The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) aims to support and offer services for people with a psychosocial disability (reduced functional capacity), additional to clinical treatment, if they meet relevant criteria. This page is designed to help clinicians support patients in their NDIS application process.
Note: Western Victoria Primary Health Network has worked with other primary health networks, mental health service providers and Flinders University to streamline processes and remove barriers for people with a psychosocial disability when they are tested for eligibility for the NDIS as part of the Australian Government’s Transition Support Project. This includes supporting general practitioners’ understanding of their role in providing evidence during the application process for persons or participants seeking NDIS-funded psychosocial supports.
See also our Psychosocial Supports page for other support options.
Type of support available from the NDIS
The NDIS funds services that assist with daily living such as:
- capacity building for independent living
- engaging in community activities
- planning and decision making
- supports coordination.
Note, the NDIS does not fund activities that are the responsibility of the mental health system, such as all medical and clinical services associated with diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions (for example, psychiatric services).
See also NDIS | Applying to access the NDIS
Eligibility
The NDIS is designed to support people with permanent disabilities. This means that the person applying must be able to demonstrate:
- they are aged under 65 when they apply to the NDIS
- are an Australian citizen or permanent resident who lives in Australia
- they have a disability attributed to a medical condition and it is likely to be permanent
- their disability substantially reduces their capacity to communicate, interact with others, learn, move around or look after themselves or participate in the workforce.
For more details, see Transition Support Project | Who can apply
Application process
Making an access request |
The first step towards an NDIS plan is referred to as making an access request, whereby the applicant must demonstrate that they meet all the entry criteria which is set out by the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013, and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (Becoming a Participant) Rules 2016. This is done by filling out and submitting an Access Request Form.
For more information, see NDIS | What is an Access Request Form |
Evidence of psychosocial disability |
If applying to the NDIS for support with a psychosocial disability, a person will need to show they meet the NDIS disability requirements and complete the evidence of psychosocial disability form. This form is intended to be used by support workers helping a client apply to the NDIS in conjunction with a clinician.
Clinicians (possibly in collaboration with a person’s carer) must provide evidence to demonstrate the person:
For more information, see NDIS | Applying to the NDIS for people with psychosocial disability |
For more details
Phone the NDIS National Contact Centre on 1800 800 110 or see Transition Support Project | How to apply
Other GP and support worker resources
- Psychosocial Supports through the NDIS – A Guide for Health Professionals (PDF 159KB)
- Transition Support Project | NDIS access and psychosocial disability Training Module
- NDIS | Providing evidence of your disability (includes forms for providing evidence of psychosocial disability)
- NDIS | Information for health professionals, service providers and supporters
Psychosocial support providers
Once an application has been reviewed and approved by the NDIS, persons or participants will be allocated a local area coordinator and a NDIS plan will be developed. From there, patients can determine the type and level of support they require. To find approved NDIS providers, please refer to the NDIS Provider Finder.