Please note: this is not the NDIS website.

This checklist is made by Aus Care Community Services, a registered NDIS provider. It helps you understand the NDIS eligibility requirements and decide if applying is worth exploring. It can’t tell you if you’re eligible, and it isn’t part of an NDIS application. Only the NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency) can decide who can join the NDIS.

For official information, visit the NDIS website (opens in new tab) or call the NDIS on 1800 800 110.

NDIS Eligibility Checklist: Could the NDIS Be Right for Me?

Last reviewed: 17 September 2026

NDIS Readiness Checklist

Use this free, practical NDIS eligibility checklist to understand the requirements. It walks you through each one, shows where you stand, and explains what evidence may help. Then you’ll know your next step. Created by Aus Care Community Services, it takes about 5 minutes.

This isn’t an eligibility decision. Your answers stay on your device, unless you choose to send your scorecard to us at the end.

NDIS access rules are changing. New laws passed in August 2026 (opens in new tab) will change how eligibility is checked. This includes a new standard assessment of functional capacity (what you can and can’t do day to day). These changes haven’t started for new applicants yet. Support for some children aged 8 and under is also changing through Thriving Kids (opens in new tab). This checklist uses the current rules. Check the NDIS website for the latest information.

Why a Diagnosis Isn’t Enough on Its Own

The NDIA looks at three things: whether a condition is permanent, how much it affects everyday life, and whether support is likely to be needed for life. A diagnosis on its own, such as depression, anxiety or a back injury, doesn’t decide whether someone is eligible. A mental health condition can count as psychosocial disability (disability related to a mental health condition) when it’s permanent and has a big effect on daily life, even if it comes and goes. Many injuries and conditions are treated through the health system first.

What’s Changing With NDIS Access

  • New laws passed in August 2026 (opens in new tab) will base access decisions on a new standard assessment of functional capacity (what you can and can’t do day to day). Permanence, treatment and other compensation schemes will also be checked in a more consistent way. These changes haven’t started for new applicants yet. The NDIA will share details once they’re confirmed.
  • Applicants need to tell the NDIA if they get, or can get, support from workers’ compensation or a motor vehicle accident scheme for the same condition.
  • From 1 October 2026, children aged 8 and under with developmental delay and/or autism, and low to moderate support needs, will start to get support through Thriving Kids (opens in new tab). It will be fully rolled out by 1 January 2028. Children with permanent and significant disability, including high support needs, can still be eligible for the NDIS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this the NDIS website?

No. This page is created by Aus Care Community Services, a registered NDIS provider. For official information, visit the NDIS website or call the NDIS on 1800 800 110.

Does completing this checklist mean I’ve applied for the NDIS?

No. This checklist isn’t an NDIS application. To apply, contact the NDIS or visit the NDIS website.

Are my answers shared with anyone?

No. Your answers stay on your device. They’re only sent to Aus Care Community Services if you choose to send your scorecard and contact details at the end.

Does depression or anxiety qualify for the NDIS?

A mental health condition can be considered as psychosocial disability (disability related to a mental health condition) when it’s permanent and has a big effect on everyday life. A diagnosis alone doesn’t decide eligibility. The NDIA makes all decisions about access.

Does a back or disc injury qualify for the NDIS?

It depends on whether the impairment is permanent and significantly affects everyday life, even after available and appropriate treatment. If the injury is covered by workers’ compensation or a motor vehicle accident scheme, the NDIS generally doesn’t fund supports for it. The NDIA makes all decisions about access.

If I take medication, can I still be eligible?

Yes, you can still be considered. Taking medication doesn’t automatically mean a condition isn’t permanent. The NDIA looks at whether the condition still significantly affects everyday life.

Are NDIS eligibility rules changing?

Yes. New laws passed in August 2026 will change how access is assessed, and support for some children aged 8 and under is moving to Thriving Kids. Check the NDIS website for the latest information.

Can this checklist tell me if I’m eligible?

No. It helps you understand the requirements, and what evidence may help. Only the NDIA can decide eligibility.

This isn’t the NDIS website. This checklist is created by Aus Care Community Services, a registered NDIS provider, and isn’t part of the NDIS or the NDIA. It’s general information only, and isn’t an eligibility decision, an NDIS application or advice about your situation. All decisions about NDIS access are made by the NDIA, based on the evidence provided. Your answers stay on your device, and aren’t saved or sent to Aus Care Community Services, unless you choose to send your scorecard and contact details. NDIS access rules are changing. For official information, visit the NDIS website (opens in new tab) or call 1800 800 110.

Sources