The NDIS list of disabilities plays a critical role in determining eligibility for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia.
This list outlines the medical conditions and impairments that are considered likely to qualify individuals for support under the NDIS.
Understanding this list, along with the broader NDIS disability list, is essential for individuals, families, and healthcare providers navigating the NDIS system.
This article provides a detailed breakdown of the list, how it functions, and what conditions are covered under the scheme.
Breaking Down the NDIS List of Disabilities
The NDIS disability list is divided into specific categories based on the likelihood that the condition results in permanent impairment and functional impact. These categories help streamline the assessment process and guide applicants in understanding whether they are likely to meet the NDIS disability requirements.
1. List A: Conditions Likely to Meet NDIS Disability Requirements
List A includes conditions that are almost always considered to cause permanent impairment resulting in substantially reduced functional capacity. Individuals diagnosed with these conditions generally meet the NDIS disability criteria without the need for extensive further evidence.
Examples of List A Conditions:
- Intellectual disability, diagnosed and assessed as moderate, severe, or profound
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), diagnosed as Level 2 or Level 3 under DSM-5 criteria
- Cerebral palsy, classified as Level 3, 4, or 5 on the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS)
- Down syndrome
- Spinal cord injury, resulting in permanent paraplegia or quadriplegia
- Blindness, based on specific, legally defined criteria
- Permanent hearing loss, where the individual requires hearing aids or cochlear implants
Applicants with these conditions typically need to provide medical evidence confirming the diagnosis and severity, but the likelihood of approval is high based on the inclusion of these conditions in List A.
2. List B: Conditions Likely to Result in Permanent Impairment
List B includes conditions that are likely to cause permanent impairment, but the degree of functional impact can vary significantly between individuals. As such, eligibility is not automatic. Additional information is required to demonstrate:
- Reduced functional capacity
- Impact on social and economic participation
- Likelihood that the individual will require NDIS support over their lifetime
Examples of List B Conditions:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Parkinson’s disease
- Motor neurone disease (MND)
- Muscular dystrophy
- Retinitis pigmentosa
- Sensorineural hearing loss
- Rare genetic disorders, such as Batten disease or Niemann-Pick disease
For these conditions, applicants must submit detailed reports and assessments from medical professionals outlining how the condition affects daily life, independence, and participation.
3. List C: Early Intervention for Children Under 6
While not commonly referred to as “List C” in all documentation, the NDIS has a category for early intervention supports for young children under 6 years old. This includes children with developmental delays or disabilities likely to result in permanent impairment.
Early intervention support can be provided without needing a formal diagnosis if there is evidence that the child has a substantial developmental delay in key areas such as:
- Communication
- Physical development
- Social or emotional development
- Cognitive development
This process allows young children and their families to access necessary supports early, even if a formal condition from the NDIS list of disabilities has not yet been diagnosed.
4. List D: Permanent Impairment/ Early Intervention Under 7
List D covers young children under the age of 7 who have been diagnosed with conditions that are known to result in permanent impairment. Children in this group may be eligible for NDIS support without needing further functional assessments.
Examples of List D Conditions:
- Down syndrome
- Cerebral palsy
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (Level 2 or 3)
- Global developmental delay, where a diagnosis of intellectual disability is expected
In these cases, providing medical evidence of the diagnosis is generally sufficient for NDIS access under the early intervention pathway.
Conditions Not Covered by the NDIS
It’s essential to note that not all medical conditions or impairments are covered by the NDIS. The scheme does not fund supports for:
- Time-limited conditions, such as temporary injuries (e.g., broken limbs expected to heal)
- Chronic health conditions that do not result in permanent disability (e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure)
- Conditions where the primary impact is not disability-related, even if they affect health
Understanding these exclusions helps manage expectations and ensures that only those with permanent, significant impairments apply.
Evidence Required for NDIS Applications
Regardless of the condition listed in the NDIS disability list, applicants must provide supporting evidence, which may include:
- Medical reports confirming diagnosis and severity
- Functional assessments outlining impact on daily living
- Reports from specialists, such as neurologists, psychologists, or allied health professionals
- Evidence of assistive technology use, support needs, or therapy history
For List A conditions, diagnosis and severity evidence are often sufficient. For List B conditions, detailed functional evidence is essential.
Why the NDIS List of Disabilities is Important
The NDIS list of disabilities serves several vital purposes:
- Provides clarity and transparency for applicants
- Streamlines the eligibility assessment process
- Ensures consistency in decision-making
- Helps healthcare professionals prepare appropriate supporting evidence
- Reduces delays in processing applications for conditions with established eligibility pathways
Understanding where a condition fits within the NDIS disability list allows individuals and families to better navigate the application process and access necessary supports.
The NDIS list of disabilities is a critical reference point for determining eligibility for support under the National Disability Insurance Scheme. It categorises conditions into those that almost certainly meet the disability requirements, those that may require further evidence, and those eligible for early intervention supports in young children.
Applicants and families are encouraged to familiarise themselves with this list and consult with healthcare professionals to gather the necessary documentation for a successful NDIS application.
For complete and up-to-date information, visit the official NDIS guidelines:
- NDIS List of Disabilities – Official Guidelines
Our team here at Care Decisions can help if you have questions about specific conditions on the NDIS disability list or require assistance preparing an application, consulting a qualified healthcare provider or an NDIS representative. We have the knowledge and support to help you no matter what stage of the NDIS journey you’re in. Get in touch with a team member here.