What Does the NDIS Fund?
Navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can sometimes be complex, but understanding your entitlements doesn’t have to be. Today we’re here to help make sense of the options available to you so you can focus on achieving your goals and living your best life. Below, we break down what NDIS-funded supports cover, what’s excluded, and how to access replacement supports when needed. Whether you're just starting your NDIS journey or looking for ways to maximise your plan, this guide is for you.
What IS an NDIS-Funded Support?
The NDIS provides funding for services, equipment, and items that help individuals with disabilities live more independently, achieve their goals, and improve their quality of life. These supports fall into 37 categories, each designed to meet different needs. Here’s a breakdown of these categories:
Accommodation or Tenancy Assistance
Assistance Animals
Life Stage Transitions Support (e.g., help with moving home or attending appointments)
Support for Employment or Education (including self-employment)
Daily Life Support in Shared Living (e.g., short-term accommodation or respite)
Transport Assistance
Assistive Recreation Equipment
Household Assistive Products (e.g., gardening tools, kitchen aids)
Personal Care Products (e.g., adaptive clothing)
Communication Equipment (e.g., communication boards)
Community Nursing Care
Custom Prosthetics
Personal Activities Assistance
Daily Living Skills Development
Health Supports Related to Disability
Early Childhood Intervention
Exercise and Well-Being Activities
Group and Centre-Based Activities
Hearing Equipment
High-Intensity Personal Activities
Home Modifications
Household Tasks (e.g., cleaning, cooking)
Innovative Community Participation
Interpreting and Translation Services
Funding Management Support
Community and Civic Participation Assistance
Personal Mobility Equipment
Positive Behaviour Support
Specialist Disability Accommodation
Driver Training
Hearing Services
Supported Employment
Support Coordination
Therapeutic Supports
Vehicle Modifications
Vision Equipment
For full details on what these categories include, check out the NDIS support guide.
What IS NOT Covered by the NDIS?
While the NDIS is comprehensive, it doesn’t fund everything. Generally, the scheme excludes supports that fall outside the scope of disability-related needs. Here are some examples:
Housing Costs (e.g., rent, stamp duty)
Medical Gaps and Penalties (e.g., Medicare gap payments)
Day-to-Day Living Costs (e.g., groceries, utilities, internet services)
Lifestyle Items (e.g., gym memberships, entertainment tickets)
Pet Expenses (except for assistance animals)
Fertility Treatments and Surrogacy
Alternative Therapies (e.g., hypnotherapy, reiki)
Emergency or Health-Related Costs (e.g., ambulance fees, medical diagnoses)
Pharmaceuticals
Educational Expenses (e.g., school fees, after-school care)
Employment Programs and Modifications
Public Transport Fares
Costs Related to Custody or Corrective Services
Aged Care Act Items (e.g., basic daily care fees)
Illegal or Non-Compliant Activities
Income Support Payments
For a comprehensive list of excluded items, refer to the NDIS guide on non-funded supports.
What Are Replacement Supports?
In some cases, the NDIS may fund items not explicitly listed in your plan. These are called replacement supports. They must provide the same outcome as an existing support in your plan and cost the same or less. Examples might include:
Household items
Accessibility technology, such as a smartwatch, tablet, smartphone, or app
To access a replacement support, you’ll need approval from the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).
How Sistability Can Help
Sistability provides a variety of services designed to help NDIS participants maintain their independence and live comfortably at home. Our tailored support services include:
Cleaning Services – From general maintenance to deep cleaning, our team ensures your home remains a safe and healthy environment.
Gardening and Lawn Care – We take care of your outdoor spaces, including mowing, weeding, and garden maintenance, so you can enjoy your home to the fullest.
Direct Support Services – Our highly trained team can assist with personal care, daily living tasks, and participation in social and community activities.
With our dedicated team and a focus on quality, Sistability delivers reliable, professional services to help you achieve your goals. Whether you’re looking for assistance with everyday tasks or more specialised support, we’re here to make life easier. Contact us to learn more about how we can assist you!
