How do you apply for the NDIS?
Short answer
To apply for the NDIS, connect with an NDIS partner, gather evidence with your treating health professional, complete an access request form or call 1800 800 110, submit your application, then wait for the decision. You need to be under 65, living in Australia and meet residency and disability requirements.
Applying for the NDIS can feel like a lot of paperwork. The good news is that the process follows a clear order, and help is available at each step.
This guide explains who can apply, the five steps to apply and what happens next. The NDIA is introducing assessment changes during 2026, so always check ndis.gov.au for the latest information.
Who is eligible for the NDIS?
You may be eligible if you are under 65 when you apply, live in Australia, meet residency rules and have a disability that substantially reduces your everyday functioning.
The main requirements are:
- Age: under 65 when you apply.
- Residency: an Australian citizen, a permanent visa holder or a Protected Special Category Visa holder.
- Location: living in Australia.
- Disability: a disability that is likely to be permanent and substantially reduces your functional capacity, or you meet the early intervention requirements.
If you are unsure, try our NDIS eligibility checker for a quick guide. For background on how the scheme works, read what is the NDIS.
What are the steps to apply for the NDIS?
There are five steps: connect with a partner, gather evidence, complete your application, submit it and wait for a decision.
- Connect with an NDIS partner. Contact a Local Area Coordinator in your area. For young children, contact an early childhood partner. They can explain the process and help you get started.
- Work with your treating health professional. Ask your doctor, specialist or other treating professional to help gather evidence about your disability and how it affects your daily life.
- Complete your application. Fill in the access request form, or call the NDIA on 1800 800 110 to apply by phone.
- Submit your application. Send your form and supporting evidence to the NDIA.
- Wait for the decision. The NDIA reviews your application and lets you know whether you have been found eligible.
What evidence do you need for an NDIS application?
You need evidence that shows your disability is likely to be permanent and how it affects your daily life. The impact on your functioning matters as much as the diagnosis itself.
Functional impact means the practical effect on everyday activities. Good evidence describes what you can and cannot do, and how much help you need. It helps to think about these areas:
| Area of daily life | Example of what to describe |
|---|---|
| Self-care | Help needed with showering, dressing or eating |
| Mobility | Moving around the home or getting out in the community |
| Communication | Being understood by others and understanding them |
| Social interaction | Making friends, managing relationships, coping in groups |
| Learning | Understanding new information and remembering it |
| Self-management | Planning, budgeting, making decisions, managing money |
Some practical tips:
- Describe a typical day, including a bad day, in plain language.
- Give concrete examples, like "I need help to cut up food at every meal".
- Include recent reports where you can, and make sure they are signed and dated.
- Mention the informal help you get from family and friends.
- Keep copies of everything you send to the NDIA.
Try not to downplay your needs. Many people describe their best days out of habit or pride. The NDIA needs an honest picture of what everyday life is really like, including the hard parts.
What happens after you apply?
After you apply, the NDIA assesses your application and sends you a decision. If you are eligible, you become an NDIS participant and move on to planning.
During planning, you talk about your goals, your current supports and what help you need. Your plan then sets out your funding, usually split into budgets such as Core and Capacity Building. Our NDIS support hours calculator can help you think about how many hours of support your budget might cover.
The NDIA may contact you to ask for more information while it reviews your application. Respond as soon as you can to avoid delays.
While you wait, it can help to start thinking about your goals. What would you like to do more of? What gets in the way right now? Having some notes ready will make your planning conversation easier.
What if your NDIS application is not approved?
If you are not found eligible, you can request a review of the decision or apply again. There is no limit on how many times you can reapply.
Start by reading the decision letter carefully. It should explain why you were not found eligible. Often the issue is missing or unclear evidence about functional impact. You can gather stronger evidence and try again, or ask for a review if you think the decision is wrong.
If you ask for a review, there are time limits for making the request, so act soon after you receive the decision letter. The letter should explain how to request a review and by when.
A Local Area Coordinator, a disability advocate or your treating professional can help you decide which option suits your situation.
How are NDIS assessments changing in 2026?
The NDIA is introducing changes to how assessments work during 2026. Details may change through the year, so check ndis.gov.au before you apply.
Your Local Area Coordinator or early childhood partner should also be able to tell you how the changes affect your application.
The basic eligibility rules and the five steps above are a good starting point. If you have already started gathering evidence, you do not need to throw it away. Ask your partner whether anything extra is now needed.
How can Enrichment Care help once you have a plan?
Enrichment Care does not assess eligibility or make NDIS decisions. Once you have a plan, we can deliver core supports such as personal care, community participation, life skills development, cleaning, meal preparation and transport.
If you have questions about starting supports, see our FAQ or call us on 1300 543 123.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an NDIS application take?
Timeframes vary depending on how complete your application is and whether the NDIA needs more information. Sending clear, recent evidence with your application can help avoid delays. Check ndis.gov.au for current processing timeframes.
Do I need a diagnosis to apply for the NDIS?
Evidence of your disability is needed, and for many people that includes a diagnosis. The NDIA also looks closely at how your disability affects your everyday life. Reports that describe functional impact in practical terms are very helpful.
Can I apply for the NDIS if I am over 65?
You need to be under 65 when you apply. People aged 65 and over are generally directed to aged care services instead. If you joined the NDIS before turning 65, you can usually stay in the scheme.
Can someone help me fill in the access request form?
Yes. A Local Area Coordinator, early childhood partner, family member, advocate or your treating health professional can help. You can also call the NDIA on 1800 800 110 to apply over the phone.
This article is general information, not advice about your plan. NDIS rules and price limits change, so check ndis.gov.au or talk to your NDIS contact for current details. Last reviewed 22 July 2026.
