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Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common chronic neurological disease affecting young adults in Australia. It occurs when the immune system attacks the nerves in the brain and spinal cord, making it harder for the brain to send messages to the rest of the body. This can lead to symptoms like difficulty with movement, sensation and thinking.
Some people with MS experience sudden worsening of symptoms followed by periods of recovery, while others notice a gradual change over time. Eventually, MS can cause permanent nerve damage and a decline in function.
While there’s no known cure, MS is not a terminal illness. With the right treatment and support, many people living with MS continue to lead full, active lives.
NDIS support for people with MS
In Australia, MS is recognised as a disability. In March 2025, around 2% of all NDIS participants were people living with MS, and that number continues to grow.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides funding for people with a permanent and significant disability. For those with MS and eligible for NDIS funding, it can help cover the cost of services, therapies, equipment and supports that improve daily life and long-term wellbeing.
It’s important to know that having MS doesn’t automatically mean you’re eligible for the NDIS. Eligibility is assessed based on how much MS impacts your daily living, so when applying to the NDIS for funding, you’ll need to provide supporting evidence of the challenges you experience.
Depending on your support plan, NDIS funding can be used to support things like:
- Managing daily living tasks
- Improving your physical health and mobility, including mobility aids such as walking sticks and wheelchairs
- Navigating big life transitions, such as starting a new job or schooling
- Getting to and from medical appointments, work and social events
- Finding suitable housing or transitioning to independent living
- Staying connected to your community and building independence.
NDIS eligibility criteria for MS support
To be eligible for NDIS funding, a person must:
- Be aged between 7 and 65
- Live in Australia and be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or a Protected Special Category visa holder
- Have a disability caused by a permanent impairment that substantially reduces their functional capacity.
Children under the age of 9 with multiple sclerosis may be eligible to receive NDIS funding through the early childhood early intervention (ECEI) pathway.
If you’re approved for NDIS funding and you are not agency managed, you can use it to find independent support workers through Mable. Even if you’re not eligible for NDIS funding, you can connect with support workers via Mable and choose to pay privately.
Providing evidence of how MS affects daily life
Eligibility for NDIS support is not only based on a diagnosis, but on how MS impacts your daily life.
The NDIS considers how your condition affects the following ‘life areas’:
- Mobility and motor skills
- Communication
- Social interaction
- Self-management
- Learning
- Self-care.
You’ll also need to explain how MS affects your ability to work, study, or take part in community life, and show that you need ongoing support to manage these impacts.
Steps to follow when applying for NDIS funding
To start the process, you’ll need to complete an NDIS Access Request Form and provide supporting evidence from a treating health professional.
MS Plus offers services to help guide you through this process and ensure you have the right documentation.
Learn more about eligibility for the NDIS, how to apply for the NDIS, and how to manage your NDIS funding.
Using your NDIS funding for MS support on Mable
MS affects everyone differently, so the right support looks different too. Mable can help by connecting you or your loved one with qualified, independent support workers in your local area who understand how to support people living with MS.
Once your NDIS plan is in place, you can use your funding to build a support team that helps you work toward your goals. Whether that’s recovery after a relapse, staying active, gaining confidence at work or school, or simply making everyday life easier.
Depending on your needs, support might include:
- Help with personal care and daily routines
- Allied health services like physiotherapy or occupational therapy
- Rehabilitation after a relapse
- Assistance with household tasks like cleaning, cooking or shopping
- Emotional support and help managing fatigue or cognitive changes
- Support to stay socially connected or participate in hobbies and events
- Respite for family members and regular carers
- Assistance with work, study, or transport.
Even if you’re not eligible for NDIS funding, you can also use Mable to find and book support workers privately.
Frequently asked questions
Is MS considered a disability in Australia?
Yes. MS is recognised as a disability. It's a lifelong neurological condition that can affect how the brain and body communicate, leading to a range of symptoms that may change or decline over time.
What happens if a person with MS doesn't meet the NDIS eligibility criteria?
While MS is considered a permanent disability, eligibility depends on how the condition impacts your day-to-day life. Even if you're not eligible for the NDIS, you can still access support privately. Mable can help you connect with experienced, independent support workers in your area.
What type of community support is available for people with MS?
Alongside family, friends and support workers, there are many community services available to people living with MS.
MS Australia and MS Plus offer education, advocacy, peer support groups and more. Some states and territories also have associations that offer state-based support:
The information provided in this article is general information only and based on current information at the date of publication. In addition to considering the information shared in this article, Leslie encourages you to conduct your own research and seek independent advice about managing life relative to your circumstances. If you wish to use your NDIS funding on any of the services outlined above, Mable recommends that you check your NDIS Support Plan or speak with your Plan Manager to ensure that the appropriate services are coverable.