For many individuals and families, the journey to disability support begins with one important question: Am I eligible for the NDIS While the National Disability Insurance Scheme supports people with a wide range of disabilities, eligibility is not always straightforward – especially for those applying for the first time. There is no fixed list of conditions that automatically qualify. Instead, eligibility is determined by how a disability affects a person’s ability to function in everyday life. This NDIS Eligibility Guide explains how eligibility is assessed, outlines the main categories of NDIS covered disabilities, and helps new participants understand what evidence is required to access support.
What is the NDIS?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an Australian Government program established under the NDIS Act 2013
to provide funding for reasonable and necessary support for people with permanent and significant disabilities.
The scheme focuses on improving independence, social participation, skill development, and overall quality of life.
NDIS funding is designed to complement – not replace – mainstream services such as healthcare, education, and housing, ensuring that participants receive disability-specific support tailored to their individual needs.
Why Understanding NDIS Eligibility Is Important
One of the most common misconceptions is that a medical diagnosis alone determines eligibility. In reality, the NDIS places greater emphasis on functional impact – how much a disability limits a person’s ability to manage daily activities without support.
Understanding how NDIS covered disabilities are assessed helps applicants:
- Prepare accurate and relevant evidence
- Avoid delays or access refusals
- Clearly demonstrate long-term support needs
A clear understanding of eligibility criteria allows new participants to approach the application process with confidence.
NDIS Eligibility Criteria
To access the NDIS, an applicant must meet age, residency, and disability requirements set by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).
Age and Residency Requirements
An applicant must:
- Be under 65 years of age at the time of applying
- Live in Australia
- Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Special Category Visa holder
These requirements ensure that support is provided to eligible residents during their working and early retirement years.
Disability Requirements
To meet the disability criteria, the condition must:
- Be permanent or likely to be permanent
- Result in a substantial reduction in functional capacity
- Affect one or more key areas of daily life, including:
- Mobility
- Communication
- Learning
- Self-care
- Social interaction
- Self-management
- The NDIA evaluates whether ongoing disability-specific supports are required for the person to participate fully in daily life.
Early Intervention Access
Some individuals may qualify through early intervention if providing support early is likely to:
- Reduce future support needs
- Improve functional capacity
- Prevent deterioration
This pathway is commonly relevant for children and people with progressive or developmental conditions.
Types of NDIS Covered Disabilities
The NDIS does not publish a definitive list of approved conditions. Instead, it assesses whether an impairment meets eligibility requirements based on permanence and functional impact.
Below is a detailed explanation of the main categories commonly recognised as NDIS covered disabilities, along with examples and how they affect daily functioning.
Let’s read further:
1. Physical Disabilities
Physical disabilities affect movement, strength, coordination, balance, or endurance. These conditions often limit a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks independently.
Common examples include:
- Cerebral palsy
- Spinal cord injury
- Muscular dystrophy
- Multiple sclerosis
- Limb amputation
People with physical disabilities may require support with mobility, transfers, personal care, or the use of assistive equipment. Eligibility depends on how significantly the condition limits daily activities.
2. Intellectual Disabilities
Intellectual disabilities involve limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviour, affecting learning, reasoning, communication, and independent living.
Examples include:
- Down syndrome
- Moderate to severe intellectual disability
The NDIS assesses how these conditions impact decision-making, daily living skills, and social participation, often recognising the need for long-term support.
3. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autism Spectrum Disorder affects communication, social interaction, sensory processing, and behaviour. It is one of the most commonly supported disabilities under the NDIS.
Eligibility is determined by:
- Level of functional impairment
- Impact on daily routines and communication
- Ongoing support needs
Support may include therapy, skill development, behavioural support, and assistance with community participation.
4. Neurological Disabilities
Neurological disabilities affect the brain or nervous system and may impact physical, cognitive, or emotional functioning.
Examples include:
- Acquired brain injury (ABI)
- Epilepsy
- Parkinson’s disease
- Motor neurone disease
These conditions vary widely in severity, making functional assessments and specialist reports essential for eligibility decisions.
5. Sensory Disabilities
Sensory disabilities involve significant vision or hearing impairment that affects communication, mobility, or independence.
Examples include:
- Blindness or low vision
- Deafness or significant hearing loss
- Deafblindness
Supports may include assistive technologies, communication aids, and orientation and mobility training.
6. Psychosocial Disabilities
Psychosocial disability arises from severe and persistent mental health conditions that substantially impact daily functioning.
Common conditions include:
- Bipolar disorder
- Severe depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Eligibility depends on long-term functional impact rather than diagnosis alone, particularly how the condition affects self-care, relationships, and participation in daily life.
Conditions Not Typically Covered by the NDIS
The NDIS generally does not fund:
- Temporary injuries or short-term conditions
- Medical treatments unrelated to disability support
- Supports better provided by mainstream systems
- Conditions expected to significantly improve
Each application is assessed individually, based on evidence and functional impact.
Evidence Required for NDIS Eligibility
Strong applications typically include:
- Medical reports from treating specialists
- Functional capacity assessments
- Psychological or allied health reports
- Evidence showing long-term support needs
Accurate, consistent documentation aligned with NDIS criteria improves the likelihood of approval.
How the NDIS Application Process Works
It’s important to understand the NDIS guidelines. The process generally involves:
- Submitting an NDIS Access Request Form
- Providing supporting medical and functional evidence
- Eligibility assessment by the NDIA
- Planning and funding approval for eligible participants
Once approved, participants work with planners to identify goals and funded supports.
How A1 Disability Support Care Supports NDIS Participants
A1 Disability Support Care supports individuals and families at every stage of their NDIS journey. Our team assists with understanding eligibility requirements, organising documentation, and navigating the planning process. Understanding eligibility is often the first step before accessing disability support services under the NDIS.
We provide personalised NDIS-funded support designed to enhance independence, daily living skills, and community participation. By aligning services with each participant’s goals, A1 ensures support is practical, respectful, and outcomes-focused.
FAQS
- What age do you need to be to apply for the NDIS?
You must be under 65 years of age at the time of applying for the NDIS.
- Can mental health conditions be covered by the NDIS?
Yes, if the condition causes a long-term psychosocial disability that significantly affects daily functioning.
- What evidence is needed for NDIS eligibility?
Evidence usually includes medical reports, specialist letters, and functional capacity assessments showing permanent impact.
- Can children be eligible for the NDIS?
Yes. Children may be eligible, especially through early intervention if support can reduce future needs.
- How long does the NDIS eligibility process take?
Timeframes vary, but decisions usually depend on how complete and clear the submitted evidence is.
Conclusion
Understanding NDIS covered disabilities is the first step toward accessing meaningful and long-term support. This NDIS Eligibility Guide provides clear, accurate information to help new participants and families make informed decisions with confidence.
For guidance with eligibility, documentation, or ongoing NDIS support, A1 Disability Support Care offers experienced, participant-focused assistance every step of the way.