Is Osteoarthritis Covered by the NDIS? Your Guide to Services

 

If you live with the daily challenges of osteoarthritis, you may be asking yourself: Is osteoarthritis covered by the NDIS? In Australia, over 2 million people experience osteoarthritis, and many struggle to access the right support. The NDIS can offer real help, but only if you know how to navigate it.

This guide is for you. Whether you’re a participant, a carer, or just starting your NDIS journey, we’ll help you understand how osteoarthritis may qualify for support, what services are available, and how to make confident choices about your care. Let’s make this easier together.

 

Is Osteoarthritis Covered by the NDIS?

Understanding Eligibility for NDIS with Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis can affect everything from your ability to walk to how you care for yourself day-to-day. In fact, over 2.1 million Australians (8.3 % of the population) live with osteoarthritis, and more than 20 % of people with arthritis report needing help with at least one daily activity. But does that make it eligible under the NDIS?

The NDIS considers support for people with a permanent and significant disability. If your osteoarthritis severely limits your mobility or daily function, and it’s likely to continue long-term, you may meet the criteria.

However, not every application is successful. Recent research found that only about 60 %-75 % of applicants with physical disabilities are approved for NDIS support. That’s why it’s so important to clearly show how your condition affects your daily life.

That said, not every case of osteoarthritis qualifies. The key is to show how your condition impacts your functional capacity. This includes difficulties with dressing, moving around the home, or preparing meals. A diagnosis alone isn’t enough; it’s the impact that matters.

How to Strengthen Your Application

If you believe your condition meets the threshold, the next step is preparing your access request. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Medical reports detailing diagnosis and treatment
• Functional assessments from allied health professionals
• Personal examples of how your daily life is affected

It’s normal to feel unsure about what to include or how to explain it all. That’s where a trusted support coordinator can help.

 

What NDIS Support Services Are Available for Osteoarthritis?

Once you’re approved for NDIS access, the next question becomes: What can I actually get help with?

Core and Capacity Supports for Daily Living

The NDIS provides two broad categories of funding:

• Core Supports: These cover your day-to-day needs, like personal care, cleaning, transport, and assistance with daily tasks.
• Capacity Building Supports: These help you build independence over time, including therapies and skills training.

For osteoarthritis, this might include:

• In-home support for showering or dressing
• Help with shopping and meal prep
• Transport to appointments
• Home modifications (like grab rails or ramps)

Allied Health and Pain Management

Managing chronic pain is a huge part of living with osteoarthritis. The NDIS may fund:

• Physiotherapy
• Hydrotherapy
• Occupational therapy
• Dietitian or pain management programs

These are all part of NDIS support services focused on helping you stay as mobile, independent, and comfortable as possible.

Community and Social Participation

Pain and mobility challenges can make it harder to stay socially connected, but social wellbeing is just as important as physical health. The NDIS can help fund support workers to take you to:

• Gentle exercise classes
• Local art groups or creative programs
• Community events or outings

How Disability Services Can Support Your Osteoarthritis Journey

What Counts as NDIS-Funded Disability Services?

“Disability services” is a broad term, and not all services are covered under the NDIS. The scheme won’t fund treatments covered by Medicare or the public health system (like surgeries or GP visits), but it will fund support that directly relates to your functional impairment.

That means:

• Personal support workers
• Home and transport assistance
• Therapies that improve daily living

“The NDIS is designed to fund supports that help you function and participate in everyday life, not medical treatments. For someone with osteoarthritis, this could mean funding for personal care, mobility aids, home modifications, or therapy that helps you stay independent. The key is showing how the support directly improves your daily living.”
Support Coordinator, Selective Support

These supports can make a real difference for those living with chronic pain and reduced mobility due to osteoarthritis.

Building Your Support Network

It’s one thing to be eligible for services, and another to find the right ones. That’s why many participants turn to providers like Selective Support.

We take the time to understand your health, your lifestyle, and your goals. No handovers. No starting over with new people every few months. Just real, compassionate help from someone who sees you, not just your plan.

 

The Role of an NDIS Support Coordinator in Melbourne

Why Coordination Matters for Osteoarthritis

When you’re living with a condition like osteoarthritis, managing multiple services, appointments, and providers can become exhausting. A NDIS support coordinator helps take that weight off your shoulders.

They can:

• Help you understand your funding and options
• Connect you with qualified, reliable service providers
• Advocate on your behalf if issues arise
• Monitor and review your supports regularly

At Selective Support, we’ve supported many participants with chronic physical conditions to build confidence and routine through personalised coordination.

Local, Ongoing Support That Knows Your Story

Being based in South-East Melbourne means we know the local community. We know which providers are great for hydrotherapy, who offers flexible appointments, and how to get you the right mix of services.

And we don’t just set things up and disappear. We stay with you, checking in, adjusting things as your needs change, and making sure you always feel informed and empowered.

Looking for a local NDIS support coordinator in Melbourne who actually listens? Selective Support is here for you.

 

Ready to Feel Supported? Let’s Take the Next Step Together

Living with osteoarthritis can be painful, frustrating, and isolating. But it doesn’t have to be confusing.

We’ve covered whether osteoarthritis is eligible under the NDIS, the kinds of NDIS support services you might access, and how a trusted support coordinator in Melbourne can simplify the whole process.

At Selective Support, we don’t just talk about understanding, we live it. We take time to get to know you, explain things clearly, and walk beside you, step by step.

Ready to get the support you deserve? Get in touch with Selective Support today and take that first confident step toward a plan that actually works for you.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Osteoarthritis and the NDIS

1. Can I get a mobility scooter through the NDIS for osteoarthritis?

Yes, the NDIS may fund a mobility scooter if your osteoarthritis significantly limits your ability to walk or move around safely. You’ll need an assessment from an occupational therapist to confirm it’s necessary for daily living and community access.

2. Does the NDIS cover hydrotherapy for osteoarthritis?

Hydrotherapy can be funded under the NDIS if it supports your goals and improves functional capacity. It must be recommended by a qualified allied health professional as part of your therapy plan.

3. Can older adults with osteoarthritis access the NDIS?

The NDIS is only available to people under 65 at the time of application. If you’re over 65, you may need to explore support through aged care services like My Aged Care instead.