Understanding the NDIS
Who Can Access the NDIS
The NDIA uses legal eligibility requirements to decide whether someone can become a participant.
Several requirements
Eligibility considers age, residence, disability and early intervention.
Evidence matters
The NDIA may need reports showing how an impairment affects everyday life.
The NDIA decides
SCL and other providers cannot approve NDIS access.
Plain language guide
The detail, broken into useful sections.
Read the sections that matter to you. The content has not been shortened or changed, only organised so it is easier to scan.
Age
You must be younger than 65 when your completed application is received. People already participating when they turn 65 may generally choose to continue, subject to the applicable rules.
Residence
You must live in Australia and spend most of your time here, and be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or a Protected Special Category visa holder. The NDIA may ask for documents confirming identity, residence or immigration status.
Disability
You may meet the disability requirement if your disability is caused by an impairment likely to be permanent, that impairment significantly affects your ability to complete everyday activities, and you are likely to need disability specific supports for your lifetime.
Impact matters more than diagnosis
The NDIA considers how the impairment affects your everyday life, not just the name of a condition. Two people with the same diagnosis can have very different outcomes.
Early intervention
Some people are eligible because receiving supports now is likely to reduce their need for support later, improve or maintain their functional capacity, or prevent it getting worse. Children under six with developmental delay may also meet these requirements.
Evidence you may need
- Medical or allied health reports
- Functional assessments
- Information about how your impairment affects daily life
- Information about treatments or supports you have tried
- Evidence that an impairment is likely to be permanent
Evidence should come from professionals who understand your disability and how it affects your everyday activities.
Applying does not guarantee access
Meeting one requirement does not mean someone automatically qualifies. The NDIA considers all applicable requirements and the evidence before deciding. If you are not eligible, an NDIS partner may still help connect you with community or mainstream supports.
SCL Support Services
What SCL can help with
SCL can provide information about the supports and services we offer.
- What our services cover
- Whether we operate in your area
- How our services might relate to a plan, once you have one
SCL cannot decide whether you are eligible, complete clinical evidence as a health professional, guarantee an application outcome, or influence the NDIA’s decision.
Official information
This page explains things in plain language. The NDIS is the authority on the rules, and they change. Check the official pages for the current position.
Last checked: August 2026
Need this in Easy Read, large print or another language? Ask us and we will arrange it.