Approved NDIS Supports
The NDIS will typically fund a requested support if it meets ALL of the following criteria:
- it is for your impairments that meet the disability or early intervention requirements, or both
- it will help with your individual goals and aspirations
- it will help your social and/or economic participation
- it is value for money, which means that:
- the cost of the support is similar to or cheaper than alternative options that can provide you with the same outcome (NDIS Supports for Participants Rule 3.1(a)); and/or
- purchasing the support is likely to reduce the costs of funding for other supports in the long term (NDIS Supports for Participants Rule 3.1(c)).
- it is effective and beneficial for you
- it helps to maintain your informal supports
- it is an *NDIS support (see below)
For more information see What is Reasonable and Necessary ?
What Is the NDIS Supports List?
*What is an NDIS Support?
On October 3 2025, the NDIS announced the new NDIS Support Lists. These consisted of a list of ‘allowed’ NDIS supports and ‘n ot allowed’ NDIS supports.
The NDIS Supports list is a list of the types of items NDIS funding can or can’t be used for. In some circumstances participants may be able to request a substitution from the replacement support list.
This is part of the amendments introduced under the Getting the NDIS Back on Track Bill No. 1 which passed Parliament in August 2024.
What’s changing?
Definition of “*NDIS support”
An NDIS Support explains what can and cannot be funded by the scheme.
The list of approved supports is extremely detailed and largely includes items or services directly linked to managing a disability.
What can I spend my NDIS funding on?
The NDIS has created an ‘IN’ and an ‘Out’ List. You can access them here:
The NDIS IN List – Supports that will be funded
The NDIS OUT List – Supports that won’t be funded
What happens if an NDIS participant needs something that is not on the list?
If a participant needs something to manage their disability that isn’t on the list, they can make a request to the NDIA in writing.
In some specific circumstances, the NDIS can fund supports that are not NDIS supports. The NDIA calls these Replacement Supports.
What are Replacement Supports in the NDIS?
A replacement support:
- Is a service, item or equipment you would like to use instead of the NDIS support or supports in your plan.
- Is a support that the NDIS has agreed to fund (in writing).
- Replaces an existing NDIS support or supports in your plan – it is not an extra support
- Represents value for money and there is good evidence to support it.
This example was provided by the NDIS Minister The Hon.Bill Shorten:
“You might need a pair of specially designed shoes because of your disability. That could cost literally hundreds and hundreds of dollars,” he told reporters on Tuesday.
“If you can prove that getting [that] particular shoe off the shelf actually is better than the specially designed one, even though that shoe is not on the list, the agency will take that into account.”
See a list of Replacement Supports
How to apply for a Replacement Support
2024–2025 NDIS Rule Changes: What Has Changed to Approved Supports?
Following the 2023 NDIS Review and the introduction of the Getting the NDIS Back on Track legislation, significant changes have been made to how approved NDIS supports are defined and funded.
The government has stated that these reforms are aimed at improving consistency, clarifying what the NDIS will and will not fund, and reducing projected scheme growth by $14 billion over four years.
Below are the key changes to NDIS support rules for 2024–2025.
Support Spending Under $1,500
Debts will not be raised for participants who have spent less than $1,500 on items that are not listed as approved NDIS supports.
Support Coordination Funding Rules
Support coordination can only be claimed if it is explicitly stated in a participant’s plan.
Participants can no longer use Core funding flexibly to pay for support coordination unless it is specifically included.
Replacement Support Determinations
The previous substitution rule has been replaced with Replacement Support determinations.
Participants can request written approval from the NDIA to replace an existing funded support with an alternative item or service.
This may apply to:
- Standard commercially available household items
- Smartwatches, tablets, smartphones or apps used for accessibility or communication purposes
- The replacement must represent value for money and be approved in writing.
Specialised Driver Training
Specialised driver training is available where it is directly related to a participant’s disability.
It must be:
- Stated in the participant’s NDIS plan
- Delivered by a specialised driving instructor
Assistance Animals and Innovative Community Participation
These supports must now be explicitly included in a participant’s plan to be funded.
Hairdressing for Disability Related Needs
Hair washing services are no longer listed on the OUT list.
However, cosmetic services such as manicures, pedicures and artificial nails remain excluded.
Electricity Generators
Electricity generators remain on the NDIS OUT list and are not funded.
Property Repairs
There is provision for the NDIS to fund repairs where damage is directly related to a participant’s disability.
Legal Costs
Legal costs are now formally listed on the NDIS OUT list and cannot be claimed.
Individualised Living Options and Rent
Rent remains on the OUT list.
This significantly impacts Individualised Living Options arrangements where supportive housemates previously provided overnight passive supports in exchange for reduced rent.
Existing arrangements may require review.
Meal Delivery Services
Meal delivery platforms are excluded unless the food and ingredient costs can be clearly separated from preparation and delivery charges.
Gym Memberships and Recreation
The wording now excludes costs associated with recreational sports and activities, including membership fees.
Funding may be considered where the support is directly linked to disability related goals rather than recreation.
Dating and Relationship Services
Dating and relationship services remain on the OUT list.
Conferences
Conference fees are listed on the OUT list.
Coaching Services
The following remain excluded:
- Life coaches
- Career coaches
- Gaming therapists
- Cultural coaches
If supports are disability related, they must be delivered and claimed under appropriate support categories.
Childcare and School Holiday Programs
After school care, au pairs and vacation care programs are on the OUT list.
Postal Services
Postal services are excluded, including general delivery costs.
Services the NDIS Will Not Fund
The NDIS will not fund services that are:
- Not evidence based, such as cuddle therapy
- Not directly linked to a participant’s disability
- Day to day living expenses such as rent, groceries and utility bills
What happens next?
The NDIA says most participants will start to see changes when the scheme transitions to the new planning framework later next year.
Other changes recommended by the NDIS review are still in the pipeline, including “foundational supports” — services for those outside the scheme, delivered through the likes of schools and health services.
Consultation on foundational supports began last month.
The government is also still looking at the Taskforce report on the issue of Provider Registration.
Sources:
NDIS Guidelines – Will we fund it
NDIS media release – 1 October 2024
Section 10 – new legislation changes
