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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’ll no longer meet the eligibility criteria under developmental delay. To remain an NDIS participant after they turn 6, the child will need to meet the requirements for disability, early intervention, or both. These requirements include 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
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 had a delay with how her speech was developing. Her parents and other children couldn’t understand her, and Sarah found it hard to manage her frustration. Sarah’s parents used her NDIS supports to help them support Sarah to work towards her goals. 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 communication, social skills and managing her emotions. Sarah’s early childhood intervention professional 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’s parents let us know in writing they want Sarah to leave the NDIS.
Sarah leaves the NDIS and 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 dancing class.
If Sarah’s situation changes and she needs NDIS supports in the future, her parents understand they can apply for the NDIS again.
Example
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 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 an NDIS participant after she turns 6, she’ll need to meet the requirements for disability, early intervention, or both. These requirements include 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.
The evidence we have makes us think Ayesha is no longer eligible for the NDIS as there’s no evidence to indicate that Ayesha has a condition that is likely to be permanent.
We start an eligibility reassessment.
We contact Ayesha’s family by phone, which is their preferred contact method. We also send them a letter. The letter explains that based on the information we have, Ayesha may no longer meet the eligibility requirements. It explains if Ayesha’s family thinks she’s still eligible, they can give us new evidence to show Ayesha meets the requirements for disability, early intervention, or both. Ayesha’s family is asked to respond within 90 days from the date of the letter. The letter also explains that if Ayesha’s family don’t provide new information and evidence, we’ll make a decision based on the information and evidence we have.
Ayesha’s family send us a report from Ayesha’s early childhood intervention professional 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 decide 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’ve decided Ayesha is no longer eligible.
We send Ayesha’s family a letter explaining Ayesha’s status as a participant will end. This means Ayesha will no longer be eligible and will leave the NDIS.
Ayesha gets ongoing support for her speech and communication from her school and her parents. They use the strategies
Ayesha’s early childhood intervention professionals 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.