You generally need to be younger than 65 on the day the NDIA receives your completed application.
Supporting NDIS participants across Greater Sydney
FOR PROSPECTIVE PARTICIPANTS
NDIS Access Support Guide.
A clear starting point for people with disability, families, carers, nominees and support networks preparing to apply for the NDIS.
ABOUT THIS GUIDE
Understand the process before you apply.
Applying for the NDIS can feel confusing, especially for the first time. This guide explains the general eligibility requirements, evidence that may be useful and the steps involved in an access request.
Keep the full guide with you
Download PDFDownload the seven-page participant-friendly guide and evidence checklist.
ELIGIBILITY AT A GLANCE
Who can apply for the NDIS?
A person generally needs to meet identity, age, residency and disability or early intervention requirements. The NDIA assesses each application.
You need to live in Australia and meet the citizenship or eligible visa requirements.
You may need evidence of a likely permanent impairment and how it substantially affects daily life, or how early support may improve outcomes.
Check the latest requirements using the official NDIS eligibility information
SUPPORTING EVIDENCE
Show how disability affects everyday life.
A diagnosis alone may not explain a person’s functional impact. Useful evidence usually describes the impairment, treatments tried, daily support needs, risks without support and recommendations from treating professionals.
Official NDIS evidence guidance- Proof of identity, age and residency
- Diagnosis, GP and specialist reports
- Therapy or hospital reports
- Functional capacity assessment, if relevant
- Medication, mobility or equipment information
- Carer, family, school or education statements
FUNCTIONAL IMPACT
Daily-life areas worth explaining clearly.
Self-care
Showering, dressing, eating, grooming and personal hygiene.
Mobility
Moving safely, transfers, equipment, falls risk and transport access.
Communication
Understanding information, expressing needs and using communication supports.
Daily living
Cooking, cleaning, shopping, routines, appointments and medication safety.
Community participation
Getting out safely, building confidence, transport and social connection.
Safety and risk
Health risks, isolation, emergencies, supervision and behaviour support needs.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
Six steps from first conversation to planning.
- 1
Connect with an NDIS partner
An NDIS partner can explain the process, eligibility requirements and the evidence you may need. You can take a support person to meetings.
- 2
Gather supporting evidence
Work with treating health professionals who understand your disability, impairment, treatment history and daily support needs.
- 3
Complete your application
Provide your identity information, details about your disability and how it affects your everyday life, together with supporting evidence.
- 4
Submit the application
Your NDIS partner can submit it for you, or you can use an accepted submission method advised by the NDIS.
- 5
Wait for the NDIA decision
The NDIA assesses the application and may ask for more information. The NDIA—not Matts Global—makes the eligibility decision.
- 6
Prepare for planning if approved
You will usually discuss your goals, daily needs, current supports and risks before funded supports can begin.
The official application process may change. Read the current NDIS “How to apply” steps
HOW WE CAN HELP
Practical guidance, with no pressure or promises.
Matts Global can explain the access process in plain language, help you prepare a checklist, organise information and prepare questions for treating professionals.
Your choice stays with you.
We cannot guarantee approval or make the eligibility decision.
We do not replace your doctor, specialist, therapist, advocate or NDIS partner.
There is no obligation to choose Matts Global if your application is approved.
Any future service arrangement is discussed and agreed separately.
Prepare for your planning conversation.
You will usually discuss goals, current supports, risks and daily-life requirements. If you later choose Matts Global, we will complete a separate onboarding and service agreement process.
Ask about your next options.
You can ask for the reasons, speak with treating professionals, gather further evidence, seek advocacy support or ask the NDIA about reviewing the decision.
Important information
This page and downloadable guide provide general information only and are not legal, medical, financial or eligibility advice. The NDIA makes NDIS eligibility decisions. Matts Global cannot guarantee approval. For individual advice, contact the NDIA, an NDIS partner, advocate or appropriately qualified treating professional.
PARTICIPANTS, FAMILIES & SUPPORT COORDINATORS
Ready to talk about the right support?
Call or email our team. We’ll listen and guide you through the next step.
Greater Sydney services · Office: 75C Boundary Road, Liverpool NSW 2170 · Monday–Friday, 9:00am–5:00pm