To be eligible for the NDIS, you must be under 65 years of age and live in Australia as a citizen or permanent resident. You must also have a permanent disability that significantly affects your daily life. For children under 9 years old, the NDIS provides support through the Early Childhood Approach to help with developmental delays.
TL;DR: The Three Main NDIS Entry Rules
The NDIS has three main "gates" you must pass through to get funding. First, the Age Rule says you must be younger than 65 when you apply. Second, the Residency Rule requires you to live in Australia permanently. Third, the Disability Rule requires proof that your condition is likely to be lifelong and makes daily tasks very hard.
In 2026, the NDIS is moving toward "new framework planning" to make the system fairer. We help families in Williams Landing and Melbourne's West understand these rules. If you have a psychosocial disability or ASD, we can help you see if you meet the functional requirements. This means looking at how your disability affects your ability to work, study, or socialise in the local community.
The Age and Residency Requirements
Before looking at your disability, the NDIS checks your basic details. These are the simplest rules to meet.
The Age Limit
You must be aged between 0 and 64 to join the scheme. If you are already in the NDIS and turn 65, you can stay. However, if you are over 65 and need new support, you will usually use the Aged Care system instead.
Living in Australia
You must live in Australia to get NDIS support. You must also be one of the following:
An Australian citizen.
A permanent visa holder.
A Protected Special Category Visa holder (usually for certain New Zealand citizens).
Understanding the Disability Requirements
This is the most detailed part of the NDIS application. Having a diagnosis, like Autism or a mental health condition, is only the first step. The NDIS looks at your "functional capacity."
Is the Disability Permanent?
You must show that your impairment is likely to stay with you for your whole life. For mental health, this is called a psychosocial disability. We help people provide evidence that their condition is "permanent or likely to be permanent," even if their symptoms change from day to day.
Does It Substantially Reduce Your Capacity?
The NDIS checks if your disability stops you from doing everyday things. They look at six main areas:
Communication: Understanding others or being understood.
Social Interaction: Making friends or being in public.
Learning: Picking up new skills or remembering information.
Mobility: Moving around your home or the Melbourne community.
Self-care: Showering, dressing, or eating.
Self-management: Making decisions or keeping yourself safe.
The Early Childhood Approach (For Children Under 9)
If your child is younger than 9, the rules are slightly different. This is called the Early Childhood Approach. It focuses on getting help as early as possible to improve long-term results.
Support for Children Under 6
Children under 6 do not always need a formal diagnosis. If there are clear signs of "developmental delay," they can get support. This helps them build skills before they start primary school in suburbs like Point Cook or Hoppers Crossing.
Support for Children Aged 6 to 9
As a child gets older, the NDIS usually requires more evidence of a permanent disability. Receiving early intervention can often reduce the amount of support a child needs later in life. We provide disability support services that help children reach these vital milestones.
Disability vs. Early Intervention: Which One Fits?
The NDIS has two different paths to entry. You only need to meet one of these to become a participant.
Feature | Disability Requirements | Early Intervention |
Primary Goal | Support for a lifelong disability | Reducing future support needs |
Diagnosis | Must be permanent | Can be likely to be permanent |
Age Group | Mostly adults and older children | Mostly children under 9 |
Benefit | Managing daily life | Building family and child skills |
How to Gather Evidence for Your Application
To prove you are eligible, you must provide reports from health professionals. The NDIS does not just take your word for it; they need "clinical evidence."
GP or Specialist Letter: A doctor must confirm your diagnosis.
Functional Capacity Assessment: An Occupational Therapist (OT) or Psychologist writes a report on your daily struggles.
Supportive Evidence: Letters from teachers, carers, or other therapists.
For people with complex mental health needs, our mental health services can guide you on what evidence the NDIS is looking for. We focus on the "functional impact" of your condition, which is what the NDIS cares about most.
What Happens if You Are Not Eligible?
Not everyone who applies gets into the NDIS. If you are told you are not eligible, you still have options.
Ask for a Review: You can ask the NDIS to look at their decision again.
Submit New Evidence: Sometimes a better OT report can change the result.
Community Supports: You can still use health services provided by the Victorian Government.
You can check the NDIS operational guidelines for a deep dive into the rules. You can also visit Disability Gateway to find other supports in Melbourne that do not require an NDIS plan.
Why Local Support Matters During Access
Applying for the NDIS can be emotional and tiring. We recommend connecting with an NDIS partner in Williams Landing or your local area. They are called Local Area Coordinators (LACs). They can help you fill out the Access Request Form for free.
Once you are eligible, we offer Support Coordination Level 1 to help you understand your new budget. We make sure you use your funding on the things that matter most to your recovery and independence.
Frequently Asked Questions About NDIS Eligibility
Can I apply if I am already 65?
No. You must be under 65 on the day you apply. If you are 65 or older, you should contact "My Aged Care" to get help at home.
Do I need to be a citizen to get the NDIS?
You must be a citizen or hold a permanent visa. People on temporary work or student visas are usually not eligible for the NDIS.
Does a diagnosis of Depression count?
It can. If your depression is permanent and stops you from doing daily tasks, it is considered a psychosocial disability. You will need strong evidence from a psychiatrist or psychologist.
How long does the eligibility check take?
The NDIS usually makes a decision within 21 days of receiving your full application. If they need more information, it may take longer.
Can my child get support without a doctor's diagnosis?
If your child is under 6, yes. The NDIS focuses on the delay in their development rather than a specific name for the condition. This allows for faster support during the early years.