While navigating life with bipolar disorder can present some unique challenges to do with your personal, social, and professional life, there is support available to assist you.
Understanding the support available through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can help you navigate your options and access the assistance you need. Let’s explore what NDIS funding for bipolar disorder looks like and whether you may be eligible.
Is bipolar disorder covered by NDIS funding?
If your bipolar disorder has resulted in a psychosocial disability, you may be eligible for the NDIS. A psychosocial disability is a permanent disability or impairment that arises from a mental health condition and severely impacts a person’s ability to participate socially and economically. However, NDIS eligibility depends on the impact of the condition on daily life rather than the diagnosis alone.
To access NDIS funding for a psychosocial disability resulting from bipolar disorder, the following criteria must be met:
- Permanent and significant disability: The bipolar disorder must result in a permanent impairment, and significantly impact the ability to manage daily activities.
- Residency: You must currently live in Australia, be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa.
- Age: You must be aged between 7 and 65 years old.
If your bipolar disorder meets these criteria and has caused severe and ongoing limitations on your ability to live independently or participate in social and economic activities, you may be eligible for NDIS funding.
It’s important to understand that living with bipolar disorder does not automatically make you eligible for NDIS funding. Eligibility is assessed based on the level of functional impairment caused by the condition, not simply the diagnosis itself.
If you are unsure about your eligibility for NDIS funding, you can:
- Contact a Local Area Coordinator (LAC) to discuss your specific situation, or
- Visit the NDIS website to read more about eligibility criteria, including their guide titled “Who is eligible for the NDIS?”
Or read our blog ‘Who is eligible for the NDIS?‘ to learn more.
How to apply for NDIS support for bipolar disorder
If you think you’re eligible, you can start the application process by contacting the NDIS who will connect you to your nearest LAC.
From there, your LAC, will help you fill out an Access Request Form. You may need to submit an Evidence of Psychosocial Disability Form. This will require you to gather supporting documentation, including detailed reports from mental health professionals outlining your diagnosis, how it impacts your life, and the specific challenges you face.
Types of supports you may be eligible for
If your application is successful, you’ll have a planning meeting with your LAC. This is an opportunity to discuss your needs, goals, and the types of supports that could assist you.
The NDIS can fund a range of supports designed to help you participate in community and social activities, build greater independence, gain access to new skills or jobs, improve social skills and relationships and improve your quality of life.
While you may not be eligible for all supports, it’s important to know the options so you can have informed conversations.
Your LAC can answer any questions you have throughout this process. The NDIS funds supports across four categories:
Core supports
These supports provide assistance with everyday activities, social interaction, and meeting basic needs. This can include support services to help with managing household chores or maintaining personal care.
Capacity building supports
These supports help with independence and skills. This can include therapy sessions to manage the emotional aspects of bipolar disorder, training to improve life skills, and programs designed to help you navigate social situations more effectively or gain employment.
Capital supports
These supports cover technology, equipment, and changes to your home or vehicle that promote better access and independence.
Recurring supports (for PACE plans)
Primary focused on transport to provide funds for everyday travel needs.
It’s important to note that the NDIS does not fund medical treatment, which is focussed on treating the symptoms of your condition, this is covered under the Health system or Medicare.
How to maximise your NDIS plan
Applying for NDIS funding for bipolar disorder is just the first step. If you are approved for a NDIS plan, the next step is using your NDIS plan to the fullest. To make the most of your NDIS budget, you’ll need to plan effectively to achieve your goals.
To do this, you should:
- Set clear goals and be specific about what you want to achieve. It’s okay if these goals feel ambitious or if you’re unsure how to reach them. The important thing is to start with a vision for your future, and from there, everything else can begin to align.
- Understand your plan and the different types of supports funded by the NDIS. If it feels a little overwhelming, there are plan management services available to help you. Their role is to assist you in managing your funding, paying your invoices on time and keeping track of your financial records, allowing you to focus more on your goals.
- Research potential providers to find support workers who align with your goals and have experience supporting individuals with similar needs to yours. If you need extra help connecting with providers that are right for you, you may qualify for funding for a support coordinator.
- Stay informed about any changes in NDIS policies, pricing, and available services so you can make informed decisions throughout your journey.
- Build a support network for valuable insights and advice from others who have been through their own NDIS journey. This community can also become a source of strength and encouragement, helping you navigate challenges and celebrate successes along the way.
- Get professional guidance from experienced plan managers or support coordinators to uncover new strategies or supports and manage your plan effectively.
- Regularly review your supports as your needs and circumstances change. This step is about adapting to life’s changes, whether they’re new goals, different support needs, or changes in your health or living situation. Think of your plan as a living document that evolves with you, ensuring you always have the right supports in place to continue progressing on your journey
How MyIntegra can help you reach your potential
Living with bipolar disorder may come with its own unique set of challenges, but with the right support and resources, achieving a balanced and fulfilling life is within reach.
If you’re ready to start your NDIS journey and get the most out of your funding, we’re here to help. The MyIntegra team provides NDIS Plan Management and Support Coordination services designed to support individuals living with mental health issues and other disabilities to manage their NDIS plan.
We would love to help you build your independence and live the life you want by effectively managing your budget, maximising your funding, finding the right providers and staying on top of your supports.
To discover more about how we can assist you, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
