When it comes to NDIS, there seem to be lots of questions around eligibility. For parents or adults, there’s confusion over whether or not they can partake in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Fortunately, five simple questions determine whether somebody is eligible or not. We’ve laid out the five factors below!

Age

Firstly, you need to be aged between 7 and 65. If you’re a parent and need support for a child younger than 7, we recommend heading to the Help for Children Under 7 page on the NDIS website. Here, they will explain the Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) approach for those between 0 and 6. Right across Australia, the NDIS has actually teamed up with all sorts of Early Childhood Partners. Just because your child is under 7, this doesn’t mean you won’t have access to support.

What if you’re at the other end of the scale and are now over 65 years of age? Well, you may be entitled to other support. Again, we recommend the NDIS website because they provide links to other organizations that may be able to help.

Location and Citizenship

To access NDIS, you need to live in Australia as an Australian citizen. Alternatively, you may have a Special or Permanent Category Visa. If you aren’t in Australia or aren’t an Australian citizen, you’ll need to look at the other supports available. On the NDIS website, there’s a page for those who aren’t eligible for NDIS. Rather than merely rejecting your application, it will point you in the right direction.

Dependent

Does your disability mean that you need support from somebody? In this case, you may be eligible, and we recommend making an application. If you’re not entirely dependent on somebody else, or you aren’t sure of the answer to this question, go through the final two questions and proceed anyway. Soon enough, the NDIS will decide your status.

 

Equipment

Do you have a reliance on equipment? Does a disability leave you needing a particular piece of equipment? Again, the answer to this is similar to the previous question. If yes, proceed with your application. If no, or you aren’t sure, you may still be eligible. Ultimately, it comes down to your individual circumstances.

Future Needs

Finally, NDIS will ask whether you need support now in order to reduce future needs. If the answer is yes, you will be encouraged to reply. If not, you might be better off seeking support from another source. We refer you to the earlier link for those who aren’t eligible for NDIS coverage.

Tips for Applying

If you’ve gone through this checklist and think you might be entitled to NDIS support, you can get the ball rolling through one of three ways. Firstly, you can ask to make an Access Request on 1800 800 110. Secondly, you could visit your local NDIA or LAC office. Thirdly, find the Access Request form online and send the completed document to NAT@ndis.gov.au.

In the past, we’ve seen some people struggle with this form. If you need assistance, get in touch with your Early Childhood Early Intervention partner, your Local Area Coordinator, or your NDIA office. Visit the NDIS website to learn about the offices near you.

Furthermore, we want to make you aware of the services that have been designed to help people like you. For example, Kukoon NDIS plan management, and they have extensive experience helping people in your position. With this, they can assist you and your NDIS account, your loved ones, and more.