One in five Australians has chronic pain, but the NDIS often won't fund it
Many Australians with chronic pain aren't eligible for NDIS despite severe impact. Upcoming rules will tighten access further.
About one in five Australians live with chronic pain lasting longer than three months. Among people with disabilities, the rate is much higher.
The NDIS often denies support for pain unless it's the main diagnosis that qualifies someone. Chronic pain can worsen other disabilities.
It makes things like mobility harder. Yet the system treats pain as separate.
From January 2028, new rules kick in. People must try all suitable treatments first before getting support.
The system will fund only help for pain from approved diagnoses. If someone with MS sprains an ankle, the ongoing pain may not qualify.
For people without NDIS funding, five Medicare-subsidised allied health visits a year often isn't enough. Without better coordination between services, more Australians with chronic pain could fall through the cracks.
- one in five
- Australians with chronic pain
- 5
- Medicare subsidised visits per year
- January 2028
- New rules begin
Why it mattersPeople with chronic pain risk losing practical support at work, home and in their community. This raises the risk of unemployment, depression and isolation.
AustraliaFrom 2028, the NDIS tightening will affect Australians with both chronic pain and disability who currently receive support, and may exclude many others with severe pain who need help.
