NDIS carer impact statement: describe support accurately

Writing an NDIS Carer Impact Statement for your Plan Review or application

By Genevieve Reid · Originally published 7 June 2021

A blank notebook and pencil on a desk

Deeper review: 6 October 2026. The original 15-category list is historical. It is not a required statement structure and a carer statement does not guarantee a funding outcome.

Use a representative routine and explain what varies

Describe the tasks you assist with, the type of help, how often it happens and what changes on a more difficult day. Separate active assistance, supervision and being available. NDIA accepts information from carers about daily impacts alongside other evidence. Read the official guidance

Explain your actual capacity and circumstances without exaggerating or promising unlimited care. A short dated record can make recurring tasks clearer. Do not use a theoretical worst day as if it happens every day, or minimise support because providing it has become familiar.

Explain interrupted sleep or difficulty maintaining paid work where these affect your ability to continue providing help.

Original article and dated context

Genevieve Reid is an avid Growth Marketer at tappON with over 5 years experience in the healthcare industry. She enjoys seeing a smile on others face when you help them achieve their goal.

What is an NDIS Carer Impact Statement?

A Carer Impact Statement (sometimes referred to as a carer statement) is a written letter by someone who cares for or is involved in the treatment of an individual living with a disability. It details in depth how their disability is impacting their life and the lives of those around them. It is used by the NDIA to verify how much care and support an individual may need and may affect their level of funding received. A Carers Impact Statement is not compulsory but can affect an outcome.

What are the benefits of a Carer Impact Statement?

Impact Statements are a great way to give the NDIS planner or reviewer a holistic view into someone’s disability and how it impacts their lives around them. Often informal supports are able to give detailed insight into why certain NDIS supports (like support work) or therapies are needed. It is important to be thorough when describing how essential these supports or therapies are.

What can be included in a Carer Impact Statement?

Impact Statements can include a number of things including:
  • A detailed description of all informal supports received from family members or friends.
  • A detail of what physical supports are needed and how and when they are used – ie frames, walkers, transport.
  • A detailed walk through of what care supports are provided (by both formal and informal carers) which would include what was done, how long care had to be provided for and what resources were used.
  • What kinds of social and community participation do the individuals enjoy? How does it make them feel? How often do they get to participate in this?
  • Do you provide emotional support? What is the type of care? How long do you spend providing this care? How often do you provide it?
  • Do you have to advocate for the individuals on their behalf?

What NDIS Impact Statement template should I use?

A great way to format your impact statement is to address each of the 15 categories within the NDIS and then explain what supports are provided, how often, the cost involved as well as the emotional impact that can sometimes occur.
These 15 categories within the NDIS are:
  1. Assistance with Daily Life
  2. Transport
  3. Consumables
  4. Assistance with Social & Community Participation
  5. Assistive Technology
  6. Home Modifications
  7. Coordination of Supports
  8. Improved Living Arrangements
  9. Increased Social and Community Participation
  10. Finding and Keeping a Job
  11. Improved Relationships
  12. Improved Health and Wellbeing
  13. Improved Learning
  14. Improved Life Choices
  15. Improved Daily Living​
To understand these further, speak to a support coordinator, if you have one, or your LAC.

The importance of a Carers Impact Statement

An Impact Statement is important to show the assessor the everyday difficulties experienced by the individual and their family. It can often be uncomfortable to mention all these things, but it is essential to give the NDIS planner or reviewer a complete overview of what supports and needed and therefore the appropriate level of funding. It is important to remember you are not complaining or asking for too much – you are simply letting them know what you and your loved ones daily life is like.

Describe real support without reducing the person to difficulties

Include what you want and how you prefer assistance

Ask to contribute in a way that works for you. Explain which help is useful, what you can do with it and what you would like to change. Your goals, strengths and privacy belong in the picture alongside the account of caring tasks.

Discuss who will receive sensitive information and whether you want to review it first. A carer’s description can add detail, but it should not automatically replace your account or turn a funding discussion into a list of everything you cannot do.

Explain anything in the statement you see differently and agree who receives sensitive information.

Check the evidence needed for the actual decision

A carer statement does not guarantee access, a particular budget or a particular support. Identify whether the information is for an application, a plan decision or a changed situation. Current supporting-evidence guidance distinguishes the professional disability evidence and daily-impact information. Read the official guidance

Do not force the statement into all 15 historical categories or commission another report solely to make it longer. Help identify an actual gap and the person best placed to explain it. Keep the statement consistent with dates and routines in other evidence without requiring identical wording.

Questions readers ask

Must every participant submit a carer impact statement?

No. It is one possible source of supporting evidence, rather than a compulsory universal form. Official guidance

Does a strong carer statement guarantee funding?

No. The NDIA considers the relevant criteria and supporting evidence. Official guidance

Must a carer statement cover every historical NDIS category?

No. Focus on relevant daily support and the decision being made. The old category list is not a mandatory statement template. Official guidance

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