Who is Eligible to Apply for NDIS? Your Complete Guide to NDIS Eligibility Criteria

Key Points:

• In addition to the age and residency requirements, the NDIS eligibility criteria require applicants to have a permanent disability that significantly affects their daily living.
• Applicants who are eligible for NDIS support can proceed with the various steps of the NDIS application process.
• People who don’t meet the NDIS eligibility requirements can explore comprehensive alternative options, including government disability services, community sector programs, and Local Area Coordinator connections.
• AIIM Choices delivers free, expert assistance across Australia for individuals exploring eligibility for NDIS funding.

Summary:

The NDIS eligibility criteria require applicants to be Australian citizens or permanent residents who are within a specific age group. They must also have a permanent disability that significantly impacts their daily functioning and participation in work, study, or social activities. Individuals who are eligible for NDIS must complete a structured application process involving evidence gathering, form submission, consent provision, and assessment review that can take up to six months.

Outline:

1. Introduction
2. Who is Eligible for NDIS Funding
3. What Should You Do if You’re Eligible for NDIS?
4. What Can You Do if You’re NOT Eligible for NDIS Funding?
5. How AIIM Choices Can Make Your NDIS Journey Easier

Are you wondering whether you or a loved one might be eligible for National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) support? Many Australians with disabilities and their families find themselves asking this important question as they seek the daily support they need to live independently.

The NDIS is designed to provide life-changing support for people with permanent and significant disabilities. As an NDIS participant, you can access funding for supports that help you achieve your goals, increase your independence, and participate fully in your community. 

This might include assistance with daily living activities, therapy services, equipment and technology, or support to help you find and keep employment.

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about NDIS eligibility, from the specific criteria you need to meet to the steps you can take if you’re ready to apply. 

Our goal is to make this process as clear and straightforward as possible, so you can focus on what matters most: getting the support you deserve.

Who is Eligible for NDIS Funding

The NDIS eligibility criteria are built around three main areas: where you live, how old you are, and the nature of your disability.

Let’s break down each of these NDIS eligibility requirements so you can see where you stand.

NDIS Residency Requirements

To qualify for NDIS support, you need to call Australia home. Specifically, you must be:

• An Australian citizen, or
• Hold a Permanent Visa, or
• Hold a Protected Special Category Visa (SCV)

You’ll also need to show evidence that you live in Australia, and that this is truly your home and where you spend most of your time. The good news is that if you’re comfortable with the NDIS accessing your Centrelink records, this usually provides all the information they need about your residency status. It’s a simple way to tick this box without gathering lots of extra paperwork.

NDIS Age Requirements

If you’re aged 9-65 years old, you’re in the main age group eligible to apply for NDIS funding (provided you meet the other criteria too).

If your child is under 9, don’t worry. They can still get support through the NDIS’ special early childhood approach:

• Children under 6 with developmental delays
• Children under 9 with disabilities

If you’re over 65, you can still benefit from other programs, such as:

• Continuity of Support programs
• Commonwealth Home Support
• Home Care Packages

NDIS Disability Requirements

This is often the most detailed part of the NDIS eligibility criteria. To meet the disability requirements, you need to provide evidence that shows:

• Your disability is caused by an impairment – This could be physical, intellectual, cognitive, neurological, sensory, or psychosocial
• Your impairment is likely to be permanent – This means it’s expected to last for your whole life
• Your permanent impairment significantly reduces your functional capacity – It makes everyday activities much harder for you
• Your ability to participate in work, study, or social activities is affected – Your impairment impacts how you engage with important parts of life
• You’re likely to need support under the NDIS for your whole life – The support isn’t just a short-term solution

Here’s some reassuring news: once you’re accepted into the NDIS, you won’t need to prove your disability every time your plan is reviewed. 

However, if your situation changes or your current supports aren’t meeting your needs, it’s important to reach out to your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) for help.

What Should You Do if You’re Eligible for NDIS?

If you tick all the boxes for NDIS eligibility, then you’re now ready to take the next step. Here’s what you need to do to move forward with your application:

1. Gather Evidence

Start collecting all the documents that tell your story. These include:

• Medical reports from your doctors and specialists
• Assessment reports from therapists or other health professionals
• Any other documents that show how your disability affects your daily life

The more detailed and recent your evidence, the stronger your application will be.

2. Submit an Access Request Form

You can get this form by:

• Contacting the NDIS directly on 1800 800 110
• Downloading it from the NDIS website
• Asking a support person to help you access it

3. Provide Consent

You’ll need to give permission for the NDIS to gather information from:

• Your healthcare providers
• Other relevant sources who know about your disability and support needs

This helps the NDIS get a complete picture of your situation without you having to chase down every piece of information yourself.

4. Assessment

Once you’ve submitted everything, the NDIS will review your application. They might ask for:

• Additional information
• Further assessments
• Clarification about certain aspects of your disability or support needs

Get Expert Help with Your NDIS Application

While the NDIS provides plenty of information, putting your application together can feel very confusing. That’s where AIIM Choices comes in. We provide free NDIS application assistance to help you every step of the way.

Here’s how we support you:

• We help break down the barriers to apply – No more feeling overwhelmed by paperwork and processes
• We talk you through the NDIS access criteria – Making sure you understand exactly what’s needed
• We work with you to sort out the paperwork – Helping speed up your application process
• We collaborate with your support services – Ensuring all information truly reflects your unique situation
• We have multilingual staff available – So language is never a barrier to getting support

AIIM Choices provides nationwide application assistance, with local support teams available in Wodonga, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin, and Perth. Wherever you are in Australia, we’ll guide you through the process so you can access the life-changing supports you deserve.

What Can You Do if You’re NOT Eligible for NDIS Funding?

If your application isn’t successful, or if you don’t meet the NDIS eligibility requirements, please know that you still have other options. There are many other supports and services available across Australia for people with disabilities.

The NDIA recognises that not everyone needs NDIS support. Sometimes, your needs are best met by other service systems that are specifically designed for different situations.

Here are some alternatives to explore:

• Government and community sector supports – There are numerous programs available at the federal, state, and territory levels
• Local Area Coordinators (LACs) and early childhood partners – These professionals can help connect you with appropriate services in your area
• Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) program – Managed by the Department of Social Services, this program funds community projects that benefit all Australians with disability, their carers, and families

The NDIA website has a comprehensive list of organisations that can help with support, both nationally and in different states and territories.m another provider, our team of NDIS plan managers in Melbourne can address your unique needs.

How AIIM Choices Can Make Your NDIS Journey Easier

At AIIM Choices, we understand that every person’s journey with disability is unique. That’s why we’ve built our services around making your NDIS experience as smooth and successful as possible.

Here’s what you can expect when you work with us:

• Expertise: We know the NDIS guidelines inside out and can give you clear, accurate advice.
• Understanding: Every person’s story is unique, and we take the time to listen and understand what matters most to you.
• Transparency: We explain every step so you feel informed and confident.
• Commitment: We stay by your side until your plan is approved, even if it takes months.

Your NDIS journey doesn’t have to be stressful. With AIIM Choices by your side, you’ll have the guidance, support, and encouragement you need to give your application the best chance of success.

Ready to get started? Reach out to AIIM Choices today and let us guide you through your NDIS application with confidence and care.