NDIS Eligibility Quiz
Answer 6 quick questions to check if you may be eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Takes less than 2 minutes.
Quiz Length
6 questions
About 2 minutes
Result Type
Likely fit
Not a final decision
Core Checks
Age + impact
Functional criteria
Next Steps
Guided
Action checklist
How to use this quiz
- 1. Answer each question based on your current situation.
- 2. Review your eligibility indication and any flagged gaps.
- 3. Follow the next-step checklist for formal assessment.
What this checker covers
Access basics: age and residency status.
Disability criteria: permanence and likely duration.
Functional impact: effect on daily life and support needs.
Disclaimer: This quiz provides an indication only. Actual eligibility is determined by the NDIA through a formal Access Request.
Are you under 65 years old?
You must be under 65 when you first apply for the NDIS.
What this NDIS eligibility quiz can and cannot do
This tool helps you check common NDIA access criteria in a clear sequence. It is useful for preparation, but it does not replace a formal access decision. The NDIA decides eligibility after reviewing your Access Request and supporting evidence.
The six criteria areas explained
The quiz checks age, residency status, permanence of disability, likely duration, functional impact, and support needs. These areas reflect practical access conversations and the types of evidence often required from treating health professionals.
A single answer rarely determines the whole outcome. Many people have mixed indicators. That is why the result includes a summary of possible strengths and gaps to discuss before applying.
Why functional impact matters more than diagnosis alone
A diagnosis is important, but NDIA access decisions focus on how the condition affects everyday function. Reports should describe practical limitations in mobility, communication, self-care, learning, and social participation, not only a medical label.
Strong evidence usually links the condition to daily support requirements and explains why needs are ongoing rather than short term.
How to prepare for a formal Access Request
After using this checker, gather recent reports from your GP, specialist, and allied health practitioners where relevant. Ask providers to document functional impact, expected duration, current supports, and likely future support needs in plain language.
If your result is uncertain, that does not always mean ineligible. It usually means you need clearer evidence before the NDIA can make a decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main NDIS eligibility requirements are:
- Age: You must be under 65 when you first apply
- Residency: Australian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Special Category Visa holder
- Disability: Have a permanent disability (physical, intellectual, sensory, cognitive, neurological, or psychosocial)
- Permanence: The disability is likely to be lifelong
- Impact: The disability substantially reduces your functional capacity in daily activities
- Support needs: You need support from others or equipment for everyday tasks
You can check NDIS eligibility in several ways:
- Take our quiz above for an instant indication
- Call the NDIS on 1800 800 110 to discuss your situation
- Submit an Access Request Form through the NDIS website
- Visit a Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or NDIS partner in your area
You'll need evidence from healthcare professionals describing your disability and how it affects you.
Generally, you cannot join the NDIS if you're over 65. You must be under 65 when you first apply.
However:
- If you're already an NDIS participant before turning 65, you can choose to stay on the NDIS
- You can also choose to transition to the aged care system (My Aged Care)
- People over 65 with disability may access support through Home Care Packages or residential aged care
NDIS covers a wide range of permanent disabilities including:
- Physical disabilities: Cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, muscular dystrophy
- Intellectual disabilities: Down syndrome, developmental delays
- Sensory impairments: Vision loss, hearing loss, deafblindness
- Neurological conditions: Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Psychosocial disabilities: From schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression, anxiety
- Acquired brain injuries: From stroke, accidents, illness
The key factor is that the disability substantially impacts your functional capacity.
While a formal diagnosis helps, NDIS focuses on functional impact rather than just diagnosis.
What you need:
- Evidence that your disability is permanent or likely to be permanent
- Evidence that it substantially reduces your functional capacity
- Reports from healthcare professionals (doctors, specialists, psychologists, OTs, etc.)
- Description of how your condition affects daily activities
Some conditions have automatic eligibility (List A), meaning you may not need as much evidence if you have a formal diagnosis.
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