Major Depression — NDIS Support
Yes — Major Depression can qualify for NDIS support. As a psychosocial disability, eligibility is based on the functional impact of Major Depression, not the diagnosis alone. Funding covers reasonable and necessary supports across daily living, therapy, social participation and capacity building.
Major depressive disorder (MDD), commonly called major depression or clinical depression, is characterised by persistent low mood or loss of interest/pleasure (anhedonia) for at least two weeks, accompanied by at least four additional symptoms including: changes in appetite and weight, sleep…
Major Depression & the NDIS FAQs
- Does depression qualify for NDIS?
- The majority of people with major depression — who respond to treatment and maintain substantial function — do not qualify for NDIS. NDIS psychosocial disability eligibility requires a persistent and significant functional disability, not just a diagnosis of depression. Those with severe, treatment-resistant or chronic…
- I have severe depression and cannot work — does NDIS help?
- If severe depression causes permanent and significant functional impairment across multiple daily life domains, NDIS may provide supports. However, inability to work alone is not sufficient — the functional impairment must affect daily living activities broadly. The Disability Support Pension (DSP) is a separate income…
- Does NDIS fund psychology for depression treatment?
- NDIS funds psychology as a Capacity Building support where it addresses the disability support needs of the participant — distinct from clinical treatment funded through Medicare's Better Access initiative (which provides up to 20 sessions per year under a Mental Health Care Plan). For NDIS participants with…
- What role does a psychosocial recovery coach play for someone with depression?
- A psychosocial recovery coach (PRC) with mental health expertise supports people with psychosocial disability to set recovery goals, build life skills, manage their mental health and navigate services. For someone with severe depression, a PRC might help with: establishing daily routines, activity scheduling…
- Is there specific NDIS funding for crisis support for depression?
- NDIS plans can include crisis support planning — documenting how supports respond during acute episodes — and may include funding for short-term accommodation (respite) during crises. However, acute mental health crisis care (including hospital admission, crisis assessment and mental health teams) is funded through the…
Major Depression & the NDIS — practical guides
- Applying for the NDIS with Major Depression
- Assistive Technology for Major Depression
- Day Programs & Community Participation for Major Depression
- NDIS Employment Support (SLES & DES) for Major Depression
- NDIS Funding & Budget for Major Depression
- Therapy & Allied Health for Major Depression
- Finding & Managing Support Workers for Major Depression
Related conditions
- Borderline Personality Disorder and the NDIS
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and the NDIS
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and the NDIS
- Anxiety Disorders and the NDIS
- Eating Disorders and the NDIS
- Personality Disorders and the NDIS
- Fibromyalgia and the NDIS
- Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and the NDIS
- Inflammatory Arthritis and the NDIS
- Lupus (SLE) and the NDIS
Sources
Reviewed by the Novida editorial team · last reviewed 2026-07-12. General information only — not medical advice.