The bottom line: Your child is eligible for NDIS if they have a permanent and significant disability likely to last at least 6 months, are under 65, and meet residency requirements as an Australian citizen or permanent resident. Here’s exactly how to check.
Quick Eligibility Checklist
Before diving deep, ask yourself these four questions:
✓ Age: Is the participant under 65 years old?
✓ Residency: Are they an Australian citizen or permanent resident?
✓ Disability: Is there a significant disability (physical, sensory, cognitive, psychosocial)?
✓ Duration: Will the disability likely last at least 6 months?
If you answered yes to all four, read on. You likely meet the basic criteria.
The Five NDIS Access Criteria Explained
NDIS eligibility isn’t just about having a disability. The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) checks five specific things:
1. Age (Under 65)
You must be younger than 65 when you first access NDIS. Once you’re in, you remain covered. Children can access NDIS from birth.
What this means for families: If you have a child with disability, they can enter NDIS at any age during childhood. There’s no minimum age requirement.
2. Australian Residency
You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident. Some visa holders may be eligible, but most temporary visas don’t qualify.
What this means: Check your visa status. If you’re unsure, SADC can help clarify residency requirements when you call.
3. Significant Disability
The disability must be significant. This doesn’t mean “severe”—it means the person needs support with everyday activities because of their condition.
Examples of disabilities that typically qualify:
- Physical disabilities (cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, muscular dystrophy)
- Sensory disabilities (vision loss, deafness)
- Cognitive disabilities (intellectual disability, autism, Down syndrome)
- Psychosocial disabilities (mental health conditions causing functional limitations)
- Acquired brain injury, stroke, or multiple sclerosis
What doesn’t usually qualify:
- Short-term injuries (broken leg)
- Temporary mental health episodes
- Mild conditions without functional impact
- Medical conditions without disability-related functional limitations
4. Permanent Disability
“Permanent” means the disability won’t go away. It doesn’t have to be unchanging—conditions can improve or worsen—but it’s long-term.
The 6-month rule: The disability is likely to last at least 6 months. This prevents short-term conditions from accessing NDIS.
5. Significant Disability-Related Support Needs
Even with a permanent disability, you must need support with activities of daily living or community participation because of that disability.
What this means: The disability causes functional limitations that require assistance. For example:
- Your child needs help with personal care (bathing, dressing)
- They require mobility aids or modifications to participate in community
- They need communication support to engage socially
- They require behavioral support or supervision
What “Permanent and Significant” Really Means
Many families ask: “Does my child’s disability meet the ‘significant’ threshold?”
The NDIA looks at functional limitations—what the person can and can’t do because of their disability.
Functional limitation examples:
| Can’t do independently because of disability | NDIS likely covers support |
|—|—|
| Personal care (toileting, dressing, bathing) | Yes |
| Meal preparation and eating | Yes |
| Household tasks and community access | Yes |
| Mobility and moving around home/community | Yes |
| Communication (using alternative methods) | Yes |
| Behavioral support (significant behavioral challenges) | Yes |
Common Misconceptions About NDIS Eligibility
“My child is on DSP, so they’re automatically in NDIS”
False. Disability Support Pension (DSP) and NDIS are separate. DSP is an income support payment; NDIS is support services. You can have one, both, or neither. You must apply for NDIS separately.
“NDIS only covers permanent, unchanging conditions”
False. Conditions can fluctuate or improve. The question is whether the disability is likely to last at least 6 months and significantly impact functioning.
“Autism/ADHD might not qualify”
False. Both autism and ADHD qualify if they cause significant functional limitation. Many autistic people and those with ADHD access NDIS support.
“We make too much money, so we won’t qualify”
False. NDIS is not income-tested or means-tested. Your family’s income doesn’t affect eligibility. (It may affect pricing for some services, but that’s different from eligibility.)
“My child has to be assessed by the NDIA first”
Partially true. You apply first. The NDIA may ask for medical evidence or conduct an assessment, but they decide—not a third party.
