Is it time to get support? Signs you might be eligible for NDIS funding

For Australians living with a disability, or the family members supporting them, there’s often a feeling that you need to “just get on with it” when dealing with the difficulties you face every day. You find ways to adapt, rely on family members for extra help, and slowly adjust your life to accommodate the challenges you face.

But there is a big difference between coping and thriving.

If you have been wondering if life has become harder than it needs to be, or if you’ve been on the fence about applying for the NDIS because you aren’t sure if you are "eligible enough," Like Family is here to help you understand what you need to consider before applying for NDIS funding.

Don’t delay seeking support

One of the most common reasons people delay seeking support is that they normalise their struggle. When you live with a condition every day, you might stop noticing that simple tasks like showering, cooking dinner, or popping down to the shops are taking you twice as long as they used to.

You might tell yourself, "I can still do it, so I don't need help."

But the NDIS isn't just about what you can’t do; it’s about what’s called “functional capacity”.

Functional capacity assesses whether you rely on another person for help, need specific equipment, or if tasks take you significantly longer than someone else your age.

If any of those apply to you, you may be eligible for NDIS funding.

Three signs it might be time to explore your options

While every disability is unique, there are three common "zones" where the need for support usually shows up first.

1. Your physical world is shrinking: Is it getting harder to leave the house? Maybe getting ready in the morning leaves you so exhausted that you don’t have the energy to see friends later. If you are avoiding community activities or struggle to move around your home safely, this is a key sign that support could restore your independence.
2. “Life admin” is piling up: Sometimes the barrier isn’t physical. If you (or your loved one) are finding it increasingly difficult to understand instructions, manage money, plan the week, or remember important appointments, this falls under "cognitive" support. If you require someone else to keep your life on track, it might be time to formalise that support.
3. You are feeling isolated: Social wellbeing is just as critical as physical health. If a disability is making it difficult to control emotions, understand social cues, or make friends, you might find yourself withdrawing from the world. Support workers (like our team at Like Family) are often used specifically to help bridge this gap and get you back into the community.

The easy way to check your eligibility

The world of government funding and the NDIS can be confusing. There are rules about age, residency, and the permanency of your condition that can make the application process feel daunting.

You shouldn’t have to guess whether it’s worth the paperwork.

We have created a simple flowchart to help you figure it out in less than two minutes.

It’s a visual guide that walks you through:

• The basic eligibility rules.
• The "Functional Impact" checklist.
• Your likely next steps.

Stop wondering and start your journey toward better support today.