A powerful new report released today by the Australian Psychosocial Alliance (APA) has revealed a steep decline in access to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) for people living with psychosocial disability, prompting urgent calls for reform.
The report, Access Denied: Psychosocial Disability and the NDIS, shows that approval rates for people with psychosocial disability have dropped by nearly two-thirds in the past five years from 66% at the start of 2020–21 to just 25% today. This alarming decline contrasts with stable access rates across other disability groups.
The report highlights the human cost of these invisible barriers: prohibitive application processes, inconsistent assessments, and a lack of understanding about the realities of psychosocial disability. These systemic inequities are leaving thousands of people without the essential supports the NDIS was designed to provide.
APA spokesperson Tom Dalton, CEO of Neami National, said the inequity is “verging on systemic discrimination,” warning that behind-the-scenes changes are excluding thousands of Australians from vital support.
“We are seeing growing inequity in access to the NDIS for people with psychosocial disability. It’s verging on systemic discrimination. While the Government and NDIA have not publicly made any changes to eligibility criteria, it is quite clear there are changes behind the scenes that are affecting NDIS approvals for this group.”
Psychosocial disability- arising from conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and other serious mental health challenges- can significantly affect daily life and social participation. Yet despite making up nearly 9% of all current NDIS participants, people with psychosocial disability account for only 3% of successful new applicants.
As an APA member, Ruah is proud to stand alongside our partners in calling for urgent reform from the federal government for fair, transparent, and compassionate access for people living with psychosocial disability.
At Ruah, we see every day the impact of these barriers on people’s lives. We remain committed to advocating for a system that reflects fairness, inclusion and compassion- and ensures everyone has access to the supports they need to live well and thrive.
Read the full Access Denied: Psychosocial Disability and the NDIS Report here.