Evidence of disability

Information from treating professionals about your disability and how it affects daily life, used to assess access and supports.

What it means

Evidence of disability is the information that describes a person's disability and its effects. It usually comes from treating health professionals, such as doctors, specialists or allied health practitioners who know the person. Good evidence explains what the disability is, whether it is likely to be permanent, and, importantly, how it affects the person's everyday functioning.

The key feature of strong evidence is that it focuses on functional impact rather than just naming a diagnosis. Because the NDIS is concerned with how a disability affects daily life, evidence that simply lists a condition is far less useful than evidence that describes what a person can and cannot do, and where they need help. This information helps the NDIA make decisions about access and appropriate supports.

In practice

In practice, evidence of disability often takes the form of reports, letters or assessments from the professionals who treat a person. It works best when it is recent, relevant and specific about everyday function. Helpful evidence might describe how a disability affects areas such as mobility, communication, self-care, learning and social participation, and whether the impairment is expected to be ongoing.

For people applying to the NDIS, it can help to talk with treating professionals about what to include, so the evidence clearly reflects the functional impact. Well-prepared evidence supports a smoother access decision and can also inform the kinds of supports that may be appropriate. Vague or diagnosis-only evidence, by contrast, may lead to delays or requests for more information.

A real example

For example, Liam asks his occupational therapist and GP to prepare reports for his NDIS access request. Rather than only listing his condition, the reports describe how his impairment affects his ability to prepare meals, travel independently and manage daily routines, and note that it is expected to be ongoing. This functional detail helps the NDIA understand his needs.

Evidence of disability — FAQs

Who provides evidence of disability?
Evidence of disability usually comes from treating health professionals who know the person, such as doctors, medical specialists and allied health practitioners. Because they understand the person's condition and daily life, they are well placed to describe the disability, whether it is likely to be permanent, and how it affects everyday functioning. Their reports and assessments form the basis of the evidence.
What makes good evidence of disability?
Good evidence focuses on functional impact, not just a diagnosis. It clearly describes how the disability affects everyday activities such as mobility, communication, self-care, learning and social participation, and whether the impairment is likely to be permanent. Recent, relevant and specific information from treating professionals is most helpful, because it gives the NDIA a clear picture of the person's real support needs.
Why isn't a diagnosis alone enough?
A diagnosis names a condition but does not explain how it affects a person's daily life, which is what the NDIS focuses on. Two people with the same diagnosis can have very different needs. Evidence that describes functional impact, showing what a person can and cannot do and where they need help, is far more useful for decisions about access and appropriate supports.
How is evidence of disability used?
The NDIA uses evidence of disability to help decide on access and to understand what supports may be appropriate. By describing the disability, whether it is permanent, and its functional impact, the evidence shows whether a person meets the requirements and highlights their support needs. Clear, well-prepared evidence supports a smoother decision, while vague evidence may lead to requests for more information.
How can I prepare strong evidence?
It helps to talk with your treating professionals about the NDIS and ask them to focus on functional impact, not just the diagnosis. Encourage them to describe how the disability affects everyday activities and whether it is likely to be ongoing. Making sure the evidence is recent, relevant and specific gives the NDIA a clear understanding of your situation and supports the access process.

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