Your child is eligible for NDIS if they have a permanent and significant disability likely to last at least 6 months. 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, 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.
2. Australian Residency
You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
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.
4. Permanent Disability
“Permanent” means the disability won’t go away. The 6-month rule: the disability is likely to last at least 6 months.
5. Significant Disability-Related Support Needs
You must need support with activities of daily living or community participation because of the disability.