How to Apply for NDIS in New South Wales
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
Before applying, collect:
- Birth certificate or proof of age
- Proof of Australian citizenship or permanent residency
- Medical reports or assessments (from doctor, psychologist, occupational therapist, etc.)
- School or early intervention reports (if relevant)
- Any records showing support needs
You don’t need perfect documentation—just evidence of disability and support needs.
Step 2: Apply Online or by Phone
Online: Visit www.ndis.gov.au and complete the access request form. Takes about 15 minutes.
By phone: Call the NDIA on 1300 800 110. They can help you apply if you prefer.
In person: Visit an NDIA office in Sydney (multiple locations across NSW).
Step 3: The NDIA Reviews Your Application
The NDIA will:
- Check your residency and age
- Review your medical evidence
- May ask for additional information or conduct an assessment
- Decide within 21 days (or notify you of a delay)
Step 4: First Plan (If Approved)
If approved, the NDIA creates your first plan. You’ll attend a planning meeting to discuss your goals and support needs.
Timeline: Most participants have a plan in place within 4-8 weeks of approval.
What Happens if You’re Declined?
If the NDIA says no, you can:
- Request a review (called an “internal review”)
- Appeal to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
- Reapply later if circumstances change
Many declined applicants succeed on appeal. Don’t assume a “no” is final.
NDIS Eligibility: Important Timing
- Early childhood: Participants under 7 may be treated differently; early intervention support is available.
- Transition to adult services: As the participant ages, the type of support available may shift.
- Turning 65: You exit NDIS and may transition to aged care or other services.
Supporting Your Application
Get documentation: Ask your child’s doctor, therapist, or school to provide written reports. These are crucial evidence.
Tell your story: In the application, explain how the disability affects daily activities. Be specific: “Our daughter can’t dress herself” is more persuasive than “our daughter has cerebral palsy.”
Consider support coordination: Even before NDIS approval, professionals like SADC can help you prepare a strong application.
FAQ — NDIS Eligibility
Q: If my child is diagnosed late (at age 5 or 10), are they still eligible?
A: Yes. The age rule (under 65 when you access) is the only age-related requirement. When the disability is diagnosed doesn’t matter—only your age when you enter NDIS.
Q: Can my child be in both school support AND NDIS?
A: Yes. NDIS and school-based supports (like classroom aides, speech pathology through school) are separate systems. Many participants access both simultaneously.
Q: Do I need a formal diagnosis to apply?
A: You need evidence of disability, but not necessarily a formal diagnosis. A doctor’s letter or occupational therapy report describing the disability and its impact on functioning is often sufficient.
Q: What if the disability is still developing (young child)?
A: For early childhood (birth to 7 years), there’s an alternative early intervention pathway. Contact the NDIA to discuss early intervention eligibility—sometimes easier to access than mainstream NDIS for very young children.
Q: Can non-citizens ever access NDIS?
A: Typically no, but some visa holders (humanitarian, skilled migration, or employer-sponsored visas) may qualify. Check www.ndis.gov.au or call the NDIA on 1300 800 110 to verify your visa type.
Q: How long does the eligibility assessment take?
A: Most decisions are made within 21 days. Complex cases may take longer (4–8 weeks). The NDIA will notify you if there’s a delay and explain why.
Q: If I’m approved, can I lose my eligibility later?
A: Only if circumstances change dramatically (e.g., the disability was completely misdiagnosed and genuinely doesn’t exist). Eligibility is reviewed annually, but genuine participants remain supported. You don’t suddenly lose access.
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Next Steps
If your child meets these eligibility criteria, the next step is to apply. SADC can help you:
- Prepare your application
- Gather supporting documentation
- Understand your first planning meeting
- Get matched with support services
Contact SADC today for a free eligibility discussion. We’ve helped hundreds of Sydney families navigate NDIS and access the support they need.
SADC Disability Services
📞 [Phone]
📧 [Email]
🌐 sadcdisabilityservices.com.au
Still unsure if your child qualifies? Our team can review your situation confidentially and at no cost. Call us to talk it through.