Living with anxiety can be a challenging experience, significantly impacting your daily life and overall wellbeing. You might be wondering if the NDIS provide support for anxiety disorders and if so, how to access support. Let’s look at the eligibility criteria and how you can apply below.
Does anxiety qualify for NDIS support?
Individuals living with a significant and permanent disability caused by an anxiety disorder may be eligible for NDIS funding. This is categorised as a psychosocial disability under the NDIS guidelines. Examples of long-term anxiety-based mental health conditions include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
If your condition significantly impacts your social, educational, or occupational participation, under these guidelines, you may be eligible for support. You’ll also have to meet age and residency criteria, which requires that you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, between the ages of 7 and 65.
Learn more about eligibility requirements in this article: Mental Health and the NDIS. You can also call the NDIS who will connect you with a NDIS local area coordinator (LAC) in your area who can help you discuss your options.
How to apply for NDIS for anxiety
If you believe you are eligible, you can start an application for funding by contacting the NDIS.
You’ll first need to gather evidence of your psychosocial disability and how it affects daily activities.
You can submit documentation from health professionals, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist for this step. These documents should detail your anxiety diagnosis, the severity of your condition, and the impact on your daily life.
Once you have your evidence in place, you can complete an Access Request Form with your LAC. If your application is successful, you’ll have a planning meeting to start discussing your goals and the supports you’ll need to achieve them.
Types of anxiety supports you may be able to access with NDIS funding
For people living with anxiety, there are various supports covered under the NDIS. These supports are there to help you with functional capacity, achieving independence, building critical skills, and most importantly, being able to live life to the fullest. While you may not be eligible for all of them, understanding the options means you can discuss your needs effectively.
The NDIS provides funding through four different support budgets: Core Supports, Capacity Building Supports, Capital Supports and Recurring Supports. Each category is designed to help you access different types of assistance.
Core supports
These supports assist with daily activities, enabling social interaction and meeting basic needs, like help with household tasks and support for community participation.
Capacity building supports
These supports help with independence and skills and can include therapy for managing anxiety, training for improved life skills, and support for building meaningful relationships.
Capital Supports
These supports cover investments in technology, equipment, and home or vehicle modifications to improve accessibility and independence.
Recurring Supports (PACE plans only)
These are supports, the NDIS pay to you directly on a regular basis so that you don’t need to make a claim for them. Currently the only recurring category is Transport.
Learn more about these supports and the items they cover in our blog: Understanding the types of NDIS funding & how they can be used.
How to make the most of your NDIS funding
If you’re eligible and your application is successful, you’ll work with your LAC to develop a plan that is designed to help you achieve your goals. Once you’ve received your NDIS plan you’ll be able to start using funds to access supports. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your plan:
- Make sure your NDIS plan includes all the support you need to achieve your goals.
- When choosing the providers and supports that will help meet your goals, do as much research as you can. If you need extra support connecting with providers that are right for you, you might be eligible for funding for a support coordinator, whose role it is to help you with just that.
- Spread your expenses over the length of your plan and monitor your spending to reduce the risk of over or under spending your funds. If you need help managing your funds, chat to a plan manager who can help you.
- Finally, don’t forget to regularly review your plan and request adjustments if your needs change.
Need some help managing your funding and supports? Partner with MyIntegra
Living with anxiety can be challenging, but with the right support, you can lead a more independent and fulfilling life. However, sometimes you need a little help getting started, and that’s okay.
As a leading Plan Management and Support Coordination partner for NDIS participants, we’re here to help you achieve your goals and live the life you want.
With our NDIS Plan Management services, we can:
- pay invoices promptly
- handle financial records for you
- manage your budget and spending effectively
If NDIS Support Coordination is funded in your plan, our passionate Support Coordinators can help connect you with the right services and supports to meet your needs.
We understand the unique challenges faced by individuals with anxiety, and we would love to help you make the most of your funding and be empowered to live your life. For more information or to get started with our services, get in touch with us today.
