Is Epilepsy Covered by NDIS? 3 Key Supports You Can Access

 

Is epilepsy stopping you or someone you care about from living a more independent, supported life? If you’re wondering “is epilepsy covered by NDIS?” you’re not alone in feeling unsure about where to start. Epilepsy can impact daily routines, safety, mental health, and overall wellbeing — but the good news is, the NDIS can offer tailored support to help.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what support is available, how epilepsy is recognised under the NDIS, and the 3 key services that can make a real difference in your life or the life of someone you love.

Is Epilepsy Covered by NDIS? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you or your loved one lives with epilepsy, it’s natural to ask, “Is epilepsy covered by NDIS?” The short answer is yes — the NDIS can provide support if epilepsy affects a person’s ability to live independently and safely. But it’s not just about the diagnosis itself. The NDIS looks at how a condition impacts your everyday life, which means many people with epilepsy may be eligible for help.

So, is epilepsy a disability under NDIS rules? The NDIS doesn’t define disability by diagnosis alone. Instead, it focuses on functional impact. For epilepsy, this could include:

• Needing help to stay safe during or after seizures
• Difficulty with memory, focus, or mental health
• Challenges with maintaining employment, education, or daily routines
• Risk of injury, falls, or hospitalisation due to unpredictable seizures

If these impacts are ongoing and require support from others or assistive equipment, then epilepsy may be recognised as a disability under the NDIS.

It’s also worth noting that epilepsy often co-occurs with other conditions, such as intellectual disability, anxiety, or autism, which can strengthen the case for NDIS eligibility. The key is providing clear evidence about how epilepsy affects your life, not just the fact that you have the condition.

At Selective Support, we help individuals and families just like you navigate this process with clarity and confidence. We know it can be overwhelming, but you’re not alone — and with the right guidance, support is within reach.

Epilepsy and NDIS – 3 Key Supports You Can Access

When it comes to epilepsy and NDIS, support goes far beyond just managing seizures. The NDIS is designed to help you or your loved one live with greater confidence, safety, and independence, especially when epilepsy impacts daily routines, mental health, or community participation.
Here are three key supports the NDIS may fund for people living with epilepsy:

1. Daily Living Support Services

NDIS-funded daily living supports can make a big difference if epilepsy affects your ability to manage tasks on your own. These services may include:

• In-home help with cooking, cleaning, and personal care
• Support workers to accompany you in the community
• Assistance with transport to medical appointments or work

These supports are particularly helpful for participants who benefit from structure, safety, and routine-building in day-to-day life.

2. Psychosocial and Wellbeing Programs

Living with epilepsy can often affect more than physical health — it may cause anxiety, stress, or even social withdrawal. That’s where NDIS-funded psychosocial supports come in:

• Recovery coaching to set personal goals and build routines
• Mental health support to manage emotions and cope with change
• Strategies to improve memory, focus, and emotional resilience

For carers, this can ease the mental load and provide peace of mind that your loved one is receiving holistic care.

3. Allied Health Services and Equipment

The NDIS may also fund a range of allied health supports tailored to epilepsy:

• Occupational Therapy for safety and independence
• Psychology services to manage anxiety or trauma
• Dietetics for seizure-related dietary planning
• Assistive tech (like seizure monitors or safety devices)

Not sure which supports apply to you? Our Support Coordinators can help you navigate your options, reach out today for a friendly chat.

How to Apply for Epilepsy NDIS Support

If you’re wondering how to access support through the epilepsy NDIS pathway, the good news is: you don’t have to figure it out alone. While the application process may seem complex, breaking it down step-by-step can make it much easier to navigate.

The NDIS looks at how epilepsy impacts your functional capacity, not just the medical diagnosis itself. This means your eligibility depends on how seizures (and related symptoms) affect your ability to manage daily life.

Here’s how to apply:

1. Gather Functional Impact Evidence

You’ll need to show how epilepsy affects your everyday tasks. This might include difficulties with:

• • Personal care or household tasks
  • Communication or memory
  • Safety, especially during or after seizures
  • Managing emotions, anxiety, or routines

2. Get Professional Reports

Ask your GP, neurologist, or psychologist to write a report explaining the impact of your epilepsy. They should clearly outline:

• • Diagnosis and seizure frequency
  • Safety risks or supervision needs
  • Emotional/mental health challenges
  • How symptoms affect independence or participation

3. Submit Your Access Request to the NDIA

You can do this online, by phone, or in writing. Include all supporting documentation. If you need help filling out the forms or knowing what to include, Selective Support can walk you through it.

4. Wait for NDIA Review

The NDIA may contact you for more information or clarification. This is completely normal, and we can support you through this part too.

Case Study: Nathan’s Journey to Epilepsy NDIS Support

Ken, a 28-year-old living with epilepsy, struggled with frequent seizures that made daily routines and staying safe challenging. When he first considered applying for NDIS support, he felt overwhelmed by the paperwork and unsure what evidence was needed. With help from Selective Support, Nathan gathered detailed reports from his neurologist and GP that clearly described his seizure frequency and the risks involved.

Selective Support guided Nathan through completing the access request and helped him prepare for the NDIA’s questions during their review. Thanks to this personalised support, Nathan’s application was successful, and he now receives daily living supports and allied health services tailored to his needs—helping him feel safer, more independent, and in control.

You’re Not Alone – Get the Right Help with Epilepsy and NDIS

Navigating NDIS support for epilepsy can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it by yourself. Understanding how epilepsy affects daily life and knowing the right supports to access are key steps toward greater independence and wellbeing.

At Selective Support, we’re compassionate, reliable, and ready to walk alongside you every step of the way—helping simplify the process and tailor your plan to your unique needs. If you’re ready to feel more confident and in control of your NDIS journey, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact Selective Support today for personalised, friendly support that puts you first.

Frequently Asked Questions About Epilepsy and Disability Support

1. Do you get disability allowance for epilepsy?

• Yes — if your epilepsy significantly affects your daily life, you may be eligible for government support such as the Disability Support Pension (DSP) or funded supports through the NDIS in Australia. Your eligibility is based on how the condition impacts your ability to function, not just your diagnosis. You’ll need medical evidence showing how epilepsy affects your independence, safety, and daily activities.

2. Can I claim disability allowance for epilepsy?

• You can claim disability-related support for epilepsy if you meet the criteria. For the DSP, you must show that your condition is permanent and severely impacts your ability to work or manage daily tasks. For the NDIS, you’ll need to demonstrate that your epilepsy causes ongoing functional impairments that require support or supervision. Each claim is assessed individually, so strong evidence from your GP or neurologist is essential.

3. Is epilepsy covered under the Disability Act?

• Yes — epilepsy is recognised as a disability under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) in Australia. This means people living with epilepsy are legally protected from discrimination in areas such as employment, education, and access to services. The law also requires reasonable adjustments to be made where needed to support inclusion and safety.