Who Is Eligible For NDIS
To be eligible for the NDIS, you must meet rules about your age, where you live, and your disability. You must be under 65 years old and be an Australian citizen or a permanent resident to apply.
Understanding NDIS Eligibility in Victoria
Starting your NDIS journey can feel like a big step. Many people in Gippsland and Cardinia wonder if they qualify for help. At Curamus, we believe in providing high quality support to help you understand these rules.
Eligibility is not just about a medical name or a diagnosis. It is about how your disability affects your daily life. We help people in Pakenham and surrounding areas find the right path to get the help they need.
TL;DR The Main NDIS Eligibility Rules
You can join the NDIS if you are between 7 and 65 years old. You must live in Australia as a citizen or have a permanent visa. You also need to show that your disability is likely to stay with you for your whole life. This disability must make it hard for you to do everyday things like moving, talking, or looking after yourself.
There is also help for children under 9 years old. This is called the Early Childhood Approach. Even if a child does not have a permanent disability yet, they might get help if they have a developmental delay. This helps them get the best start in life before they start school in places like Gippsland.
The Four Key Rules for NDIS Access
The NDIS uses four main areas to decide who can get funding.
You must meet all the rules in each section to be successful. We have broken these down into simple steps for you.
1. Age Requirements
You must be younger than 65 on the day you apply. If you are already in the NDIS and turn 65, you can usually stay in the scheme. However, people over 65 who have not joined yet must look at Aged Care services instead.
2. Residence Requirements
You must live in Australia and plan to stay here. You also need to be one of the following:
An Australian citizen.
A holder of a permanent visa.
A Protected Special Category Visa holder.
3. Disability Requirements
This is the most important part for most adults. To qualify, you must show that your disability is caused by an impairment. This could be physical, intellectual, or psychosocial.
The NDIS looks for three things:
The disability is permanent or likely to be permanent.
It reduces your ability to do daily tasks significantly.
You will likely need support for the rest of your life.
4. Early Intervention Requirements
Early intervention is for people who might not have a permanent disability yet but still need help. This is very common for young children. If getting help now will make your future better or stop your condition from getting worse, you might be eligible.
New Changes Coming in 2026
The NDIS is changing to make things fairer for everyone.
From late 2026, a new programme called Thriving Kids will start. This will help children in Cardinia and Gippsland with mild to moderate needs. It is important to stay updated because the way the NDIS checks for eligibility is evolving.
By mid 2026, the NDIS will also use new Support Needs Assessments. These will focus even more on what you can do and what help you need for In-Home Support. We stay on top of these rules so we can guide you through every change.
How to Prove Your Eligibility
You will need to gather evidence from doctors and specialists.
The NDIS needs to see reports that explain your challenges. This might include a report from a GP, a psychologist, or an Occupational Therapist. You can find more details on the official NDIS access page to see which forms you need.
Showing Functional Capacity
The NDIS wants to know about your "functional capacity." This is a fancy way of saying "what you can do in a normal day." They look at:
Communication: Can you tell people what you need?
Social Interaction: Can you make friends and talk to others?
Learning: Can you learn new skills for a job or school?
Mobility: Can you move around your home and the community?
Self-care: Can you wash, eat, and dress yourself?
If you struggle with these, you might qualify for Supported Independent Living.
What Happens if You Are Not Eligible?
If the NDIS says no, you still have options.
Sometimes the NDIS needs more information. You can ask them to look at your application again. You can also look at other community supports in Victoria. We can help you find local groups in Pakenham that provide help even if you do not have an NDIS plan.
Why Living in Gippsland or Cardinia Matters
Our local regions have great community health centres.
When you apply for the NDIS, it helps to use local doctors who understand the NDIS guidelines. We work closely with families across West Gippsland and Pakenham. We know the local therapists who can write the reports you need.
Our mission is to help you achieve your goals and live independently. Whether you need help with Medical and Dental Appointments or finding a safe place to live, we are here for you.
FAQ About NDIS Eligibility
Can I apply for the NDIS if I have a job?
Yes, you can. The NDIS is not like Centrelink. It does not matter how much money you earn. It only matters how your disability affects your life.
What if my disability gets better or worse?
The NDIS will check your plan regularly. If your needs change, your funding can change too. This is why having good reports from your therapists is so important.
Do I need a formal diagnosis for a child under 6?
No, children under 6 do not always need a formal diagnosis. If they have a developmental delay that affects their growth, they can still get help through the Early Childhood Approach.
Can I apply if I am a New Zealand citizen?
You must hold a Protected Special Category Visa. Most New Zealanders who arrived in Australia after 2001 need to check their visa status with the Department of Home Affairs first.