Mental Health Conditions and the NDIS: Understanding Eligibility

January 28, 2025

If you or someone you know has a mental health condition, you might be wondering whether the NDIS can provide support. Here we explore the different mental health conditions that may be eligible for NDIS funding and how Disability Plan Services can help you navigate the process. 

NDIS and Mental Health: Eligibility 

The NDIS provides funding to people with disability, to pay for the supports and services they need because of their disability.  

To be eligible for the NDIS, you need evidence that your disability is permanent, significant, and affects your ability to do everyday tasks like going shopping, working or taking care of yourself. There are some mental health conditions that cause a psychosocial disability, which can meet this criteria, including: 

• Schizoid disorders such as schizophrenia 

• Anxiety disorders including obsessive compulsive disorder, agoraphobia, post-traumatic stress disorder 

• Mood disorders, including depression and bipolar disorder 

The illness can be ongoing or episodic (meaning you might have good times and bad times), but for NDIS eligibility it must be a lifelong condition that causes a ‘functional impairment’ and you’ll have to provide evidence that you need help with everyday tasks. 

A Focus on Functionality 

The NDIS looks at how your mental health condition affects your ability to manage daily activities in at least one of these areas: 

• Self-care: Dressing, bathing, toileting, eating, and taking medication. 

• Communication: Expressing your needs and understanding others. 

• Social interaction: Participating in social activities and forming relationships. 

• Learning: Participating in education or training, or learning new skills. 

• Mobility: Moving around safely and independently, at home or in the community 

• Household tasks: Managing chores like cleaning and cooking. 

If you are eligible, the NDIS may fund ongoing capacity-building supports, and supports for daily living, when needed. The NDIS does not fund clinical treatment services or therapy to address mental health symptoms. 

Getting the Support You Need with Disability Plan Services 

If you are given access to the NDIS, Disability Plan Services can help you navigate the process of getting the support you need. Our team can offer services including: 

• Psychosocial recovery coaching to help you increase your independence and social and economic participation 

• Support coordination to connect you with service providers 

• Plan management to take the hassle out of handling your NDIS funding 

If you’re accessing NDIS support for psychosocial disability, contact Disability Plan Services today. We can help you understand your options and access support to help you start living the life you want.