How to Apply for the NDIS in Australia
Applying for the NDIS is a 6-step process — from checking eligibility to receiving your first funded plan. This guide walks you through every stage, including what evidence you need and what to do if your application is rejected.
NDIS Eligibility Requirements
You must meet all four criteria to be eligible for the NDIS:
Age
Under 65 years old when you first apply (children 0–6 access an Early Childhood pathway)
Residency
Australian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Special Category Visa holder
Disability
Permanent disability (or likely to be permanent) that significantly impacts daily life
Location
Living in an area where the NDIS is available (now fully rolled out across all of Australia)
Not sure if your disability qualifies? See the conditions that may qualify or use our eligibility checker.
6 Steps to Apply for the NDIS
Check your eligibility
Use the NDIS eligibility criteria above to confirm you meet the basic requirements. If you are unsure about your disability meeting the threshold, speak with your GP or treating specialist first.
Gather supporting evidence
Get a report from your treating professional — GP, specialist, psychologist, or OT. The report should detail your diagnosis, why it is permanent, and how it impacts your daily functioning. Functional detail (what you can and cannot do) is more useful than a diagnosis alone.
Submit your Access Request
Call the NDIS on 1800 800 110, visit your Local Area Coordinator (LAC), or download and post the Access Request Form. You can also submit via the NDIS website. Your LAC can help you complete the form at no cost.
Wait for the access decision
The NDIA aims to make a decision within 21 days of receiving your completed form. They may contact you for additional information. If approved, you will be notified in writing.
Attend your planning meeting
Once approved, you schedule a planning meeting with an NDIA planner or LAC. Prepare your goals in advance — think about what you want to achieve in the next 12 months across daily life, community, employment, and independence.
Receive your NDIS plan
After the planning meeting, the NDIA creates your first plan, usually within a few weeks. Your plan shows your funding categories and budget amounts. You can then start engaging registered providers.
What Evidence Do You Need?
Evidence is the most important part of your application. The NDIA uses it to decide whether you meet the disability criteria. Weak evidence is the most common reason for rejection.
Diagnosis from a specialist
A letter or report confirming your diagnosis from the relevant specialist (e.g. neurologist, psychiatrist, paediatrician). This confirms the nature of your condition.
Permanence statement
Evidence that the disability is likely to be permanent — not temporary or episodic. This can come from your GP or specialist.
Functional impact report
The most important piece — a report describing how the disability impacts your ability to perform daily activities. An OT functional assessment or detailed report from a treating professional is ideal. Focus on what you cannot do, not just what you have been diagnosed with.
Existing assessments
Include any existing OT reports, behaviour support assessments, speech pathology reports, or psychological assessments. These add depth to your application.
What Happens After Approval?
Once the NDIA approves your access request, you will receive a letter and be contacted to schedule a planning meeting. This meeting can be held in person, over the phone, or via video call with an NDIA planner or Local Area Coordinator.
Before the meeting, prepare a list of your goals and the supports you currently use or would like to use. The more specific you are about what you need help with and why, the better your first plan is likely to be.
Your first plan is usually received a few weeks after the planning meeting. You can then start engaging providers, including Help Alliance, to begin delivering your supports.
Plans are typically reviewed annually. At each review you can request changes to your funding based on your goals and how your needs have changed.