NDIS Eligibility for Adults: The Key Requirements
To be eligible for NDIS funding, an adult must meet a specific set of criteria that goes beyond simply having a disability. The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) assesses each application individually against these requirements.
Age and Residency Criteria
The most important factor for new applicants is age. You must be under 65 years old at the time your application is received by the NDIA. If you are already a participant when you turn 65, you can choose to remain with the NDIS or transition to aged care support.
Age requirements for applicants:
- Ages 9-65: The main pathway for most adults. Local Area Coordinators can assist with understanding the scheme and the application process.
- Over 65: Not eligible to apply for the NDIS. Individuals in this age bracket should seek support through My Aged Care.
Residency requirements:
- Must be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or a Protected Special Category Visa holder.
- Must be living in Australia.
The Permanent and Significant Disability Requirement
This is a critical component of eligibility for adults. The NDIA assesses the impact of the disability, not just the diagnosis itself.
Your disability must meet these conditions:
- It is caused by a permanent impairment (or one that is likely to be permanent).
- It significantly reduces your capacity to perform daily life activities, affecting functional areas like mobility, communication, or learning.
- You are likely to require NDIS support for your lifetime.
Types of impairments considered include, but are not limited to:
- Intellectual
- Cognitive
- Neurological
- Sensory
- Physical
- Psychosocial (mental health conditions)
The NDIS Application Process for Adults
The application process, while comprehensive, is designed to be as straightforward as possible. A Local Area Coordinator (LAC) can provide invaluable support for adults navigating this journey.
- Check your eligibility: Use the official NDIS eligibility checklist online to confirm you meet the age, residency, and disability requirements.
- Gather evidence: Collect all necessary documentation, including medical reports from treating health professionals that support the permanent and significant impact of your disability.
- Complete the Access Request Form: This form can be completed online, downloaded, or requested by phone. Your LAC can help you fill it out correctly.
- Submit the application: You can submit the form and supporting evidence via email, mail, or in person at an NDIS office.
- NDIA assessment: The agency reviews your application and evidence. A decision is typically made within 21 days.
- Planning meeting: If your application is successful, you will attend a planning meeting to discuss your goals and create your individual NDIS plan.
NDIS vs. My Aged Care: What Happens After 65?
For existing NDIS participants nearing 65, a crucial choice arises: remain on the NDIS or transition to My Aged Care. The decision depends on individual needs and the type of support required. Existing NDIS participants who were accepted before age 65 can continue to receive support from the scheme. New applicants aged 65 and over must apply through My Aged Care for assistance.
| Feature | National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) | My Aged Care |
|---|---|---|
| Target Group | Australian residents with permanent and significant disability, primarily under 65 for new applicants. | Australians aged 65 or over (or 50+ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) who need support to remain independent. |
| Focus | Funds individual goals, skills development, and independence. Provides a wide range of disability-specific supports. | Provides support packages and services to help older people with daily living and health management. |
| Support Model | Personalised, participant-led planning. Gives individuals greater choice and control over their services. | Assessment determines a specific level of care package (e.g., Home Care Package) or residential aged care. |
| Funding | Typically more extensive funding and a broader range of supports tailored to individual disability needs. | Funding is determined by an assessment and typically less extensive than NDIS support packages. |
What to Do If You're Not Eligible
If you don't meet the NDIS eligibility criteria, particularly the age limit for new applications, it is important to remember that other support options are available. The aged care system, managed through My Aged Care, offers home care packages, residential care, and other services for people over 65. For adults under 65 who do not qualify for the NDIS, a Local Area Coordinator can still assist in connecting you with alternative community and government supports.
Conclusion: Can Adults Get NDIS? Your Path Forward
To summarise, the answer to 'Can adults get NDIS?' is a conditional yes. Adult Australians under 65 with a permanent and significant disability that affects daily functioning are eligible to apply. The process requires gathering evidence and submitting an Access Request Form, with support available from a Local Area Coordinator. For those who are already participants, their support can continue after turning 65. By understanding the specific requirements and pathways, adults can successfully navigate the system to secure the support they need for a more independent life. For official guidelines, always consult the official NDIS website: official NDIS eligibility page.
