Is Ankylosing Spondylitis a Disability Under the NDIS?
What You Need to Prove, What Evidence Works, and How to Secure Support
The Reality
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is not automatically recognised under the NDIS. It doesn’t appear on List A or List B, which means there’s no presumption of eligibility.
However, if AS causes permanent functional impairment, it can qualify — especially in moderate to severe cases involving:
Chronic pain
Spinal fusion
Reduced mobility
Fatigue
Depression or social withdrawal
NDIS Eligibility Criteria for AS
To be eligible, AS must meet Section 24 of the NDIS Act, which requires:
1. Permanence
The condition must be lifelong, and unresponsive to standard treatments. This includes:
Radiological evidence of structural damage (e.g., spinal fusion)
Chronic inflammation despite biologics or immunosuppressants
Progressive functional decline
2. Functional Impact
You must demonstrate significant limitations in at least one life area:
Mobility: Difficulty standing, walking, or bending
Self-care: Challenges dressing, showering, or grooming
Self-management: Poor tolerance for work/study demands
Social interaction: Withdrawal due to pain, fatigue, or mental health decline
3. Support Needs
You must show that you need:
Ongoing support workers, therapy, or assistive equipment
Functional interventions to maintain or slow decline
Capacity-building to preserve independence
Key Considerations for AS Applicants
Episodic disability is recognised: If your symptoms fluctuate but still cause chronic disability, you may still qualify
RA and Juvenile Arthritis are on List B: While AS is not, NDIS still allows comparable musculoskeletal cases if evidence proves functional impact
No diagnosis-only eligibility: All approval depends on evidence of current function, not just the condition name
What Evidence Do You Need to Apply?
Diagnostic Confirmation
Specialist diagnosis from a rheumatologist
Imaging (X-ray, MRI) showing spinal changes or joint fusion
Blood tests confirming HLA-B27 status (optional)
Functional Documentation
Occupational Therapist: e.g., "Requires assistance dressing 4 days/week due to reduced spinal mobility"
Physiotherapist: e.g., "Unable to walk 200m without pain escalation"
Exercise Physiologist: e.g., “Fatigue limits activity to 10 minutes per task without rest”
Medical Reports
Treatment history: Medications, biologics, therapy programs
Outcome summaries: Limited response, progressive decline
Prognosis: “Impairments are permanent and unlikely to improve with further treatment”
Supplementary Evidence
Daily activity logs
Pain or fatigue diaries
Carer reports detailing support needed
Workplace letters showing impact on attendance or job performance
Recency Rules for Evidence
Functional capacity evidence: Must be ≤12 months old
Medical diagnosis reports: Can be older if still accurate, but updated summaries strengthen the case
Episodic tracking: Recent flare documentation (within 3–6 months) is critical for AS due to fluctuation
How Often Should Evidence Be Updated?
Annual updates recommended for chronic progression or flare-up documentation
Plan reassessment: Submit recent OT/physio/EP assessments before every NDIS plan review
Trigger events: Submit new evidence if spinal damage progresses or mobility declines
Maintain monthly logs to track flare frequency, fatigue, and care needs
What NDIS Supports Can Be Funded for AS?
Core Supports
Personal care support (e.g., help dressing, showering during flares)
Support workers for daily activities, pacing, or fatigue management
Assistive tech: Shower chairs, ergonomic seating, mobility aids
Therapy & Health Supports
Physiotherapy: Pain relief, spinal mobility
Exercise Physiology: Fatigue tolerance, pacing strategies
Occupational Therapy: Daily living adaptations, joint protection
Psychology: Adjustment to chronic illness, pain management
Capacity Building
Employment support (e.g., job coaching, workstation modification)
Community participation (e.g., re-engagement in physical or social activity)
Skill-building: Self-regulation during flares, physical self-care, fatigue planning
Capital Supports
Home modifications: Grab rails, non-slip floors, supportive chairs/beds
Transport funding: For accessing community or healthcare services
SDA (in severe cases): If mobility loss or joint deterioration warrants
What Zyto Can Do for AS Clients Seeking NDIS Support
Zyto is equipped to:
Deliver NDIS-compliant functional assessments from EPs, OTs, and physiotherapists
Provide supporting documentation for access requests and plan reviews
Translate diagnosis into functional impairment language for funding approval
Assist with therapy delivery and outcome tracking once funded
We collaborate with:
Rheumatologists
GPs and specialists
NDIS support coordinators and plan managers
To ensure your evidence is accurate, aligned, and plan-ready.
Final Word
Ankylosing Spondylitis may not be listed on NDIS eligibility tables — but if your function is impaired permanently, and you need regular support, it qualifies.
Don’t focus on the condition — focus on how it limits your independence.
Zyto will help you prove that — and secure the supports to manage it.
