How to apply for the NDIS in 2026: eligibility, evidence and what happens next

Short answer: To get the NDIS you need to be younger than 65 when you apply, live in Australia as a citizen, permanent resident or protected Special Category visa holder, and have a permanent (or likely permanent) impairment that substantially reduces your everyday functioning — or meet the early intervention requirements. You apply through a local area coordinator or by calling the NDIS on 1800 800 110, and the NDIA must give you a decision within 90 days of receiving a complete application.

Key points

• Age, residence and disability (or early intervention) are the three tests.
• Evidence about how your disability affects daily life matters more than a diagnosis alone.
• Families of children younger than 9 usually talk to an early childhood partner first.
• If you're found not eligible, you have 3 months to ask for a review.

Who can apply for the NDIS?

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) checks three things.

1. Age. You must be younger than 65 on the day you make your application.

2. Residence. You must be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or hold a protected Special Category visa (this applies to some New Zealand citizens), and you must live in Australia.

3. Disability or early intervention. You meet the disability requirements if your impairment is, or is likely to be, permanent; it substantially reduces your ability to do everyday things like communicating, moving around, self-care, socialising, learning or managing your own affairs; it affects your ability to work, study or take part in social life; and you're likely to need NDIS supports for your lifetime.

You meet the early intervention requirements if getting support now is likely to reduce how much support you'll need later — for example, by preventing your functioning from getting worse or by helping family and carers keep supporting you.

Children younger than 9

If your child is younger than 9, the NDIS encourages you to speak to an early childhood partner first. They can connect you with support straight away, help you work out whether the NDIS is the right path, and help you apply if it is. Children younger than 6 with developmental delay can be eligible under specific criteria.

From 1 October 2026, a new program called Thriving Kids is starting to roll out for children aged 8 and under with developmental delay or autism and low to moderate support needs. Children with permanent and significant disability remain eligible for the NDIS. Read our guide to NDIS changes for 2026–2028 for what this means for families.

What evidence do I need?

You'll need:

• proof of your identity and age
• proof of residence
• evidence of your impairment and how it affects you, ideally from a treating professional who has worked with you for at least 6 months and is registered with AHPRA or the relevant body
• your consent and signature (or that of your parent, guardian or authorised representative)

What makes evidence strong: the NDIA is deciding about your functional capacity, not just your condition. Reports that describe what you can and can't do day to day — getting dressed, cooking, travelling, communicating, managing money — are far more useful than a diagnosis on its own. Ask your professional to describe how often you need help, what kind of help, and what happens without it.

If you live in a remote or very remote area and can't get to a suitable professional, tell the NDIA. It can work with you on other ways to provide evidence.

How do I apply?

1. Talk to a local area coordinator (aged 9 and over) or an early childhood partner (younger than 9). They can explain the process and help you apply.
2. No coordinator nearby? Call the NDIS on 1800 800 110. First Nations people can call First Nations Connect on 1800 411 640.
3. Provide your information and evidence. The NDIA will discuss your needs and current situation with you.
4. Wait for the decision letter. It will tell you the date the NDIA will decide by.

How long does it take?

Under the NDIA's current Applying to the NDIS guideline:

• The NDIA will decide within 90 days of receiving your complete application.
• If it asks you for more information, you have at least 90 days to respond. If you don't respond in time, your application is treated as withdrawn.
• Once you provide the extra information, the NDIA has 14 days to decide.
• If the NDIA misses its deadline, that is treated as a "not eligible" decision and is automatically reviewed.

If you're found eligible, planning starts within 21 days, and your first plan must be approved within 56 days of becoming a participant.

What if I'm found not eligible?

You can ask for an internal review within 3 months of receiving the decision. You can call 1800 800 110, use a review form, write to the NDIA, or visit an NDIS office. Explain why you think the decision is wrong and whether you'll provide new evidence.

If you still disagree after the internal review, you can apply to the Administrative Review Tribunal within 28 days.

Many people succeed on review with better functional evidence. A free disability advocate can help — ask your local area coordinator or search for the NDIS Appeals Program in your state.

Is anything changing?

Yes. Laws passed in August 2026 mean that from January 2028, new applicants will be assessed using a standardised functional capacity assessment, with more consistent decisions about whether an impairment is permanent. Existing participants will be reassessed over 3 years. Until then, the current rules above apply.

Once you're in: finding providers

When your plan is approved, you'll need providers to deliver your supports. You can search NDIS providers near you by support type and suburb, or let Get Matched find up to three providers who fit your needs.

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