One in five Australians lives with chronic pain, meaning pain that persists longer than three months. Among people with disabilities, the rate is far higher.

Yet this overlap between disability and chronic pain is still misunderstood.

Even if someone is on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) for a disability, they may not get adequate support for how pain also affects their functioning and interacts with their other impairment/s. Many people with chronic pain are not eligible for the NDIS, despite it having a severe, ongoing impact.

Here’s why this approach doesn’t make sense – and how upcoming changes to NDIS funding could make it even more complicated for people to get the support they need.

The impact of ongoing pain

Chronic pain is far more than an unpleasant sensation.

Along with eroding physical health, living with pain can also disrupt relationships, work, financial security, mental health and wellbeing. People who live with chronic pain face a higher risk of unemployment and depression than those without it.

How severely pain affects someone depends on their personal and social circumstances, such as their age, sex, relationships, social connection and culture.

Disability and chronic pain are interrelated

Getting NDIS support depends on someone proving their impairment or impairments reduce their ability to do everyday tasks (their functional capacity). This includes self care, mobility, communication and taking part in community and social activities.

Chronic pain is generally not enough to qualify........

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