Who is eligible for the NDIS?

Navigating the NDIS can feel overwhelming for many people looking for support for themselves or a family member.

We’ve put together a short guide to help you understand NDIS eligibility, and whether or not you may be able to apply to become a participant. The NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) is a support scheme from the Australian Government designed to provide financial assistance to people with a permanent disability. The assistance provides funding to the approved participant, to help improve their quality of life and achieve their goals through choice and control over their support.

People must apply to the NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency) to become an NDIS participant to start getting support under the NDIS. To be eligible for the NDIS, age and residential requirements need to be met in addition to having a disability caused by an impairment.

Disability Requirements for NDIS

You may be eligible for the NDIS if you have a permanent or likely to be a permanent disability that requires ongoing assistance. Injuries or illnesses that are acute and will heal are not eligible for the NDIS. Some of the key requirements:

A person’s disability is a result of an intellectual, cognitive, neurological, sensory, psychosocial or physical impairment

The impairment is likely to be permanent

One or more functional capacity activities such as mobility, communication, socialising, learning, self-care or self-management tasks have been substantially reduced.

The permanent impairment has impacted a person’s ability to work, study and socialise.

Support under the NDIS is likely to be required for a person’s whole life.

Age requirements for NDIS

People are required to be between the ages of 0-65 years to be able to apply. People can apply for the NDIS if they are younger than 65 on the day they apply.

For children younger than 7 years of age, families are encouraged to speak to an early childhood partner prior to applying to the NDIS.

Residency Requirements for NDIS

To meet the eligibility requirements of the NDIS you must be an Australian citizen or a permanent resident. If you are not an Australian citizen you must hold a permanent visa or a protected special category visa which is only for some citizens of New Zealand.

Applicants will need to answer questions about where they live, where their family is, if they work in Australia, if they own property in Australia and how much time they spend outside of Australia.

If, for example, someone spent a lot of time overseas, a stronger connection to Australia than to other countries would need to be shown.

Am I eligible for the NDIS if I have a Psychosocial Disability?

The NDIS defines psychosocial disability as a term used to describe a disability that may arise from a mental health issue. Not everyone that suffers from a mental health issue will experience psychosocial disability. However, those that do may be eligible for the NDIS if their disability is significant and likely to be permanent.

A person with a psychosocial disability may experience restricted ability to:

Complete tasks due to insufficient stamina

Maintain concentration

Be comfortable in certain environments

Interact with others

Comprehend constructive feedback

Effectively manage stress levels

Multiple task

Cope with time pressures

How do I apply for the NDIS?

If you think you might be eligible and want to apply:

Make a verbal application by calling the NDIA on 1800 800 110

Complete an Access Request Form and return it to the NDIA

Your local area coordinator or local NDIS office can help you apply. They can help you through the application process and be your point of contact. Find your nearest location.

For children younger than 7, the NDIS encourages families to talk to an early childhood partner before applying to the NDIS. They can provide supports to children before they apply, and let families know if the NDIS is right for their child.

How can a plan manager help?

Once an applicant has been approved to become an NDIS participant, an important part of the planning process is to establish how they would like to have their plan managed. We specialise in plan management, all participants need to do to become Plan Managed is to request for it to be included in their plan. Plan management is of no cost to the participant.

If you’d like to learn more, give us a call, and we’d be happy to help.