What does the NDIS fund?
The Government has introduced a new, clear list of NDIS supports, so participants can understand where they can spend their funds.
Starting 3 October 2024, NDIS funds can only be used for approved NDIS supports or designated replacements that are:
- reasonable and necessary, and
- directly related to a participant’s disability and their goals.
To support participants to understand what is an approved NDIS support, the Government has introduced a new, clear list of NDIS supports.
This list outlines what the scheme will and won’t cover and was developed based on feedback from participants. With this feedback in mind, it’s unlikely that the supports participants are currently using will be affected.
What are some examples of supports that are funded by the NDIS?
- Assistance to access and maintain employment or higher education
- Customised prosthetics (includes Orthotics)
- Daily personal activities.
You can view the full list of NDIS supports online or Easy Read - Supports that are NDIS supports.
What are examples of what supports are not funded by the NDIS?
- Day-to-day living costs, like food or groceries
- Energy and healing practices, like Reiki or shamanic healing
- School education costs, like school fees or uniforms
You can view the full list of non-NDIS supports online or Easy Read - Supports that are not NDIS supports.
What is a replacement support?
In some specific circumstances, you can use your NDIS funds for supports that are not NDIS supports, called replacement supports.
A replacement support must:
- replace an NDIS support, and
- deliver the same or better outcomes, and
- be of equal or lower cost to the total amount of the support(s) it would replace, and
- and meet the criteria in rules.
Only some supports can be replaced, and they can only be purchased if the NDIS agrees in writing. This will only be an option in specific circumstances.
View the full list of replacements online or read an Easy English version online.
What happens if you spend funds on non-NDIS supports?
If you make a mistake and buy supports that are not NDIS supports, the NDIS will work with you to help you to understand the new rules and access supports that are NDIS supports.
There will be a one-year transition period to help participants understand the new guidelines, with additional assistance available for those who mistakenly claim for items no longer covered by their funding.
If you purchase a non-NDIS support with your funds, the NDIS may ask you to pay them back for this, if it:
- Costs more than $1500
- If you have been given two warnings already for purchasing non-NDIS supports without approval, that cost less than $1500.
Need support to navigate the NDIS or to achieve your NDIS goals?
Get in touch with our friendly Yooralla Connect team to discuss your individual needs and circumstances.