Why a separate stream was created
The standard NDIS pathway did not always fit people with psychosocial disability. Needs can change from month to month, the language of permanent disability can feel at odds with recovery, and planning works best with people who understand mental health.
The stream was the NDIA's response: a way of working that recognises episodic needs and puts recovery at the centre.
What the stream includes
- Specialised NDIA planners and local area coordinators with mental health knowledge
- Better links between mental health services and NDIA staff, so people are referred and supported more smoothly
- Recovery based planning, focused on living a meaningful life with or without symptoms
- Planning that allows for episodic and fluctuating needs, so support can flex when things get harder
The recovery framework
In December 2021 the NDIA released its Psychosocial Disability Recovery Oriented Framework. It sets out how the NDIA aims to improve the experience of participants with psychosocial disability, by building recovery oriented practice into how staff, partners and providers work.
In practice, recovery oriented support should build hope, skills and connection, respect your choices and avoid making you more dependent on services than you need to be.
How to make the most of it
- When you contact the NDIA, say that your primary disability is psychosocial and ask whether a planner or LAC with mental health experience is available
- Describe your hard periods: how often they happen, how long they last and what you cannot do during them
- Ask for a recovery coach if you want help with recovery planning and navigating services
- Keep your treating team involved, since clinical treatment stays with the health system
- Ask someone who knows you well to come to meetings
What is changing from 2026
From 1 October 2026, social, economic and community participation budgets are reduced by 50% and improved daily living skills budgets by 10% when a plan is created, reassessed or renewed. Many people with psychosocial disability rely on these budgets, so check new plans carefully.
Participants start moving to new framework planning from 1 April 2027, with budgets set from a support needs assessment. From 1 January 2028 new access rules based on functional capacity begin, and a Technical Advisory Group is advising on how fluctuating and episodic conditions are assessed. Current participants will be reassessed over 3 years.