NDIS Eligibility Requirements Explained (Australia)

Understanding the NDIS eligibility requirements can feel overwhelming at first.
From our experience at Yirra Care supporting participants and carers in Brisbane, most people don’t struggle because they’re ineligible — they struggle because the requirements aren’t explained in plain English.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is designed to support people with permanent and significant disabilities, but eligibility is based on how a condition affects daily life, not just the diagnosis itself.

Who Is Eligible for the NDIS?

To meet the NDIS eligibility requirements, you generally need to meet all of the following criteria.

1. Age Requirement

You must be:

• Aged between 7 and 65 years when you apply

If you are under 7, supports may be accessed through early childhood pathways.

2. Residency Requirement

You must:

• Live in Australia, and

• Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa

This step is usually straightforward, but missing documents can delay the process.

3. Disability Requirement (Most Important)

This is where many people get confused.

You may be eligible if you have:

• A permanent or likely permanent disability, and

• A condition that substantially reduces your ability to carry out everyday activities such as:

  • Self-care

  • Mobility

  • Communication

  • Social interaction

From our experience, many people assume they don’t qualify because they can “still do some things”. In reality, eligibility is about ongoing functional impact, not total inability.

Diagnosis vs Functional Impact (A Common Misunderstanding)

One of the biggest misconceptions we see is believing that a diagnosis alone guarantees eligibility.

In practice, the NDIS looks at:

• How your condition affects daily routines

• Whether supports are needed long term

• How independence and safety are impacted

This is why applications that clearly explain day-to-day challenges tend to be much stronger.

If you’re still unsure whether the NDIS is the right fit, many people find it helpful to first understand whether NDIS support matches their situation before applying.

What Evidence Is Used to Assess Eligibility?

While medical reports are important, they are not the only factor. Eligibility assessments often consider:

• Reports from health professionals

• Descriptions of daily living challenges

• Functional assessments

• Evidence of long-term support needs

We’ve seen applications delayed simply because the functional impact wasn’t clearly explained — even when the person met all other criteria.

What Happens After You’re Approved?

Being approved for the NDIS is only the beginning.

Once eligibility is confirmed, you’ll receive a plan that can fund supports such as:

• In-home and daily living assistance

• Community participation

• Psychosocial and mental health supports

• Short-term accommodation

• Practical household supports like cleaning

This is where many participants choose to work with trusted providers offering NDIS services in Brisbane, so funding turns into real, everyday support rather than unused budget.

Common Reasons Applications Are Delayed

From what we’ve observed, delays often happen because:

• Functional impact isn’t clearly explained

• Evidence focuses only on diagnosis

• Long-term support needs aren’t documented

Understanding the eligibility requirements early can prevent months of frustration later.

How Yirra Care Supports Participants After Eligibility

At Yirra Care, our role begins after eligibility is approved. We help participants use their plans in ways that genuinely improve independence, wellbeing and confidence.

Our supports are:

• Personalised

• Respectful and culturally inclusive

• Focused on real-life outcomes, not just services

Whether it’s daily support, community access or practical help at home, our goal is always to empower people to live with dignity and choice.

FAQs About NDIS Eligibility Requirements

Does having a mental health condition qualify for NDIS?
Yes, if it results in a permanent psychosocial disability with significant functional impact.

Can I apply for the NDIS myself?
Yes. Individuals, carers or families can submit an access request.

What if my application is rejected?
Many people reapply successfully once additional evidence is provided.

Ready to Speak With Our Team?

If you’ve been approved for the NDIS  or you’re preparing for the next steps having the right support makes all the difference.

At Yirra Care, we take the time to understand your situation, explain your options clearly, and help you access supports that genuinely improve everyday life. Whether you’re unsure how to use your plan or simply want to talk things through, our team is here to help.

👉 Get in touch with our team to discuss your needs and explore how we can support you moving forward.