Understanding NDIS Funding: What Supports Are Covered and What Aren't

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a cornerstone of support for Australians with disabilities, providing funding for a range of services and aids to enhance quality of life and promote independence. However, understanding what the NDIS covers—and what it doesn't—is crucial for participants to effectively navigate the system and make the most of their plans.​

What Supports does the NDIS fund?

The NDIS funds "reasonable and necessary" supports that are directly related to a participant's disability and assist them in achieving their goals. These supports may include:​

• Daily Personal Activities: Assistance with daily tasks to enable participants to live as independently as possible.​

• Transport: Funding to facilitate participation in community, social, economic, and daily life activities.

• Therapeutic Supports: Services such as physiotherapy, speech therapy, or behaviour support to improve functional skills.

• Home Modifications: Design and construction modifications to make a participant's home more accessible.​

• Assistive Technology: Equipment like wheelchairs, hearing aids, or communication devices that aid in daily living.​

• Employment Support: Assistance to help participants find and maintain employment, including workplace modifications.​

  
  

These supports are designed to help participants increase their independence, pursue their goals, and engage more fully in their communities.

What Supports are not funded by the NDIS?

While the NDIS aims to provide comprehensive support, certain services and items fall outside its funding scope. The NDIS does not cover:​

• Medical and Clinical Services: Costs associated with hospital or GP visits, diagnostic assessments, treatments, or medications are typically covered by the healthcare system, not the NDIS. 

• Everyday Living Expenses: Costs such as rent, groceries, utilities, and other day-to-day expenses not directly related to a participant's disability are not funded.​

• Educational Tuition Fees: While the NDIS may fund supports that assist with learning, it does not cover the cost of school or university tuition fees. ​

• Supports Covered by Other Systems: If support is the responsibility of another service system, such as education or health, the NDIS will not fund it.​

• Non-Evidence-Based Therapies: Alternative therapies lacking sufficient evidence to demonstrate their effectiveness are generally not funded.​

Making the most of your NDIS Plan

To ensure your NDIS plan effectively meets your needs:

• Identify Your Goals: Clearly define what you aim to achieve with your NDIS support, whether it's gaining employment, improving daily living skills, or enhancing social participation.​

• Understand Support Categories: Familiarize yourself with the different support categories within the NDIS to know where your required supports fit.​

• Collaborate with Professionals: Work with NDIS planners, support coordinators, and service providers to tailor your plan effectively.

• Stay Informed: Regularly review NDIS guidelines and updates to remain aware of any changes that might affect your funding.​

  
  

By comprehensively understanding what the NDIS funds are and aligning your plan accordingly, you can maximise the benefits of your supports and work towards achieving your personal goals.

For more detailed information, refer to the NDIS's official guidelines on funded supports.