NDIS Eligibility 2026: Am I Eligible? A Melbourne Guide
Working out whether you or a loved one qualifies for the National Disability Insurance Scheme can feel confusing, especially with reforms changing parts of the system in 2026. This guide explains the current eligibility rules in plain English, how to apply from Melbourne, what happens if you are not eligible, and what is changing for future applicants.
Sky Care Solutions is a registered NDIS provider in Melbourne. We help people understand their options even before they become participants, so if any of this is unclear, you are welcome to call us.
Quick answer: who is eligible for the NDIS in 2026?
To be eligible for the NDIS in 2026 you generally need to be aged under 65 when you apply, be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or hold a Protected Special Category Visa, and have a permanent and significant disability that substantially affects your ability to do everyday activities. You may also qualify through early intervention if support now would reduce your future needs. Children under 7 are supported through the early childhood approach, and from 1 October 2026 many children under 9 access help through the new Thriving Kids program instead of individual NDIS plans.
The three main eligibility requirements
1. Age
You must be under 65 years old at the time you apply. If you are already an NDIS participant when you turn 65, your plan continues. If you are over 65 and your needs relate to ageing rather than disability, the right pathway is usually aged care through the Support at Home program, which replaced Home Care Packages in November 2025.
2. Residency
You must live in Australia and be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or a holder of a Protected Special Category Visa. This applies whether you live in inner Melbourne, the outer growth suburbs, or regional Victoria.
3. Disability or early intervention
You must have a permanent and significant disability that substantially reduces your ability to take part in everyday activities, or you must meet the early intervention requirements, where getting support now would reduce your future needs. The NDIS looks at the functional impact of your condition, meaning how it affects your daily life, not just the diagnosis on paper.
How to check your eligibility
The official starting point is the eligibility checklist on the NDIS website, or you can call the NDIA on 1800 800 110. You can also speak with a Local Area Coordinator, who helps people in the community understand and access the scheme. A registered provider or support coordinator can help you prepare, though only the NDIA decides access.
How to apply for the NDIS in Melbourne
- Confirm you meet the basic criteria using the checklist or by calling the NDIA.
- Gather evidence from your GP, specialists and allied health professionals showing your diagnosis and, importantly, how it affects your everyday functioning.
- Make an Access Request by phone, email or with help from a Local Area Coordinator.
- Attend your planning meeting once access is approved, where your goals are turned into a funded plan.
- Choose your providers and start your supports.
Strong evidence about functional impact is the single most important factor in a successful application. Reports that clearly describe what you can and cannot do day to day carry more weight than a diagnosis alone.
What if my child is under 9?
Children under 7 have historically been supported through the early childhood approach rather than the standard access pathway, so there is no lower age limit for getting help. From 1 October 2026, the new Thriving Kids program begins supporting children aged 8 and under with developmental delay or autism and low to moderate support needs, with full rollout by 1 January 2028. Many of these children will be helped through Thriving Kids and mainstream services rather than individual NDIS plans. If your child is already on a plan, nothing changes automatically.
What is changing from 2028?
From 2028, new applicants will be assessed on their functional capacity, the real-world impact of their disability, rather than primarily on diagnosis. The aim is fairer and more consistent access decisions. This applies to future applicants, not people already on the scheme. If you are already a participant in Melbourne, your access is not being re-tested under these rules.
What if I am not eligible for the NDIS?
Not being eligible for an individual NDIS plan does not mean there is no support available. Depending on your situation you may be able to access:
- Foundational Supports, a new layer of disability support outside the NDIS that began rolling out in 2026.
- Thriving Kids for younger children with lower support needs.
- Aged care through Support at Home if you are over 65.
- Mainstream services through health, education and community organisations.
A good provider or coordinator can point you toward the right pathway even if the NDIS is not it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for the NDIS if I am over 65?
No, you must be under 65 when you apply. If you are over 65 and need support related to ageing, aged care through the Support at Home program is usually the right pathway. If you joined the NDIS before turning 65, your plan continues after you turn 65.
Do I need a formal diagnosis to be eligible?
Evidence of your condition helps, but the NDIS focuses on the functional impact of your disability, meaning how it affects your everyday life. From 2028, functional capacity rather than diagnosis becomes the basis of access for new applicants.
How long does an NDIS application take?
Timeframes vary. The NDIA aims to make an access decision within 21 days of receiving a complete Access Request with sufficient evidence, though gathering that evidence can take longer. Strong, functionally focused reports speed things up.
Is autism covered by the NDIS?
Autism can be eligible where it causes a permanent and significant impact on everyday functioning. From 1 October 2026, younger children with autism and lower support needs may be supported through Thriving Kids rather than an individual plan. Each application is assessed on functional impact.
Can a provider help me apply?
A registered provider or support coordinator can help you understand the process and prepare your evidence, but only the NDIA decides eligibility. Sky Care Solutions is happy to talk you through your options at no cost.
What evidence do I need for my application?
Reports from your GP, specialists and allied health professionals that describe your diagnosis and, crucially, how your condition affects your daily activities. The clearer the functional detail, the stronger your application.
Talk to a Melbourne NDIS provider about your options
Whether you are applying for the first time or unsure if the NDIS is right for you, Sky Care Solutions can help you understand your options. We are a registered NDIS provider serving all of Melbourne and regional Victoria, and we are happy to talk it through even if you are only exploring.
Call 03 7047 9499 or book a free consultation. Registered NDIS provider 4050172644.
Last updated July 2026. For official eligibility information always refer to ndis.gov.au. General information only, not personal advice.
