eligibility. The NDIA considers each person’s circumstances and the evidence provided.

Everyday Impact Matters

The looks beyond a diagnosis.

Evidence should explain how a likely permanent impairment affects everyday life. You do not need difficulty in every area—the NDIA looks at your overall circumstances.

Read the Official Disability Guidance

01
Communication
Understanding and being understood
02
Social Interaction
Connecting and taking part with others
03
Learning
Understanding, remembering and developing skills
04
Mobility
Moving safely at home and in the community
05
Self-Care
Personal care and everyday routines
06
Self-Management
Planning, decisions and managing daily life

Children · Families · Early Support

Early support can open up more possibilities.

Early intervention may apply when support is expected to improve functional capacity, prevent it from declining, build the skills of family or carers, or reduce future support needs.

Children younger than 9 can connect with an early childhood partner.
Children younger than 6 with developmental delay have a specific early intervention pathway.
A person may meet the disability requirements, early intervention requirements or both.

Explore the Official Early Childhood Guide

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Your experience mattersGood evidence connects the impairment to real life.

Evidence That Tells Your Story

Start with what already exists.

Useful evidence is personal, specific and provided by a professional who understands your disability and how it affects you. Existing information may include:

Information about your disability or primary impairment
Why the impairment is likely to be permanent
How it affects everyday activities and different areas of life
Treatments you have tried, their outcomes and future options
Existing reports, assessments, letters or written statements
Identity, age and residence documents requested by the

A practical first step: Gather your existing information, then ask an partner what else may be needed before arranging new assessments.

Learn How to Gather Evidence

How to Apply

You can take it one step at a time.

You do not have to know every answer before you begin. An partner can help you understand the process and what information may be useful.

View the Official Application Process

Connect With an Partner

This is usually the best first step. A partner can explain the process, help you understand what evidence is needed and discuss other community supports.

Gather Your Evidence

Work with the treating professional best placed to describe your impairment, its likely permanence and how it affects your everyday life.

Complete Your Application

An partner can help you apply. You can also use an Access Request Form if that pathway suits your circumstances.

Submit the Information

Applications can be supported through an partner or submitted through the official options described by the .

Receive an Access Decision

The says it will decide within 21 days once it has received a completed application and supporting evidence, or will ask if more information is needed.

What Happens Next?

Whatever the decision, there is still a next step.

If You Are Eligible

Your access decision letter explains the outcome. The will then contact you about your first planning conversation and the next stage of creating your plan.

See Our Supports

If You Are Not Eligible

Your letter should explain the reasons and next steps. You can explore community supports, provide new evidence if circumstances change, or request an internal review within three months.

Read About Decision Reviews

Common Questions

Clear answers, without the jargon.

Select a question to read the answer.

01Does a diagnosis automatically make me eligible?

No. A diagnosis can form part of your evidence, but the NDIA also considers likely permanence, the impact on everyday life, your support needs and the evidence provided.

02Do I need to complete every form by myself?

No. An partner can help you understand and complete the application. A family member, friend, representative or treating professional may also support you.

03Who decides if I am eligible?

Only the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) can make an access decision. Providers and health professionals can explain information or provide evidence, but they cannot approve eligibility.

04What about children with developmental concerns?

Children younger than 9 and their families can connect with an early childhood partner. Children younger than 6 with developmental delay have a specific early intervention pathway, and some early supports may be available without first becoming an participant.

05What if my application is not approved?

The access decision letter should explain the reasons and next steps. You can ask for an internal review within three months, explore community and mainstream supports, or apply again if your circumstances or evidence change.

Official Resources

Read the official guidance about keeping your plan and personal information safe.

Open Resource (opens the official NDIS website in a new tab)

Prefer to speak with the ? Call the National Contact Centre on 1800 800 110.

View Official Contact Options

Already Have an Plan?

Your plan is about your life, your goals and what matters to you.

You can use your own words. We’ll help make sense of the support details with you.

Tell Us About Your Goals

Prefer to talk? Call 0452 494 411