To be eligible to access the NDIS, a person must:

Alternatively, a person may be eligible if they meet the early intervention requirements – see Early intervention requirements below.

Disability requirements

The disability requirements are set out in section 24 of the NDIS Act, and a person must satisfy all requirements to be eligible under the NDIS. For a person to meet the disability requirements, they must have [s 24]:

The episodic or fluctuating nature of an impairment may be taken to be permanent and NDIS supports may be provided under the NDIS despite the episodic or fluctuating nature of the impairment [NDIS Act s 24(3)].

The NDIA has developed a streamlined disability assessment process for people with certain conditions (such as autism, cerebral palsy, and permanent blindness). See NDIS Guidelines - Eligibility - Applying to the NDIS for more information.

Early intervention eligibility requirements

A person who does not meet the above criteria may still be eligible for NDIS assistance if they meet the early intervention requirements under s 25 of the NDIS Act.

A person may meet the early intervention requirements if:

The episodic or fluctuating nature of an impairment may be taken to be permanent, and support may be provided under the NDIS, despite the episodic or fluctuating nature of the impairment [NDIS Act s 25(1A)].

See the NDIS website - What are the early intervention eligibility requirements for more information.

*Special provisions also apply to children aged under 6 years who have developmental delays resulting in substantially reduced functional capacity and who have a need for special care, treatment or services [ss 9 and 25(1)(a)(iii)]. Such applicants may also be eligible to receive assistance pursuant to the early intervention requirements of the NDIS. See the NDIS guide to the early childhood approach to learn more.