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What Is NDIS Funding For? What It Can Pay For

NDIS funding helps eligible participants pay for supports related to their disability. These supports can help you with everyday life, build skills and take part in your community.

But NDIS funding isn't money you can spend on anything you like.

There are rules about what it can pay for.

Here's how it works.

What can NDIS funding pay for?

Depending on your needs and plan, NDIS funding may help pay for:

  • Support workers to help with daily tasks.
  • Personal care and help around the home.
  • Therapy, such as occupational therapy or speech pathology.
  • Assistive technology, such as eligible mobility equipment.
  • Support to take part in community activities.
  • Home modifications related to your disability.

Your plan will show the funding available for your approved supports.

The NDIS has two official lists:

  • Supports that are NDIS supports: Services, equipment and items the NDIS can fund.
  • Supports that are not NDIS supports: Things NDIS funding generally cannot pay for.

You can check both lists in the NDIS guide to eligible supports.

What can't NDIS funding pay for?

The NDIS generally doesn't pay for ordinary living costs. For example:

  • Everyday groceries.
  • Rent and mortgage payments.
  • Standard household bills.
  • Ordinary clothing.
  • Holidays and entertainment tickets.

There are also rules about supports that should be provided by other systems, such as health and education.

You can read more in the NDIS guide to what funding can pay for.

Are there any exceptions?

In some cases, the NDIS may approve a replacement support.

This means you may be able to use your funding for an item that isn't normally an NDIS support, if it meets the replacement support rules.

You must apply and receive approval before buying it.

For example, some tablets, smartphones or household items may be approved in certain situations.

Read the NDIS guide to replacement supports.

Does the NDIS pay for everything related to my disability?

No.

A support must meet the NDIS funding rules and be suitable for your individual plan. It usually needs to help with your disability-related needs and be reasonable and necessary.

For example, a support worker may be funded to help you take part in an activity. But the NDIS generally won't pay for your entry ticket to that activity.

Read the NDIS guide to reasonable and necessary supports.

How do I know if something is covered?

Before buying a support, check:

  1. Is it an eligible NDIS support, or an approved replacement support?
  2. Is it related to my disability?
  3. Does it fit the funding and rules in my plan?
  4. Do I have enough funding available?
  5. Are there any price limits or special conditions?

If you're unsure, ask your NDIS contact or plan manager before spending.

You can also read the NDIS guide to how funding decisions are made.

Need help managing your funding?

Kismet Healthcare helps plan-managed participants track their budgets and manage eligible provider invoices. 

Learn more about Kismet Plan Management. 

Learn more