Is PTSD a Disability?

Is PTSD a disability: what it means

“Disability” has a different meaning in discrimination law, the NDIS and Centrelink, so one answer does not cover all three.

The Australian Human Rights Commission explains the definition under the Act.

Does PTSD count as a disability, and is PTSD considered a disability by the NDIS and Centrelink?

Is PTSD a mental disability or a psychiatric one? Under discrimination law it can be classed as a psychiatric disability, while the NDIS and Disability Support Pension each apply their own tests.

• Discrimination law: the definition of disability under the Act is broad and does not rely on a formal diagnosis, according to the Department of Education’s fact sheet.
• NDIS: to meet the NDIS disability requirements, a permanent impairment must substantially reduce functional capacity and you will likely need NDIS supports for life; impairments can relate to psychosocial disability (NDIA).
• Psychosocial disability: the NDIA says applicants must show their condition’s impact on functioning is likely to be permanent, and it recognises mental health conditions are often episodic and fluctuating (NDIA).
• Disability Support Pension: the impairment must be expected to persist for at least 2 years and leave you unable to work 15 or more hours per week for the next 2 years (Department of Social Services).
• Evidence: for the pension, an impairment rating needs a diagnosis from an appropriately qualified medical practitioner, reasonable treatment and a stabilised condition.
• NDIS age limit: to apply you must be aged 0 to 64.

Ask your treating doctor or psychologist for a letter that describes how PTSD affects your daily life, since decision-makers look at function, not just diagnosis.

Is PTSD a permanent disability, and is complex PTSD a disability too?

The NDIS and Disability Support Pension tests above look at impairment, functioning and how long it is likely to last, whether the diagnosis is PTSD or complex PTSD.

• NDIS guidelines say a diagnosis on List A means the NDIA will likely decide you meet the disability requirements, and a List B diagnosis means it will likely decide your impairment is likely to be permanent (NDIS guidelines); check the guidelines to see which conditions are listed.
• Symptoms that come and go can still be considered; the NDIA recognises mental health conditions are often episodic and fluctuating.
• Talk to your GP or psychologist about what to expect for you, because outcomes vary between people.
• Is CPTSD a disability? It can be, under the same tests, so ask your clinician for evidence that describes your own situation.
• Read ADHD and trauma if you live with both.

Is PTSD a disability: related terms

• Psychosocial disability: the NDIS term for disability that can arise from a mental health condition; see is depression a disability and is bipolar a disability.
• Neurodevelopmental condition: a condition related to how the brain develops; compare is ADHD a disability and is autism a disability.
• Neurological condition: a condition of the brain or nervous system; see is epilepsy a disability.
• Impairment: the effect of a condition on the body or mind, which the NDIS and the Disability Support Pension assess differently.

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