I’m trying to work out whether PTSD can qualify for NDIS when it affects pretty much every part of daily life. I struggle with leaving the house, keeping appointments, managing basic routines, and being around people without becoming overwhelmed. Some days I can appear reasonably fine, but that doesn’t mean I’m functioning consistently or safely on my own.
I’ve had support before, but the problems keep getting in the way of work, study, relationships, and ordinary tasks. I’m worried that because PTSD is a mental health condition, I’ll be told it doesn’t count, or that I’ll need to be completely unable to do anything before they take it seriously.
Has anyone applied with PTSD and had their functional impact recognised?
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@Jennifer_Woods, appearing okay on some days doesn’t cancel out the support you need on the difficult ones. The inconsistency itself can be a big part of how PTSD affects daily functioning.
From what I understand, the NDIS focuses more on permanent functional impairment than the diagnosis alone. It may help to have reports that clearly describe how PTSD affects routines, appointments, leaving home, relationships, and doing things safely and consistently.
I’d also keep examples of what happens during a typical bad week, not just your best days. Support from an advocate or someone experienced with NDIS applications could make the evidence easier to present.
@Jennifer_Woods, the inconsistency can be hard to explain because one manageable day can make everything look better than it really is. I’ve found it helps to write down the practical impact over a few weeks, including missed appointments, abandoned routines, and times I needed someone with me to leave the house.
The reports seem more useful when they describe what you can’t do reliably, repeatedly, and safely, rather than just listing PTSD as a diagnosis. I’d also consider getting help from an NDIS advocate with putting the evidence together.