Is PMDD a Disability in Australia? Know Your Rights and Support Options

If you suffer from PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder), you know how life-disrupting it can be. Those intense symptoms—whether it’s overwhelming mood swings, crushing fatigue, or heightened anxiety—can leave you feeling like you’re barely holding it together. (I describe it as feeling like a puddle of a person) But does PMDD qualify as a disability in Australia?

The short answer? It can be. Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) in Australia, a disability is broadly defined as any condition that limits a person’s ability to perform daily activities. This includes both physical and mental health conditions.

In particular, PMDD can lead to mental health challenges like depression or anxiety, which are recognised as disabilities under the DDA. If your PMDD results in ongoing mental health issues, you may be able to seek protections and accommodations in the workplace or other areas of life.

Criteria for Disability Support

To be eligible for support, you typically need to demonstrate how PMDD impacts your life. Here are some key factors:

• Severity of Symptoms: Do your symptoms severely disrupt your daily activities?
• Duration: Have you experienced these symptoms consistently over several menstrual cycles?
• Impact on Daily Life: Are you finding it challenging to maintain relationships or perform at work due to PMDD?

If you can answer “yes” to these questions, you might be in a good position to explore your options for support. It’s unlikely that you’ll be approved for the DSP (disability support pension) but it’s a possibility depending on your circumstances.(it’s also income tested for your household)

PMDD and Your Rights at Work

If PMDD is causing serious challenges at work, you have the right to ask for accommodations. Under the Fair Work Act 2009, employers in Australia are required to provide reasonable adjustments for employees with disabilities. If PMDD is affecting your ability to work, you may be able to request some of the following accommodations:

• Flexible hours: You could ask to start later or leave early on days when your PMDD symptoms are at their worst.
• Work-from-home days: If going to the office feels impossible during certain parts of your cycle, working remotely might be a solution.
• Extra sick leave: PMDD often means you need more time off to rest and recover. In some cases, you can negotiate for additional paid or unpaid leave.

It’s always a good idea to have a conversation with your employer about your needs. If they’re not being supportive or you feel discriminated against, you can reach out to the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) or seek legal advice to ensure your rights are protected.

As a counsellor, I can also write a letter to your employer to back you up if you need additional evidence. 

Can You Access NDIS Support for PMDD?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is another possible source of support. The NDIS helps Australians with disabilities live more independently by providing financial assistance and services. But here’s the thing—PMDD isn’t specifically listed as an NDIS-qualifying condition.

However, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re out of luck. If your PMDD is contributing to a broader, ongoing disability or is causing significant mental health issues, you might still be able to access NDIS support. The criteria for NDIS eligibility are:

• Your condition needs to be permanent or likely to be lifelong.
• It must significantly affect your ability to do everyday activities without support.

If you think you may qualify, it’s worth contacting the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) for an assessment.

So, Is PMDD a Disability in Australia?

Honestly, I haven’t figured it out yet. The requirements with Centrelink and the NDIS say maybe. However at work they are required to give you some accommodations, so it’s helpful to take some time (and a great thing to chat with a counsellor about) and work out what your needs are. That could look like working from home, or not working at all a couple of days a month, coming in at a later time if you need to, and the ability to be in control of your calendar in your luteal phase. 

Photo by Laura Beutner on Unsplash