If you are the carer of a loved one with disability, you will have the opportunity to provide a Carer’s Statement during the application or review process for the NDIS. Here’s what you need to know about writing your Carer’s Statement.

What is a Carer’s Statement?

A Carer’s Statement sometimes also referred to as an Impact Statement, is a letter written by someone who cares for an individual with disability. The letter provides the carer’s thoughts on the impact of disability on the individual and the people in their life.

What is the Purpose of a Carer’s Statement?

The purpose of a Carer's Statement is to help the NDIA work out the level of support and funding that your loved one needs. It is crucial that you accurately represents the scope of your caring role and responsibilities. This information may not be included in other documentation that you provide as part of your NDIS application.

What Makes an Impactful Carer’s Statement?

InFocus Support Coordinator Sandra, recommends an honest approach when it comes to writing a Carer's Statement.

“In some cases, the carer might represent their caring role in an overly positive way. This is often because the statement is documented and can be read by the individual being cared for now or in the future. For example, if the carer is a mother and the participant is their child, the mother will not want to focus on the negative impacts of their child’s disability. The problem with this is that it can underplay the impact of disability on the child and the family and result in less funding being provided in the child’s NDIS plan.”

Your Support Coordinator can help you write your Carers Statement in a way that you are comfortable with, that effectively represents the impact of the individual’s disability.

What to include in a Carer’s Statement

Your Carer’s statement should include the information listed below. You can use this as a checklist or framework:

• Information about your loved one’s disability and how it impacts their day-to-day life
• Information about how your caring role impacts your life
• What support they need on a day-to-day basis
• What support you need as a carer and any goals that you have
• Your capacity to continue caring for your love one now and into the future
• Any other informal supports that are in place, such as family and friends
• Any other important information you think that the NDIA should know

There are examples of Carer’s Statements online, that you can use to help to write your Carer’s Statement including:

Carer’s Australia – Example Carer Statement from Claire’s parents.

Carer’s Australia – Example Carer Statement from John’s parent.

Reimagine Australia – Sample Carer’s Statement

We’re here to help

Our team of NDIS Plan Managers and Support Coordinators help NDIS participants and their carers to get the most from their NDIS plans. If you need help with your Carer’s Statement, we’re here for you. You can complete our simple contact form and we will be in touch or call us on 1800 928 437.