13/09/2024
Psychosocial disability and the NDIS – What you need to know.
Key points:
Psychosocial disability is disability that arises from a mental health condition. Not everyone who has a mental health condition will experience a psychosocial disability
The NDIS may provide assistance to people with a psychosocial disability to participate in everyday life and improve social inclusion and economic participation
A psychosocial recovery coach is an expert that helps people with psychosocial disabilities take control of their lives and navigate both the NDIS and the mental health system.
Mental health can be one of the most complicated and confusing aspects of the NDIS. If a mental health condition causes what the NDIS refers to as ‘a permanent impairment’ that has a severe impact on your ability to undertake everyday activities, you may be eligible for the NDIS.
In NDIS language, a mental health condition may cause a loss of mental function – such as loss or damage to perception, memory, thinking and/or emotions. This is referred to as a psychosocial disability, one which arises from a mental health condition.
If you have a psychosocial disability and are trying to navigate the NDIS, chances are you’ll have loads of questions. Here we answer the most common questions about NDIS eligibility and supports for people with mental health conditions.
Frequently asked questions.
I have depression and anxiety. Can I automatically get on the NDIS?
No. Each individual has to meet the NDIS eligibility criteria and the disability requirements. Access to the NDIS is based on the impact your mental health condition has on your ability to undertake everyday activities, not by diagnosis.
Do I need a mental health diagnosis to get access to the NDIS?
It is preferred. However, NDIS support is based on the impact of the condition rather than the diagnosis. You must provide evidence of a mental health condition, although the name of the condition itself does not need to be supplied.
Can I get help to apply to the NDIS?
Yes. Contact your Local Area Coordinator (LAC). They are NDIS experts and can also connect you with other services and government agencies. Your local mental health support service, psychologist, mental health nurse or social worker can also assist.
Will the NDIS fund supports for me if I have bipolar disorder?
It can, depending on whether you meet the eligibility and disability criteria. If having bipolar disorder means you need more support to carry out everyday activities, you may be eligible.
I am being treated for drug and alcohol dependency. I also have a psychosocial disability. Does that make me ineligible for the NDIS?
No. You may receive treatment for these separately and at the same time. However, to access the NDIS, you will need to prove that your psychosocial disability is because of a mental health condition and not caused by the alcohol or drug dependency.
My mental health condition is episodic, moving between good days and psychotic episodes. Can I get the NDIS if I have ‘good days’?
Yes, although psychotic episodes alone are not enough to access the NDIS. Many people on the NDIS experience what they would define as ‘good days’ so providing you meet the access requirements, you may be eligible for the NDIS.
What happens if my support needs change while I am getting the NDIS?
While the NDIS is designed to support you for life, there is built-in flexibility to change the supports you receive as your needs change. This can be done at your regular plan reassessment meeting, or you can arrange a review of your NDIS Plan by contacting the NDIS if your circumstances change.
My new NDIS Plan has a psychosocial recovery coach included. What does this mean?
A psychosocial recovery coach is a specialist NDIS mental health support person who provides coaching to increase skills and capacity such as motivation, strengths, resilience and decision-making. This helps to build independence for you to tackle more day-to-day activities.
Does the NDIS provide a mental health treatment plan?
No. Mental health treatment plans are created under the mainstream medical system. If you have a mental health condition, ask your doctor about creating a mental health treatment plan, which lets you claim up to 10 individual and 10 group sessions with a mental health professional each calendar year (there may be some out of pocket expenses).
Will NDIS fund psychology?
Possibly. The NDIS may fund a psychologist in certain circumstances. It will only fund mental health supports that are not clinical in nature, relate to an ongoing psychosocial disability and that focus on building functional capacity and independence.
