Navigating the NDIS with a Psychosocial Disability

The term psychosocial disability emerged during the disability rights movement in the late 1960s–1970s, gaining prominence under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). It is a term preferred by mental health consumers and their carers to describe living with a disability associated with a severe mental health condition. Not everyone with a mental health condition experiences psychosocial disability, but for those who do, the impact can be significant and wide-reaching. In fact, research shows that people living with psychosocial disability are among the most marginalised and disadvantaged groups globally.

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Drawing on the social model of disability, psychosocial disability takes into account the complex connection between society and the impact that an individual’s mental health condition has on their ability to manage daily tasks such as routines, employment, social connections, and relationships. Research shows that stigma, discrimination, and prejudice towards people living with psychosocial disability negatively impact life expectancy and economic security, while increasing an individual’s exposure to violence and abuse.

Common mental health conditions that can lead to psychosocial disability include schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe anxiety, depression, and PTSD. While our understanding of psychosocial disability has improved over the past few decades, many generic disability services still lack the skills and knowledge required to adequately support people with psychosocial disability to thrive in the way they deserve.

How the NDIS Supports Psychosocial Disability

Around 10% of NDIS participants have a primary diagnosis of psychosocial disability. This means that approximately 62,000 Australians with psychosocial disability are being supported by the NDIS. Half of these participants have a diagnosis of schizophrenia, and the majority — around 82% — are aged 35 or older.

Although this population is more vulnerable to poverty, homelessness, and physical ill-health than people without disabilities, they are also resilient and adaptable — people who have found ways to survive in a society that so often pushes them to the margins.

But it can be much easier to live a meaningful life with supports in place. And yet, there are still a significant number of people living with severe mental illness who are not receiving support from the NDIS. A recent national report from the Department of Health and Aged Care found that between 2022–23, there were around 230,500 people living with severe mental illness who would be eligible for NDIS funding but were not benefiting from the scheme.

This is a shame — not only because it means we are failing some of our most disadvantaged citizens, but also because there is a lot the NDIS can offer people living with psychosocial disability.

Psychosocial disability is recognised as a category of support through the NDIS, and funding may be used to pay for:

• Support workers to assist with daily tasks or routines

• Psychosocial recovery coaching to build skills and manage mental health

• Community access support to reduce isolation and increase participation

• Support coordination to help manage services and navigate the system

  
  

Barriers to NDIS Access

Invisible disability: Stigma and misunderstanding

There often remains, both within broader society and healthcare systems, a misconception that psychosocial disability isn’t “real” or “disabling enough” compared to physical or visible disabilities. A person struggling with their mental health may present as “high-functioning” and therefore have their experiences minimised or dismissed. They may feel like they need to “prove” how unwell they are in order to qualify for help, or they may be told that their condition is not permanent enough to meet eligibility — even if it is something they have struggled with for many years.

Fluctuating needs

The episodic nature of many mental health conditions can make it hard to demonstrate consistent support needs. Psychosocial disability is rarely constant — an individual might function independently one week and need intensive support the next. This unpredictability can make it harder to get funding approved, especially if assessments only reflect a person’s “good days.”

When applying for the NDIS, it is important that individuals describe their typical worst days when providing evidence. This can be challenging, as it may create feelings of hopelessness or failure.

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We always recommend that people feel well supported emotionally throughout the NDIS application process, which can feel long and arduous. Remember, your disability does not define who you are, your value, or your worth. It is one aspect of your life — and the aim of the NDIS is to support you to live a life that is meaningful to you, to build your sense of self beyond a diagnosis, not to label you as disabled.

Evidence Gaps

One of the biggest hurdles in accessing NDIS support for psychosocial disability is providing the “right kind” of evidence.

Instead of asking What is your diagnosis? the NDIS wants to know:

• How does your condition affect your daily life?

• What supports do you need to live independently?

• Are these impacts ongoing and likely to be long-term?

  
  

It is important that an application focuses not only on symptoms or treatment history, but also highlights how these symptoms affect things like communication, emotional regulation, decision-making, or self-care.

It’s also common for people to lack consistent access to mental health professionals in the first place — especially if they’ve disengaged from services due to trauma, mistrust, or financial barriers. That means their support needs may go undocumented altogether, but it should not mean they miss out on receiving the funding they deserve.

Tips for Navigating the NDIS with a Psychosocial Disability

The NDIS is confusing — not just for participants, but even for the people who work within it. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or request plain-language explanations. The NDIS uses a lot of formal language — like “capacity building,” “core supports,” and “functional impact” — but a good provider should never make you feel like you need to “speak NDIS” to be taken seriously.

• Gather clear evidence: Ask your GP, psychologist, or psychiatrist to document how your condition impacts daily life — not just your diagnosis.

• Use functional language: Focus on how the condition affects your ability to do tasks like planning, cooking, or managing emotions.

• Include lived experience: Personal statements about your daily challenges can strengthen your application.

• Know you can request changes: You’re allowed to change support workers, providers, or coordinators if something isn’t working.

• Consider recovery coaching: A psychosocial recovery coach can help you set and work towards meaningful goals while navigating the system.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Psychosocial disability is real, valid, and worth supporting. With the right tools and people around you, it’s possible to build a life that feels more stable, connected, and fulfilling. The NDIS is not a perfect system, but it can be a powerful tool to help you live the life you want and deserve.