What can NDIS funding be used for?

One test decides almost everything

Before the NDIS funds a support, it has to be “reasonable and necessary”. Broadly, that means it relates to your disability, helps you pursue your goals or take part in daily life and the community, represents value for money, and is something the NDIS is responsible for — rather than another service system.

That last part trips a lot of people up: the NDIS funds disability supports, not the everyday costs of living that everyone has, and not things another system already covers — like health care, education or public housing.

What it generally covers

These are the kinds of supports most plans pay for. The exact list depends on your goals and situation, and on which budget a support sits in.

• Daily living help — personal care, help around the home, and support to take part in your community.
• Therapy and capacity building — allied health, support coordination, and building skills toward your goals.
• Assistive technology — equipment like wheelchairs, communication devices and other disability-related aids.
• Consumables — everyday disability-related items, such as continence products or low-cost aids.
• Transport — help getting around when your disability means other options don't work for you.
• Home and vehicle modifications — changes that make your home or car accessible.

What it generally won't cover

The NDIS is clear that some things aren't its job — either because everyone pays for them, or because another system is responsible.

• Everyday living costs — rent, groceries, utility bills and other costs everyone has, disability or not.
• Supports another system covers — day-to-day health care and medication (Medicare), and mainstream education.
• Things unrelated to your disability — if a support isn't connected to your disability, it usually won't be funded.
• Anything unsafe or poor value — supports that pose a risk, or that duplicate something you already have.

“Can I use my NDIS funding for…?”

The honest answer to most of these is “it depends” — on whether it's reasonable and necessary because of your disability, and whether it's written into your plan. A few common ones:

• A gym membership — usually not as a plain membership — but disability-specific exercise physiology or an individualised program can sometimes be funded.
• An iPad or tablet — sometimes, if it's needed as assistive technology (for example, for communication) rather than for general use.
• Cleaning or gardening — sometimes, where your disability means you can't do these tasks yourself — usually from your Core budget.
• A holiday — no for the holiday itself, though disability supports you need while away may still be funded.
• Groceries or rent — no — these are everyday living costs the NDIS doesn't cover.