Is NDIS Means-Tested for Participants in Victoria

The NDIS is not means-tested. This means your income, your savings, and the assets you own do not affect your eligibility for the scheme or the amount of funding you receive in your plan.

TL;DR: Is the NDIS Means-Tested?

The NDIS is a universal social insurance scheme, not a welfare payment. It was created to support all Australians with a permanent and significant disability, regardless of how much money they have in the bank. Whether you are working full-time in Melbourne or have no income at all, your NDIS budget is based only on your support needs.

Unlike Centrelink payments like the Disability Support Pension, the NDIS does not ask for your tax returns or bank statements. Your home, your car, and your superannuation are safe. The goal of the NDIS is to provide "reasonable and necessary" support so you can live an ordinary life. In Victoria, this stays the same even if you receive other insurance supports like WorkSafe or TAC.

Why the NDIS is Different from Welfare

Many people confuse the NDIS with Centrelink. It is important to know that they are two different systems.

Centrelink provides "income support." This is money to help you buy food and pay rent. Because this money is for basic living, it is means-tested. They want to make sure the money goes to those with the lowest income. The NDIS is "support funding." This money is specifically for the extra costs of having a disability.

The government believes that everyone with a disability faces extra costs. These costs exist whether you are rich or poor. Because of this, the NDIS was designed to be open to everyone who meets the disability requirements. You can read more about the nature of the scheme on the official website.

Does My Salary Affect My NDIS Funding?

No, your salary has zero impact on your NDIS funding. You can earn a high income and still receive full NDIS support.

In fact, the NDIS encourages participants to find and keep jobs. They want you to be part of the economy in Victoria. If you get a promotion or a pay rise, you do not need to tell the NDIS. Your plan will not be cut just because you are earning more money.

The only thing the NDIS cares about is whether you still need support to do your job or manage your home. For example, if you need a support worker to help you get ready for work, the NDIS will pay for that worker even if you are a high-earner.

Do My Assets or Savings Count?

Your assets, such as your house or your investments, do not count toward NDIS eligibility.

You could own multiple properties in Melbourne and still be eligible for the NDIS. The NDIS does not look at your "net worth." They only look at your "functional capacity." This means they check what you can and cannot do because of your disability.

This is a big relief for families in Victoria. It means parents do not have to worry about their savings affecting their child's care. It also means adults with disabilities can save money for their future without losing their therapists or equipment.

What is the "Ordinary Living Costs" Rule?

While the NDIS is not means-tested, it does not pay for everything. You are still responsible for "ordinary living costs."

These are things that everyone has to pay for, whether they have a disability or not. The NDIS will not pay for your rent, your groceries, or your cinema tickets. These are considered your personal responsibility. Even if you have a very low income, the NDIS will not cover these daily expenses.

The NDIS only pays for things that are directly related to your disability. For example, they won't buy your food, but they might pay for a worker to help you cook if your disability makes cooking difficult. You can find a list of what the NDIS will and won't fund here.

NDIS and Other Insurance in Victoria (TAC and WorkSafe)

In Victoria, the rules can be a bit more complex if you have another insurance claim.

If you were injured in a car accident, you might get support from the Transport Accident Commission (TAC). If you were hurt at work, you might be covered by WorkSafe Victoria. The NDIS is a "payer of last resort." This means if another insurance scheme is responsible for your injury, they must pay first.

While this is not means-testing, it is called a "Compensation Offset." If the TAC gives you money for a wheelchair, the NDIS will not give you money for the same wheelchair. This prevents the government from paying for the same thing twice. If you have a claim like this, it is best to speak with an expert. You can see how we help with complex support coordination at Made To Help.

Can I Get the NDIS and the Disability Support Pension?

Yes, you can receive both the NDIS and the Disability Support Pension (DSP). Most people in Victoria do exactly this.

The DSP provides you with fortnightly cash to pay for your life. The NDIS provides you with a budget to pay for your supports. Because the DSP is means-tested, your income will affect your pension. However, your income will still not affect your NDIS plan.

Having an NDIS plan can actually help you keep your DSP. The evidence you gather for the NDIS can sometimes be used to show Centrelink that your disability is permanent. For more information on pensions, visit the Services Australia website.

Does My Partner’s Income Matter?

Your partner’s income does not matter for the NDIS.

In many other government programs, a partner's high salary can stop you from getting help. This is not the case with the NDIS. You are treated as an individual. Your eligibility is based only on your own disability and your own needs.

This protects the independence of people with disabilities in Victoria. It ensures you have your own funding that is not tied to your relationship status. You have choice and control over your own budget at all times.

Reasonable and Necessary vs. Financial Need

The NDIS uses a rule called "Reasonable and Necessary" to decide what to fund. This rule is about your clinical need, not your financial need.

If two people in Melbourne need the same type of prosthetic limb, the NDIS will fund it for both of them. It does not matter if one person is wealthy and the other is not. If the support is "reasonable" for their condition and "necessary" for their goals, it gets funded.

Some people worry that they won't get "the good stuff" if they don't have their own money. This is not true. The NDIS aims to provide a high standard of care to everyone. To learn more about how this is decided, you can check the Disability Gateway for simple guides.

Managing Your Budget Without Fear

Because the NDIS is not means-tested, you should never be afraid to show that you are doing well in life.

Some participants worry that if they find a job or move into a nicer house, the NDIS will think they are "cured." This is a myth. Doing well in life often shows that your NDIS supports are working! The NDIS wants to see you succeeding in your community.

At Made To Help, we help you manage your budget so you can focus on your life goals. We help you use your funding to stay independent, regardless of your financial situation. Our daily living and life skills support is designed to help you thrive.

How to Apply if You Are Working

If you are currently working and want to apply for the NDIS, the process is the same as for anyone else.

You will need to show that your disability still impacts your life even while you are at work. You might need help with transport, or special equipment at your desk, or therapy after work to manage fatigue. Your income from your job will not be asked for during the application.

If you live in Victoria, you can start your application by contacting your local "Partner in the Community." These are organisations like Brotherhood of St Laurence or Latrobe Community Health. They help you fill out the forms for free.

Why Support Coordination is Valuable for Busy Professionals

If you are working or managing assets, you might be very busy. Navigating the NDIS can feel like a second job.

A Support Coordinator can take the weight off your shoulders. They handle the search for providers and manage the service agreements. This is especially helpful in the 2026 "PACE" system, which has more digital steps.

We provide Support Coordination to many people across Victoria. We make sure your plan works for your busy lifestyle. You can find out more on our Support Coordination page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my NDIS funding be reduced if I win the lottery?

No. Winning money does not change your disability. Since the NDIS is not means-tested, a windfall of money will not reduce your NDIS budget.

Do I have to pay a co-contribution for NDIS supports?

Usually, no. However, if you want a "luxury" version of a support (like a very fancy car modification that goes beyond what you need for your disability), you might have to pay the extra cost yourself.

Does the NDIS check my bank account?

No. The NDIS has no right to check your personal bank account. They only track the money spent from your NDIS plan to pay your providers.

Can I get NDIS if I am self-employed in Victoria?

Yes. Many NDIS participants run their own businesses. Your business income does not affect your NDIS eligibility or funding.

How do I contact Made To Help about my plan?

You can reach out to us through our website. We are a registered provider in Victoria and can help you understand your funding rules. Please go to our contact page to get started.