NDIS Eligibility

As previously mentioned, the purpose of the NDIS is to provide support to individuals with a significantly permanent disability. Various factors are considered in determining the type of support offered to these individuals, including the circumstances of families and carers of the person with a disability. To be eligible for NDIS support, individuals with a disability should:

• Reside in an NDIS trial site or a transition area.
• Have a permanent and significant disability that substantially impairs their ability to participate effectively in daily, social, and economic activities.
• Require NDIS support for the entirety of their life.

The NDIS scheme is accessible to any Australian citizen (or resident or permanent visa holder) under the age of 65 with a permanent disability that significantly limits their ability to perform daily activities without assistance. Children under the age of 6 can undergo assessment against NDIS criteria to determine their eligibility for early intervention. It is assumed that with the right services and support, children can develop skills to enable independent living in the future. However, if children require lifelong support, they can transition into the NDIS disability stream. Children under the age of 6 may qualify for Early Childhood Intervention if they have a developmental delay that:

• Significantly impairs their functional capacity in one or more of the following areas: self-care, receptive and expressive language, cognitive development, or motor development.
• Requires special interdisciplinary or generic care, as well as individualized and coordinated treatment and other services for an extended period.

The mentioned supports are funded through the NDIS.

It’s important to note that existing arrangements for a child will continue if they are already an NDIS participant. Individuals receiving care support through other government funding bodies will be contacted by the NDIS once the scheme is rolled out in their area. As previously mentioned, children with a significant and lifelong disability can transition to the NDIS disability stream to receive ongoing support throughout their lifetime.