Many people believe that income, salary, or financial status affects whether someone can access the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). However, this leads to a very common question: Is there an income limit for the NDIS? In reality, the short and clear answer is no. In fact, the NDIS is not means-tested, which means your income, savings, assets, or financial situation do not affect your eligibility. Moreover, the NDIS focuses solely on disability-related needs. Therefore, applicants should understand that financial status plays no role. Ultimately, eligibility is based on functional impact, not income.
This guide explains what the NDIS considers during eligibility. Additionally, it outlines why income does not matter. Moreover, it clarifies what other financial rules apply. Furthermore, it highlights the difference between the NDIS and other government support payments. In fact, these distinctions help applicants understand how the system works. Consequently, the information reduces confusion for new participants. Ultimately, this guide ensures you feel more confident when applying.
Is There an Income Limit for NDIS?
No The NDIS Is Not Means Tested
The NDIS does not check your:
- income
- savings
- assets
- employment status
- family income
- home ownership
This means you can apply for the NDIS regardless of whether you are, for example, employed, self-employed, or unemployed. Additionally, your financial situation does not affect eligibility. Moreover, savings or assets are not considered. Therefore, anyone who meets the disability criteria can apply confidently.
- employed
- unemployed
- self-employed
- studying
- receiving Centrelink
- earning a high salary
Your disability needs not your income determine access.
Why the NDIS Does Not Use Income as a Requirement
The NDIS is designed to provide disability support. Moreover, it focuses on helping people improve their daily living. In addition, it funds essential services based on individual needs. Furthermore, the scheme ensures that supports are reasonable and necessary. As a result, people with permanent disabilities can live more independently. Ultimately, the NDIS aims to enhance quality of life.
- severity of the disability
- permanence of the condition
- functional impact on daily living
- need for ongoing support
The NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency) makes decisions based on functional capacity, not personal finances.
What the NDIS Does Look At Instead of Income
Even though your income does not matter, the NDIA does check four key eligibility areas. Firstly, they assess your age requirement. Secondly, they confirm residency status. Moreover, they evaluate whether your disability is permanent. In addition, they review how significantly it affects daily functioning. Therefore, meeting these criteria is essential for NDIS access.
✔ 1. Age requirement
You must be under 65 at the time of application.
✔ 2. Residency requirements
You must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Special Category Visa holder.
✔ 3. Disability requirements
Your condition must be permanent and cause a significant functional impact.
✔ 4. Early intervention requirements
Children aged 0–6 may qualify through ECEI without a diagnosis.
Income is not part of any NDIS access test.
Can High-Income Earners Access the NDIS?
Yes.
People who earn high salaries can access NDIS funding as long as they meet the disability and functional impact criteria. Moreover, the NDIS does not consider income when determining eligibility. In fact, the decision is based entirely on support needs. Additionally, high-income earners must provide the same evidence as everyone else. For example, functional assessments and medical reports are still required. Furthermore, the NDIA reviews how the disability affects daily life. Ultimately, eligibility depends on functional impact, not financial status.
Examples:
- doctors
- engineers
- business owners
- executives
- university students
- tradespeople
- self-employed workers
Your job title or salary has no influence on NDIS access.
Does Centrelink or Disability Support Pension Affect NDIS?
No They are separate systems.
The NDIS does not replace:
- Disability Support Pension (DSP)
- Carer Payment
- Carer Allowance
- JobSeeker
- Age Pension
Being on Centrelink does not guarantee NDIS approval, and earning a high income does not prevent you from accessing the NDIS.
Is There a Cost to Join the NDIS?
No applying for the NDIS is free.
You do not pay:
- entry fees
- enrolment fees
- assessment fees (NDIS does not charge)
However, you may pay for medical reports from specialists or allied health professionals.
Does Income Affect the Amount of NDIS Funding You Receive?
No.
Funding is based on support needs, such as:
- therapy
- assistive technology
- community participation
- support workers
- transport support
- home modifications
The price limits and funding decisions are not influenced by your income.
Why Some People Confuse NDIS With Other Programs
Many government programs are means-tested, such as:
- Centrelink payments
- concession cards
- aged care services
- public housing eligibility
Because these programs check income, applicants sometimes assume the NDIS works the same way but it does not.
Common Misconceptions About NDIS & Income
“I earn too much; I won’t be eligible.”
False, income doesn’t affect eligibility.
“I’m on Centrelink, so I’m automatically eligible.”
False, DSP recipients must still meet NDIS criteria.
“NDIS is a financial support program.”
Incorrect, NDIS funds supports, not income.
“If my income changes, my NDIS plan will change.”
No, income changes do not affect your plan.
To understand eligibility more clearly, read our full guide on what disabilities are eligible for NDIS, which explains the conditions the NDIA accepts.
What Does Affect Your Eligibility?
Although income does not matter, these factors do:
- medical and functional evidence
- severity of disability
- permanency of condition
- need for long-term support
- impact on daily functioning
- developmental delays (for children)
These are the areas the NDIA focuses on.
Example Scenarios
High-income earner with MS: Eligible
Functional impact meets criteria.
Centrelink DSP recipient with mild anxiety: Not automatically eligible
Functional evidence required.
Child under 7 with speech delay: Eligible under ECEI
No income check required.
Self-employed person with autism Level 2: Eligible
Functional challenges supported by evidence.
Conclusion
So, is there an income limit for NDIS?
The answer is no. The NDIS does not consider income, assets, or employment status when deciding eligibility. Instead, the scheme focuses on the nature of the disability, its functional impact, and the support needs of the individual.
Understanding this helps applicants avoid confusion, reduce stress, and confidently apply for the NDIS knowing that income will never affect their chances of approval.
FAQs
Is NDIS income tested?
So, is there an income limit for NDIS? Clearly, the answer is no. The NDIS does not consider income, assets, or employment status when deciding eligibility. Instead, the scheme focuses on the nature of the disability, its functional impact, and the support needs of the individual. Moreover, decisions are based on evidence rather than financial background. Additionally, applicants from all income levels follow the same assessment process. For example, both high-income and low-income applicants must provide functional reports. Furthermore, the NDIA assesses how the condition affects independence and daily living. As a result, financial status plays no role in eligibility. Ultimately, the NDIS prioritises disability support needs over income.
Does high income stop me from getting NDIS?
No. Anyone can access the NDIS if they meet disability criteria. Moreover, income does not affect the decision. In fact, the NDIA focuses only on support needs. Additionally, all applicants follow the same assessment process. For example, functional impact must be clearly demonstrated. Furthermore, evidence must show the condition is permanent. Ultimately, eligibility depends on disability, not financial status.
Do I need to be on Centrelink to get NDIS?
No. NDIS and Centrelink are completely separate.
Does my child need a diagnosis to apply?
Not always. Children under 7 may qualify under ECEI.
What matters most in eligibility?
Medical evidence, functional assessments, and the permanent impact of the disability.
For official eligibility information, visit the NDIS access requirements page on the Australian Government website.