Understanding the NDIS · Funding and eligibility

Is the NDIS means-tested, and can it affect Centrelink or the Disability Support Pension? The short answer is no for NDIS access—but each program has its own rules, and the distinction matters.

Reviewed against official guidance on 15 October 2026 · General information only

What does “means-tested” mean?

A means test uses financial circumstances—such as assessable income or assets—to decide whether a person can receive a payment, or how much they receive. The NDIS access test is different. Your pay, savings or Centrelink status do not by themselves decide whether you can become a participant.

There are two separate questions: whether you meet the NDIS access requirements, and whether a particular support is funded in your plan. If you become a participant, an NDIS amount must be used in line with your plan and applicable NDIS rules.

What determines NDIS access?

The NDIA applies the same access requirements to applicants. In general, you need to meet the age and residence rules and the disability requirements, early-intervention requirements or both. Evidence must help the NDIA assess the relevant requirements. A diagnosis alone does not guarantee access, and financial hardship alone does not replace the evidence criteria.

Access to the NDIS is also separate from funding decisions. If your access is approved, the plan is based on disability-related support needs and the rules that apply to NDIS supports, not on your income or assets.

How are the NDIS and Centrelink different?

You do not have to receive Centrelink to apply for the NDIS. Receiving NDIS supports does not automatically qualify you for the Disability Support Pension either. Each program has its own eligibility test.

Does NDIS funding count as income for the DSP?

The current Social Security Guide says NDIS amounts received under a participant’s plan for reasonable and necessary supports are exempt from the social-security income test. It also describes exemptions for NDIS amounts held for future disability expenses under the plan. Follow the official guidance for how funds must be used and kept.

This does not mean every dollar in a person’s finances is ignored by Centrelink. Wages, partner income, assets and other circumstances may still affect DSP under Services Australia’s rules. If your payment changes, read the decision notice and ask Services Australia which income or asset rule it applied. Don’t assume that your NDIS plan caused the change.

A practical example

Example: Sam receives the DSP and applies for NDIS access. The NDIA considers Sam’s application evidence under NDIS access rules. Services Australia separately applies DSP rules to Sam’s assessable income and assets. NDIS plan amounts for approved disability supports are treated under the specific NDIS exemption in the Social Security Guide; other income may still affect the DSP rate.

This example explains the separation between systems. It does not predict an individual access decision or payment rate.

What should I check?

• For NDIS access, check age, residence and disability or early-intervention requirements.
• For a DSP question, check the current Services Australia income and assets rules.
• Keep NDIS plan funds and personal money clearly recorded, and use plan amounts only in line with the plan.
• Read the wording and reasons in any Centrelink decision notice before asking for a review.
• Contact the NDIA about access or plan decisions; contact Services Australia about Centrelink payments.

Common questions