Step 1: Provide identity check documents
We'll ask for documents that prove your identity if you apply to the NDIS.
We need to see 3 different identity documents to confirm who you are. These documents need to include information like your name, address, date of birth and a photo of you.
We'll also ask to check your identity documents if you are a child representative, nominee or authorised representative.
Step 2: Meeting the age limit
I am aged from 0 to 64
You must be younger than 65 on the day you make your NDIS application. This means your application needs to be complete, in the format we ask for and received by us before you turn 65.
Contact us so we can help you apply on time if you’re turning 65 soon and want to apply.
I have a child aged under 9
Our early childhood approach is how we support children younger than 9 and their families.
The early childhood approach helps children younger than 6 with developmental delay or children younger than 9 with disability and their families to access the right support when they need it.
I am over the age of 65
We can give you information on aged care services if you’re aged 65 or older.
Learn more about finding other services and supports.
Tip: We'll check your age.
We can check whether you meet the age requirements based on the information on your Centrelink record, with your consent.
You’ll need to give us documentary evidence of your age if you don't consent.
Learn more about the age requirements.
Step 3: Meeting the residence requirements
I am either an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Special Category visa holder
You must be an Australian citizen or have one of 2 visa types to be eligible to apply.
These visa types are:
- a permanent residency visa
- a Protected Special Category visa (SCV), which is only for some citizens of New Zealand.
I live in Australia and spend most of my time here
You must live in Australia to be eligible to apply. This means Australia is your home and you spend most of your time here.
We'll check your residency and citizenship
We can check whether you meet the residence requirements based on the information on your Centrelink record with your consent.
You’ll need to give us documentary evidence if you don't consent.
We need one birth or arrival document that shows when you were born or arrived in Australia. This could be your full birth certificate, passport or Australian Citizenship Certificate.
We also need evidence you live in Australia and spend most of your time here.
Learn more about the residence requirements.
Step 4: Meeting the disability requirements
I have a disability caused by a permanent impairment
You may be eligible under the disability requirements if:
- you have a disability caused by an impairment
- you have one or more impairments that are likely to be permanent
- you'll likely need NDIS supports for your whole life.
I need disability-specific NDIS supports to complete daily life activities
You may be eligible under the disability requirements if:
- you have one or more impairments that substantially impact your ability to do daily life activities
- your impairment affects your social life or your ability to work or study.
Learn more at what are the disability requirements.
Tip: Start collecting evidence before you apply.
We'll need evidence about your disability and impairments and how they impact your daily life. This might include:
- assessments
- reports
- written statements.
Your NDIS partner can help you understand what evidence you’ll need and support you to gather it.
For more information visit how to gather evidence.
Step 5: Meeting the early intervention requirements
Receiving NDIS supports now will reduce my future need for support
You may be eligible for the NDIS under the early intervention requirements, if:
- you have one or more impairments that are likely to be permanent and
- early access to NDIS supports will reduce your need for supports in the future.
We need evidence about your disability and impairment and how they impact your daily life.
For more information visit how to gather evidence.
Tip: There’s more than one way to be eligible for the NDIS.
You can be eligible for the NDIS if you meet the requirements for disability, early intervention or both.