Psychosocial disability is described as a disability that is directly impacted by a person’s mental health condition, causing obstacles in their day-to-day life, relationships, and ability to work.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is designed to support individuals with psychosocial disability in their personal recovery journey and to help them live a more meaningful life. However, not all individuals with mental health conditions can be classified as psychosocial disability, as only those with impairments resulting from their mental health condition are eligible for NDIS support.
Image: Data about Psychosocial Primary Disability in Australia as at 31 December 2021. Reference.
Individuals with psychosocial disability are among the most disadvantaged in the community. They typically experience challenges in several areas, including social inclusion, communication, finding suitable housing, employment, and maintaining physical health.
To read more data and information, visit this page (aihw.gov.au).
Qualifying for support
To qualify for NDIS support, individuals need to prove the permanency of their disability and the need for support. As a first step, they must provide evidence of their mental health condition, which can be completed by a clinician, support worker, or authorized person using the Evidence of Psychosocial Disability form.
The Evidence of Psychosocial Disability form requires the authorised person to detail the impairments that are affected by the person’s mental health condition, such as social interaction, self-management, self-care, communication, learning, and mobility.
To learn more about this form, download the document from this page.
Supports accessed by participants with psychosocial disability
Based on 2021 data, the most accessed supports by participants with psychosocial disability include Improved Daily Living Skills, Assistance with Social and Community Participation, and Coordination of Supports.
To provide further support, recovery coaches, some of whom have lived experience, are available to help individuals better understand the NDIS, connect them with mental health services, and provide ongoing support.
If you’re interested in getting a recovery coach, you can speak to your support coordinator or contact your NDIS planner or NDIS Local Area Coordinator to learn more.
If you have any questions about your NDIS plan, you can contact us via email at info@ndsp.com.au or call us at 1800 63 63 77.
