Research Reveals Positive Trends in Wellbeing
SYDNEY — NDIS participants are working more hours, earning higher incomes, and experiencing improved vitality, according to a new study by the e61 Institute. The research found that four years after joining the National Disability Insurance Scheme, participants were working an average of 1.8 more hours per week and earning an additional $76 per fortnight.
The study, based on data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey, also revealed that participants’ vitality scores increased by 4.1 points since their initial enrollment. Dr. Pelin Akyol, research manager at the e61 Institute, noted, “The data shows that people are typically entering the NDIS at a difficult point in their lives, after a sustained period of declining health and growing detachment from the labour force.”
Gradual Improvements in Employment and Wellbeing
While participants were 7 per centage points more likely to receive the Disability Support Pension, reflecting overlapping eligibility, they were 5.7 per centage points less likely to be on JobSeeker. Dr. Akyol explained that while the NDIS cannot be definitively credited for these improvements, the services provided likely support participants’ gradual transition back into employment.
This research comes as the NDIS continues to play a significant role in the lives of Australians with disabilities, providing them with necessary support to improve their quality of life. The findings suggest that the scheme’s impact on employment and wellbeing builds over time, highlighting the importance of long-term evaluations.
The study further emphasises that the integration of various support services is crucial for the sustained development of participants. By fostering an environment where individuals feel supported, the NDIS helps alleviate the challenges faced by those with disabilities. Participants also reported a greater sense of community involvement and personal achievement, which are key indicators of improved mental health and overall satisfaction with life. As the NDIS evolves, ongoing research will be vital in adapting and enhancing the services it provides to meet the diverse needs of its participants.
Source: newshub.medianet.com.au
Last updated: 1 April 2026, 10:28 am
