Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome — NDIS Support
Yes — Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome can qualify for NDIS support. ME/CFS is on the NDIA’s List B — permanence is recognised, and you evidence the functional impact on daily life. Funding covers reasonable and necessary supports across daily living, therapy, social participation and capacity building.
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex, chronic, multisystem illness characterised by profound fatigue that is not improved by rest, post-exertional malaise (PEM) — worsening of symptoms after physical or mental exertion that can last days to weeks — and cognitive…
ME/CFS & the NDIS FAQs
- Does ME/CFS qualify for NDIS?
- ME/CFS is a List B condition — NDIS requires evidence of permanent and significant functional impairment. Those with moderate-to-severe ME/CFS causing significant daily disability — limited to home or bed, unable to work, requiring substantial assistance with personal care and daily tasks — typically meet the NDIS…
- Why is graded exercise therapy (GET) inappropriate for ME/CFS and how does NDIS account for this?
- Graded exercise therapy (GET) was historically recommended for ME/CFS based on the now-debunked deconditioning model. The NICE 2021 guidelines removed GET as a recommendation after evidence that it causes post-exertional malaise (PEM) and deterioration in many people with ME/CFS. NDIS-funded physiotherapy and support…
- What is post-exertional malaise (PEM) and how should NDIS supports accommodate it?
- Post-exertional malaise (PEM) is the hallmark of ME/CFS — a worsening of all symptoms following physical, cognitive or emotional exertion, typically delayed by 12–48 hours and lasting days to weeks. NDIS supports must be designed to prevent PEM: support workers take on activities that exceed the person's energy limit;…
- Can NDIS fund a power wheelchair for ME/CFS?
- Yes. For people with ME/CFS and orthostatic intolerance (where being upright causes symptom worsening), a power wheelchair or scooter may be a reasonable and necessary AT support to enable community participation. An OT and physiotherapy AT assessment documents the need. The power wheelchair enables the person to…
- Long COVID has given me ME/CFS — can I access NDIS?
- Yes. Post-COVID ME/CFS (where COVID-19 triggered a persistent ME/CFS presentation) is recognised by NDIS as a qualifying disability where the functional impairment is permanent and significant. The eligibility assessment is based on functional impact, not the trigger. Documenting the current ME/CFS presentation — with…
ME/CFS & the NDIS — practical guides
- Applying for the NDIS with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Assistive Technology for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Day Programs & Community Participation for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- NDIS Funding & Budget for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Therapy & Allied Health for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Finding & Managing Support Workers for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Related conditions
- Inflammatory Arthritis and the NDIS
- Lupus (SLE) and the NDIS
- Chronic Pain and the NDIS
- Type 1 Diabetes and the NDIS
- Global Developmental Delay and the NDIS
- Developmental Delay (ECEI/under 7) and the NDIS
- Retinitis Pigmentosa and the NDIS
- Usher Syndrome and the NDIS
- Epidermolysis Bullosa and the NDIS
- Hydrocephalus and the NDIS
Sources
Reviewed by the Novida editorial team · last reviewed 2026-07-12. General information only — not medical advice.