NDIS Eligibility Criteria 2026: Who Is Eligible for the NDIS?

To get the NDIS, you need to meet three rules: age, residence and disability. Some people join under the early intervention rules instead. The NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency) checks these when you apply.

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1. Age: under 65

You need to be under 65 when you apply. If you are 65 or older, aged care is the place to start.

Children under 9 usually start with an early childhood partner. They can get early support without a diagnosis, and some go on to an NDIS plan.

2. Residence: you live in Australia

You need to live in Australia, and be:

an Australian citizen, or
a permanent resident, or
a New Zealand citizen with a Protected Special Category Visa.

3. Disability

Your disability needs to:

come from an impairment: physical, intellectual, cognitive, neurological, sensory, or psychosocial (mental health)
be permanent, or likely to be permanent
make everyday life much harder in at least one area: communicating, socialising, learning, moving around, looking after yourself, or managing your life
mean you are likely to need support for your whole life

A diagnosis on its own is not enough. The NDIA looks at how the disability affects your everyday life. If you have more than one impairment, they are looked at together. If your condition has good days and bad days, the NDIA looks at both.

Or: early intervention

Some people can join under the early intervention rules. This is when getting support early is likely to reduce how much support you need later. It is most common for young children, but adults can join this way too.

Things that don't affect NDIS eligibility

Your income and savings. The NDIS is not means-tested.
Having a job.
The language you speak.

What evidence do you need?

You'll need proof of age and residence, and evidence about the disability from a doctor or other health professional who knows you. Recent reports about how the disability affects daily life help the most.

Next: how to apply for the NDIS, and how much NDIS funding you could get.

Questions people ask

Who is eligible for the NDIS?

People under 65 who live in Australia as a citizen, permanent resident or Protected Special Category Visa holder, and who have a permanent disability that makes everyday life much harder. Some people join under the early intervention rules instead.

Is autism eligible for the NDIS?

Autism can be eligible. The NDIA looks at how much it affects everyday life, not just the diagnosis.

Is ADHD eligible for the NDIS?

The NDIA looks at the impact, not the diagnosis. ADHD on its own is often not enough to join, but it is looked at together with any other conditions.

Can I get the NDIS for mental health?

Yes, if a mental health condition is likely to be permanent and makes everyday life much harder. This is called psychosocial disability.

Is the NDIS means-tested?

No. Your income, savings and job do not affect NDIS eligibility.

What if I am 65 or older?

You need to be under 65 when you apply. If you are 65 or older, aged care is the place to start. We can help you find the right support.

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This guide is general information, not advice about your situation. The NDIA decides who can join and what a plan includes.