To accurately understand NDIS eligibility, it's vital to rely on the official NDIS website. Here's a breakdown of the core criteria:Key Eligibility Requirements:
Age:
You generally need to be under 65 years old when you first apply.1
Residency:
You must be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa.2
Disability Requirements:
You must have a permanent and significant disability that:
Is likely to be permanent.
Substantially reduces your functional capacity.
Affects your ability to participate in everyday activities.
Requires ongoing support.
Early Intervention Requirements:
The NDIS also supports early intervention.3 This means that if you have a disability or developmental delay that is likely to be permanent, and early support can reduce the impact, you may be eligible.4
Important Considerations:
Permanence: The NDIS focuses on disabilities that are permanent.5 This doesn't mean conditions can't change, but rather that the underlying impairment is expected to be long-term.
Significant Impact: The disability must have a significant impact on your ability to participate in daily life.
Individual Assessment: NDIS eligibility is assessed on an individual basis.6
Where to Find Definitive Information:
The most reliable source of information is the official NDIS website: ndis.gov.au.
I hope this helps.