Our easy read guide to NDIS categories of impairments
From 2025, the NDIS introduced impairment notices. If you receive NDIS funding, or are applying for the first time, understanding your NDIS impairment notice is important. It tells you what disability supports you can and can’t use your funding for.
In this blog, we explain what a notice of impairments is and what it means for you.
Applying to the NDIS
After you apply for the NDIS, they send you a letter.
The letter will let you know:
- If you are eligible for the NDIS. Eligible means you can get NDIS funds because you meet the rules.
- If you will receive funding for a disability, early intervention or both.
- What are the next steps.
If you are eligible under the disability requirements, it means your condition is considered permanent or likely to be permanent.
This means it is expected to be ongoing, and you may need support over the long term.
If you are eligible for early intervention, it means your needs might change over time. Early intervention means getting help to stop your condition from getting worse.
The NDIS will check your progress regularly. This will usually happen when your plan is reassessed.
If you develop new skills or find you need less support, you might no longer meet early intervention requirements.
This could happen if you’ve learned new skills or become more independent.
NDIS notice of impairments
A notice of impairments will tell you why you’re eligible for the NDIS.
It will tell you the category of impairment you can get help with.
People with the same disability might need different types of help.
Impairment categories will make it easier to understand what help you can get from the NDIS.
How your NDIS impairment notice affects your funding
Your NDIS impairment notice sets the rules for how your funding can be used.
Every support you use must:
- Relate to an impairment listed in your notice
- Help manage how that impairment affects your daily life
- Match your NDIS goals
If a support does not clearly link to your impairment, it may not be approved.
This can happen even if you have used that support before.
NDIS impairment notice process: how funding and supports are approved
Start
↓
Apply for NDIS
↓
Receive decision letter
↓
Get Your NDIS impairment notice
↓
Impairment categories Listed
↓
Match supports to impairments?
├── Yes → Funding approved → Use supports aligned to goals
└── No → Support may be refused
↓
Request review or provide evidence
↓
Updated notice of impairments
Why some supports may be refused
Sometimes, the NDIS may say no to a support.
This can happen if:
- The impairment is not listed on your notice
- The support is not clearly linked to your needs
- The support is something the NDIS does not fund
You can learn more in our guides: What the NDIS will and won’t fund.
NDIS supports lists
You can use your NDIS funds for items listed as NDIS supports.
There is also a list of things NDIS funding cannot be used for. This includes things like rent and groceries. In some instances, you can ask for a replacement from the replacement list.
You can view these lists below.
Supports that are NDIS supports
Supports that are not NDIS supports
What are categories of impairment?
There are 6 impairment categories. The categories are:
Intellectual impairments
This is about how you:
- Speak and listen
- Read and write
- Solve problems
- Remember things
Intellectual impairments usually start when you are young or during early childhood.
Cognitive impairments
This is about how you:
- Think and learn new things
- Make decisions
- Pay attention
Cognitive impairments can happen later in life or after an injury or sudden event.
Neurological impairments
This is about how your body’s nervous system works.
The nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord.
If these parts are damaged, it can change how your body works or processes information.
Sensory impairments
This is about how you:
- See
- Hear
Sometimes, it can also affect other senses.
Physical impairments
This is about how you:
- Move or control your body
- Feel tired quickly (stamina)
- Physical impairments can make it harder to do some physical activities.
Psychosocial impairments
This is about how your mental health makes it harder to do daily tasks.
It can affect how you manage your day and activities.
Can you have more than one category of impairment?
Yes. You may have one or more impairment depending on your disability.
For example, a person who had a spinal cord injury might have a:
- Physical impairment (trouble moving their body)
- Neurological impairment (problems with their nervous system).
You may have many impairments, but only one meets the NDIS rules.
You can only get funding for the impairment that is in your impairments notice.
Who gets an impairment notice and when?
If you're new to NDIS, you will get your impairment notice with your NDIS decision letter.
This will include:
- If you are approved
- What type of support you receive
- Your impairment categories
Can you update your impairment categories
Yes, your notice of impairments can change. This is called varying the notice of impairments.
You might want to add or remove an impairment category.
If you do, you need to talk to the NDIS.
You will need to show new evidence of your impairment. This means showing proof of your impairment.
What evidence do you need?
To update your notice, you may need:
- Medical or specialist reports
- Functional assessments
- Letters from allied health professionals
Your evidence should show:
- Your impairment is long-term or permanent
- How it affects your everyday life
What if the NDIS says no?
If your request is refused, you can ask for a review.
You can:
- Ask the NDIA to review the decision
- Ask for an external review
A support coordinator or advocate can help you. Support Coordinators can assist with understanding and preparation, while advocates support or represent the participant during a review.
Preparing for your impairment notice
To get ready, you can:
- Look at the supports you use now
- Check which impairments they relate to
- Update your reports and evidence
- Make sure your goals match your needs
You can read more here: Accessing the NDIS – eligibility and evidence.
When will I get a notice of impairments?
If you already have a NDIS plan, there is nothing you need to do right now.
Your plan will continue as normal.
The NDIS will tell you when changes happen.
How Five Good Friends can help
At Five Good Friends, we help you:
- Understand your impairment notice
- Link your supports to your needs
- Use your funding the right way
- Get ready for plan reviews
Our approach is simple and flexible.
Find out more about disability supports or talk to our friendly team about your NDIS plan.
To read more about notice of impairments, visit the Applying to the NDIS factsheet on the NDIS website.
If you need help, talk to your NDIA Planner, LAC, or support coordinator.
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