Looking for information on disability support services can be extremely overwhelming. Whether you’ve just found out about disability support services, are wondering who qualifies for NDIS, or don’t know how government care services work, you might have questions about what to do next.
Here at Empowerment Care Support, we get asked “who is eligible for NDIS?” all the time by families from across Victoria.
If you find yourself with questions about NDIS eligibly as well, we’re here to help you out.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme is here to provide Australians with permanent and serious disabilities the funds and services they need to live fulfilling, healthy lives. With NDIS funding you can access disability supports and services that allow you to live your life, access health care services, and more.
In this article we’re going to walk you through everything there is to know about NDIS eligibility. We cover who qualifies for NDIS as well as how to apply!
NDIS Support for people with disabilities in Melbourne, Victoria or anywhere else in Australia and wondering “who is eligible for NDIS?” keep reading!
Who is eligible for NDIS in Australia?
You could qualify for the National Disability Insurance Scheme if you are under age 65, you currently live in Australia and are either an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a PSC visa,you have a permanent disability which significantly affects your day-to-day life. Day-to-day life can include tasks such as mobility, communication, learning ability, and personal care.
NDIS Eligibility Criteria Explained
To understand who is eligible for NDIS, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) evaluates three main criteria:
- Age requirements
- Residency status
- Disability impact
If you meet all of the eligibility criteria mentioned above, you will qualify for funding and supports from the NDIS.
Age Requirement for NDIS
You must be under the age of 65 when applying to receive NDIS support.
You can still receive disability support from the NDIS after age 65 if you are already registered as a participant when you turn 65. If you apply once you are over 65 years of age you will not qualify for NDIS but can most likely receive support through aged care services.
Residency Requirement
Wondering who qualifies for NDIS and residency restrictions? To qualify for disability supports from the NDIS you must be a resident of Australia.
If you currently live in Australia and are either an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or PSC visa holder you can qualify for NDIS.
NDIS Disability Requirements
The most important factor in determining who is eligible for NDIS is whether a person has a permanent and significant disability that impacts everyday activities.
The disability must affect areas such as:
- Mobility and movement
- Communication
- Learning and cognitive ability
- Social interactions
- Personal care and routine tasks
Some examples of disabilities that would qualify for NDIS support include:
- Physical disabilities
- Intellectual disabilities
- Sensory disabilities
- Neurological conditions
- Psychosocial disabilities caused by mental illness
These conditions must significantly affect the person’s ability to live independently or participate in everyday activities.
Early Intervention Support
In some cases, you may qualify for early intervention support from the NDIS. qualifying for early intervention through the NDIS allows you to receive support before your disability becomes more serious.
You can qualify for early intervention from the NDIS if it will:
- Lessen the impact your disability has on your life
- Allow you to remain independent
- Prevent injury to yourself or complications with your condition.
Children with disabilities and adults developing disabilities may be able to qualify for early intervention through the NDIS.
How to Apply for NDIS in Melbourne
You know who gets NDIS support and think you meet all the qualifications. Now it’s time to actually fill out an application to receive your funding.
Apply for NDIS Support in Melbourne by following these simple steps:
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before you apply for the NDIS you should make sure that you qualify. Read through this blog and learn about who qualifies for NDIS and what the requirements are to be eligible for NDIS.
Step 2: Submit an Access Request
You can apply for access to the NDIS through the NDIA website. You can also apply over the phone or with assistance from your disability support provider.
Step 3: Provide Medical Evidence
Once your application is processed you will be required to provide documentation that proves you have a disability. You should receive this documentation from your doctor or another licensed medical professional.
Step 4: NDIA Assessment
Once you apply and provide proof of your disability, a NDIA support staff member will review your application.
Step 5: Receive Your Official NDIS Plan
If your application is approved, you will be sent your official NDIS plan. Your NDIS plan lets you know what you can use your NDIS funding towards.
What Supports Can NDIS Funding Cover?
Your individualised NDIS plan can cover many different services and supports. Things you can use your NDIS funding for include:
- Personal care workers to help you with daily tasks
- Live your life and participate in daily activities
- Get to appointments
- Access helpful technology and equipment such as wheel chairs
- Transportation
- Hourly nursing care and support from medical professionals in your home
Leaving the hospital? Your NDIS plan can even cover hospital to home support. Hospital to Home support is when you are given support that allows you to safely recover in the comfort of your own home after being discharged from the hospital.
People with psychosocial disabilities can also recieve extra support through the NDIS. You can learn more about Mental Health Support for NDIS Participants.
Disability Support Services Available in Melbourne
Once approved for the NDIS, participants can choose professional providers who help them use their funding effectively.
Empowerment Care Support offers a wide variety of disability support services in Melbourne to keep our clients happy and healthy. Services we provide include:
- NDIS Services in Melbourne – We provide flexible and personalised care that helps our clients with their daily lives.
- Complex Nursing Care – Have access to hourly nurse care and coordination services from Empowerment Care Support right in the comfort of your home.
- Forensic Disability Support – At Empowerment Care Support we understand that some of our clients are involved with the justice system. We provide forensic support services for participants involved with the justice system.
- After Prison Support – Let Empowerment Care Support help you live your life and stay safe after serving a prison sentence.
These services help participants achieve independence and improve their overall quality of life.
Empowerment Care Support is a trusted Disability Support Service in Melbourne committed to delivering compassionate, professional care for individuals and families across Victoria.
Why Choosing the Right NDIS Provider Matters
Choosing the right provider plays a major role in how effectively participants can use their NDIS funding.
A reliable provider can help with:
- Developing personalised support plans
- Coordinating services and care workers
- Helping participants achieve personal goals
- Supporting independence and community participation
Working with an experienced Disability Support Service in Melbourne ensures participants receive high-quality care tailored to their needs.
How Empowerment Care Support Can Help
Understanding who is eligible for NDIS and navigating the application process can feel complex, especially for families experiencing disability for the first time.
Empowerment Care Support provides personalised guidance and support to help individuals access the right services through the NDIS.
Our experienced team focuses on:
- Supporting individuals through the NDIS process
- Delivering personalised disability support services
- Helping participants achieve independence and wellbeing
If you or a loved one is exploring NDIS services in Melbourne, our team is here to help every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What disabilities qualify for NDIS?
The NDIS supports individuals with permanent and significant disabilities that impact daily activities. These may include physical, intellectual, neurological, sensory, or psychosocial disabilities that affect independence, communication, mobility, or participation in everyday life.
Can mental illness qualify for NDIS?
Yes, severe and permanent mental health conditions may qualify under psychosocial disability criteria. The condition must significantly impact the person’s ability to manage daily life, maintain relationships, or participate in community activities.
What age do you need to be to access the NDIS?
To apply for the NDIS, applicants must be under 65 years old when they submit their application. Individuals who join the NDIS before turning 65 can continue receiving support even after reaching that age.
How long does it take to get approved for NDIS?
Approval timelines vary depending on the complexity of the application and the supporting evidence provided. In many cases, the NDIA reviews access requests within several weeks, although some applications may take longer.
Can carers apply for NDIS on behalf of someone?
Yes. Parents, guardians, carers, or authorised representatives can apply for NDIS access on behalf of someone with a disability. They may also help manage the participant’s NDIS plan and coordinate support services.
