Who Is Eligible for NDIS? 7 Key Criteria You Must Meet
Do you know that over 1 in 3 first-time NDIS applications are rejected due to missing or unclear eligibility evidence? If you're trying to understand who is eligible for NDIS, it's critical to get it right from the start for your clients, your business, and your peace of mind. Whether you're supporting participants through the application process or improving your intake systems, this guide breaks down the 7 key eligibility criteria, shows you what the NDIS supporting evidence form needs to include, and outlines how to boost your chances of NDIS approval.
Who Is Eligible for NDIS? A Quick Overview
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is designed to support Australians living with permanent and significant disabilities, providing access to the funding, services, and resources needed to improve daily living and independence. But before participants can access the scheme, they must meet specific eligibility requirements.
For NDIS providers, understanding who is eligible for NDIS is critical. Whether you're guiding a new participant through their first application or reviewing documentation before submission, getting clarity upfront can help avoid costly delays, rework, or rejections.
In this section, we’ll unpack the 7 key criteria the NDIA uses to assess eligibility. You’ll also discover how the NDIS supporting evidence form fits into the process, and how to fast-track NDIS approval with the right documentation and support.
The 7 Key NDIS Eligibility Criteria You Must Meet
1. Age Requirement (Under 65 at Time of Application)
Applicants must be under the age of 65 when they apply. If they’re older, they may need to access alternate aged care programs.
2. Residency Status
To be eligible, the participant must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa.
3. Disability is Permanent and Significant
The disability must be both lifelong and substantially impact how a person functions day-to-day. This is where the NDIS supporting evidence form plays a key role, it should clearly outline the diagnosis, history, and long-term implications.
4. The Disability Affects Daily Living
Does the person struggle with communication, self-care, mobility, or social interaction? These practical examples help justify need.
5. You Require Support Now to Reduce Future Needs
Early intervention can reduce long-term dependency, especially in children or progressive conditions.
6. Your Disability Is Likely to Be Lifelong
Clinicians must state that the condition won’t improve on its own, and explain why.
7. The Right Type of Evidence Is Provided
Without detailed, up-to-date, and function-focused reports, NDIS approval is unlikely. Use the official NDIS supporting evidence form and ensure it’s completed by qualified professionals.
NDIS Supporting Evidence Form: What It Needs to Include
The NDIS supporting evidence form is one of the most critical documents in any participant’s application. It’s not just a form, it’s how the NDIA assesses whether someone meets the eligibility criteria.
This form should be completed by a treating professional, such as a GP, psychologist, occupational therapist, speech pathologist, or other allied health practitioner with knowledge of the participant’s disability. The aim is to provide a clear, functional picture of how the person’s disability affects their daily life.
Here’s what the supporting evidence form must include:
Diagnosis and clinical history (including how long the person has lived with the condition)
Functional impact: Specific examples of how the disability affects mobility, communication, self-care, social interaction, learning, or self-management
Current supports or interventions and whether they are effective
Professional opinion on whether the condition is likely to be lifelong and significant
💡 Tip for providers: Encourage your team to check that the evidence is written in plain English and describes the impact on function not just the diagnosis.
Boosting Your Chances of NDIS Approval
Getting NDIS approval on the first submission not only saves time and stress, it builds confidence with clients and stakeholders. Unfortunately, many applications are delayed or declined due to avoidable errors.
Here’s how to improve your success rate:
Submit thorough, current documentation, outdated or vague reports often lead to requests for more information.
Use clear, impact-driven language, focus on what the person can’t do, not just their diagnosis.
Ensure all forms are filled correctly, the NDIA uses strict templates, so accuracy matters.
Provide multiple reports when needed, especially when the disability affects several areas of life.
“One of the biggest mistakes we see is evidence that describes the diagnosis but not the day-to-day impact. The NDIA needs to see how the disability affects function.”
- Laura Saul, NDIS Compliance Consultant, Labour Care
Where to Get Help With Your NDIS Application
Navigating the NDIS application process can feel overwhelming, especially when eligibility, documentation, and timelines are at stake. If you're wondering where to get help with your NDIS application, there are trusted pathways available to support both providers and participants through the process.
You can start with:
Local Area Coordinators (LACs) - Free community-based support available for general guidance.
Support Coordinators - If already approved for the NDIS, they help implement plans, though not typically involved in the application stage.
Allied Health Professionals - Essential for gathering reports and completing the NDIS Supporting Evidence Form.
But if you’re a provider, what you really need is expert, done-with-you support that’s tailored to compliance and results.
Final Thoughts: Eligibility Doesn’t Have to Be Confusing
Understanding who is eligible for NDIS doesn't have to feel like navigating a maze. By checking the 7 key criteria, ensuring the NDIS supporting evidence form is completed correctly, and avoiding common application mistakes, you can help more participants access the support they need faster and with confidence.
As an NDIS provider, your time is precious. At Labour Care, we partner with NDIS providers like you to simplify compliance, reduce admin stress, and fast-track outcomes. Our team offers hands-on help with applications, supporting evidence reviews, tailored consulting, and ongoing compliance support, all designed to free up your time and protect your business.
Want expert support with your next NDIS application or audit preparation?
Book a Free Consultation and take the first step towards confident, compliant growth.
Who Really Qualifies for NDIS? Here’s What You Need to Know
1. Are cancer patients eligible for NDIS?
Yes, cancer patients can be eligible for the NDIS, but only if their condition results in a permanent and significant disability. This means the cancer (or its treatment) must cause long-term functional impacts such as difficulty with mobility, self-care, communication, or cognition. A temporary diagnosis or condition without lasting disability would generally not meet eligibility criteria. The key is ensuring the NDIS supporting evidence form clearly outlines how the condition affects daily life in a lasting way.
2. What visas are eligible for NDIS?
To access the NDIS, participants must be:
Australian citizens, or
Permanent residents, orHolders of a Protected Special Category Visa (SCV) usually New Zealand citizens who arrived before 26 February 2001.
Other visa types, including bridging, student, or temporary visas, are not eligible for NDIS support. If in doubt, check the residency status first before proceeding with an application.
3. Who is eligible for NDIS housing (SDA or SIL)?
To access NDIS housing supports like Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) or Supported Independent Living (SIL), a participant must:
Be already approved for NDIS funding,
Have an extreme functional impairment or very high support needs,
Provide evidence (from allied health professionals) showing that SDA or SIL is reasonable and necessary for their safety, wellbeing, and independence.
These supports are assessed separately within an NDIS plan and must align with the participant’s goals and support needs.
