Wellbeing is about more than just physical health. If you or someone you care about is living with a mental health condition, the NDIS may be able to help.
At Like Family, we understand the importance of finding support that feels like coming home.
We connect you with local support workers who get to know you, understand your needs, and share your interests. Because at Like Family, it's not just about support. It's about connection.
Let's explore how the NDIS can support your mental health journey.
Understanding Psychosocial Disability
Within the NDIS, 'psychosocial disability' describes a disability that arises from a mental health condition, leading to what the NDIS calls an 'impairment.' To be eligible for NDIS support, this impairment needs to be 'permanent or likely to be permanent.'
This means the condition is expected to have a long-term impact on your life, even if you experience fluctuations or 'good days.' It's about the overall, lasting effect of the condition.
The NDIS focuses on providing practical, everyday support to help you improve your daily life and participate in your community. It's important to understand that the NDIS is designed to work alongside – not replace – clinical mental health treatments.
So, while it doesn't fund those treatments directly, it can offer valuable support in two key ways:
- Connecting you to existing services: Helping you find and access the mainstream mental health services available in your area.
- Providing funded support: For those who meet the eligibility criteria, the NDIS provides funding for support that addresses the functional impact of your condition. This could include assistance with daily tasks, social activities, and building your independence.
At Like Family, we specialise in helping you build meaningful connections and participate joyfully in your community.
It's not about labels or diagnoses, but about how we can support you to live your best life. Whether you experience anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges, we're here to help you find your joy.
NDIS eligibility for mental health
It's essential to understand that having a mental health condition alone doesn't automatically qualify you for NDIS support. The NDIS focuses on how your condition impacts your daily life, specifically what you can't do because of your disability.
To be eligible for NDIS support, you must meet these key requirements:
- Age: Be younger than 65 when you first apply.
- Residency: Live in Australia and meet the residency requirements.
- Disability Requirements: You must meet either of the following:
- Have a permanent disability that significantly affects your ability to take part in everyday activities.
- Have developmental delay that requires early intervention supports.
In the context of mental health, you'll need to demonstrate that your condition results in a permanent or likely to be permanent psychosocial disability, and that this disability significantly impacts your ability to participate in everyday activities.
The NDIS requires evidence of how your mental health condition impacts your daily life and your need for lifelong support. While a diagnosis from a mental health professional is valuable, the NDIS primarily assesses the functional impact of your condition on your life.
Types of NDIS support for mental health
When it comes to mental health, the NDIS aims to fund support that helps you live a more independent and fulfilling life. Here are some of the key areas where NDIS funding might be available:
- Capacity building supports: These supports focus on helping you develop skills and build your capacity to manage daily life. This can include recovery coaching to help you navigate your NDIS plan and pursue your recovery goals, and skills development to strengthen your social skills, emotional regulation, and ability to manage daily tasks.
- Assistance with daily living: The NDIS can fund supports that help you with everyday tasks, such as personal care (assistance with activities like showering, dressing, and grooming), household tasks (support with cleaning, laundry, and meal preparation), and support with budgeting and managing finances.
- Social and community participation: The NDIS recognises the importance of social connection and community involvement. Funding may be available for support to participate in social activities and community events, and assistance to access education, employment, and volunteering opportunities.
- Support coordination: This support helps you navigate the NDIS system, connect with service providers, and implement your NDIS plan.
Important Note: The NDIS primarily funds supports that addresses the functional impact of your psychosocial disability. It generally does not fund clinical treatments or therapies directly, but may assist with transportation to appointments.
Navigating the NDIS application process:
We know that navigating the NDIS can feel overwhelming. Here's a breakdown of the general steps involved in applying for NDIS support:
- Check your eligibility: Ensure you meet the NDIS requirements related to age, residency, and disability.
- Gather your evidence: Collect reports and assessments from your relevant health professionals, such as your GP, psychiatrist, psychologist, or occupational therapist.
- Complete the access request form: You can do this online, with assistance from someone you trust, or with the help of an NDIS partner organisation.
- Attend a planning meeting: Once your application is approved, you'll meet with an NDIS planner to discuss your goals and determine the support you need.
- Develop your NDIS plan: Your planner will use the information gathered to create your personalised NDIS plan.
Remember, you can always seek support from NDIS partner organisations or advocacy services to guide you through this process. For more information, you can visit the NDIS website or contact their helpline.
Working with Like Family for mental health support
At Like Family, we believe that everyone deserves to feel connected and supported. Our support workers are more than just carers; they're your companions, your friends, and your community.
Whether you have NDIS funding or not, we'll match you with someone who shares your interests, respects your individuality, and is passionate about helping you live a joyful life.
Your mental health journey is unique, and we're here to support you every step of the way. With the right support, you can build meaningful connections, develop new skills, and live a joyful life.
Contact Like Family today to discover how we can help you thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Does having a mental health condition automatically qualify me for NDIS support?
A: No, having a mental health condition alone doesn't guarantee NDIS eligibility. The NDIS focuses on how your condition impacts your daily life, specifically what you can't do because of your disability. You must also meet the NDIS's age, residency, and disability requirements.
Q: What is psychosocial disability?
A: Within the NDIS, psychosocial disability describes a disability that arises from a mental health condition and leads to an 'impairment' that is 'permanent or likely to be permanent.' It's about the long-term impact of the condition on your ability to participate in daily life.
Q: What types of mental health support does the NDIS fund?
A: The NDIS may fund support in areas such as capacity building (e.g., recovery coaching, skills development), assistance with daily living (e.g., personal care, household tasks), social and community participation, and support coordination.
Q: Does the NDIS fund clinical mental health treatments?
A: No, the NDIS primarily funds supports that address the functional impact of your psychosocial disability. It generally does not fund clinical treatments or therapies directly, but may assist with transportation to appointments.
Q: How do I apply for NDIS support?
A: The NDIS application process involves checking your eligibility, gathering evidence from health professionals, completing an access request form, attending a planning meeting, and developing your NDIS plan.
Q: How does Like Family support people with mental health conditions?
A: At Like Family, we connect you with local support workers who get to know you, understand your needs, and share your interests. We focus on building meaningful connections and helping you participate joyfully in your community.
Q: How do I find a support worker who understands my needs?
A: We provide 5 free meet & greets so you can choose your perfect match. Our support workers have a wide range of skills and interests, and we'll work with you to find someone who's a great fit.