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If we decided a child met the early intervention requirements because of their developmental delay, they’re usually no longer eligible after they turn 6.
This is because they will no longer meet the eligibility criteria under developmental delay. To remain a NDIS participant after they turn 6, the child will need to to meet the requirements for disability, early intervention, or both. This requires the child to have an impairment that’s likely to be permanent.
We’ll talk to families or carers before a child turns 6. We'll explain what information we need to decide if the child is still eligible.
Learn more about the disability requirements and the early intervention requirements.
Example 1
Sarah is 6 years old. Sarah was eligible for the NDIS under the early intervention requirements for developmental delay and has been receiving NDIS supports since age 4.
At age 4, Sarah’s speech was unclear. Her parents and other children couldn’t understand her and Sarah found it hard to manage her frustration. At age 5, Sarah’s early childhood partner explained to her parents that Sarah would most likely leave the NDIS after she turns 6.
By age 6, Sarah achieved many of the goals her parents set for her, including improved speech, communication, social and cognitive skills. Sarah’s therapy provider reports she no longer needs early intervention supports.
Sarah’s early childhood partner talks to her parents about the NDIS eligibility requirements, and explains that Sarah no longer needs NDIS supports. Sarah let us know in writing they want Sarah to leave the NDIS.
Sarah leaves the NDIS.
She continues to receive mainstream and community supports. For example, her teacher can help set up the supports she needs at school. Sarah also joins a gymnastic and dance class.
If Sarah’s situation changes and she needs NDIS supports in the future, her parents understand they apply for the NDIS again.
Example 2
Ayesha was eligible for the NDIS under the early intervention requirements for developmental delay and has been receiving early intervention supports since she was 3.
During check-ins, we have discussed Ayesha’s progress and reminded the family that Ayesha’s eligibility will be reassessed at age 6, this is because Ayesha will no longer meet the early intervention requirements under developmental delay once she turns 6.
For Ayesha to remain a NDIS participant after she turns 6, she will need to meet the requirements for disability, early intervention, or both. This requires Ayesha to have an impairment that’s likely to be permanent.
Ayesha is now 6 years old and has just started school. Ayesha’s parents are happy with her progress but would like her to be more confident when playing with her peers and interacting with adults. They think Ayesha needs ongoing support for her speech and communication.
At her plan reassessment, the evidence we have makes us think Ayesha is no longer eligible for the NDIS as there is no evidence to indicate that Ayesha has a condition that is likely to be permanent.
We start an eligibility reassessment.
We send Ayesha’s family a letter. The letter explains that based on the information we have Ayesha may no longer meet the eligibility requirements. It explains, that if Ayesha’s family thinks she is still eligible, they need to provide us with evidence. The evidence needs to show that Ayesha meets the requirements for disability, early intervention, or both. Ayesha’s family is asked to respond within 28 days from the date of the letter.
Ayesha’s family send us a report from Ayesha’s therapy provider which confirms she has made progress towards her goals and Ayesha’s functional capacity has improved. It indicates that Ayesha still needs some help with her communication but that her school and parents can continue to support this. There are no other concerns with Ayesha’s development.
Based on the evidence we have we decided Ayesha no longer meets the requirements for disability, early intervention, or both. We talk to Ayesha’s parents about the NDIS eligibility requirements and explain that we have decided Ayesha is no longer eligible.
We send Ayesha’s family a letter explaining we have revoked Ayesha’s status as a participant. This means Ayesha will no longer be eligible and will leave the NDIS.
Ayesha is supported to leave the NDIS and gets ongoing support for her speech and communication from her school and her parents. They use the strategies Ayesha’s early childhood partner helped them put into place.
Do you still meet the disability requirements?
If you were eligible under the disability requirements, you'll likely need NDIS supports for your lifetime. This means you won’t have to prove your disability every time we change your plan.
If at any time your disability support needs or circumstances change, we may need to check your NDIS supports or eligibility. We’ll talk with you if this happens.