Here’s what we’ll cover:
- What the NDIS means by employment and education supports
- Which types of job and study supports may be funded
- What the NDIS generally won’t fund in relation to work or education
- Examples of workplace and study-related equipment or adjustments
- How Plan Hero can help you navigate these supports
Finding and keeping a job or continuing education can be a big goal for many NDIS participants. But understanding what the NDIS will actually fund to help you achieve that goal can be confusing.
We speak to parents, carers and participants every week who ask things like: “Can the NDIS help with a TAFE course?” or “Will they fund a computer for my child’s studies?”
The short answer is that the NDIS can fund supports related to your disability, not the general costs of working or studying that everyone has. The NDIS focuses on funding things that help you build skills, access the community, and move toward employment or education goals listed in your plan.
At Plan Hero, we help you understand those differences clearly. We explain what is and isn’t likely to be covered, and what steps you can take next. Our goal is to give you confidence — not confusion — when it comes to using your NDIS funding wisely.
Understanding NDIS Employment & Education Supports
The NDIS funds supports that help participants prepare for, find, and maintain employment, or access and continue education.
These fall under several categories, including:
- Assistance to access and maintain employment or higher education
- Development of daily care and life skills
- Therapeutic supports
- Assistive technology and equipment for communication, mobility, or learning
These supports must be:
- Directly related to your disability, and
- Considered reasonable and necessary for achieving your employment or education goals.
They don’t replace the responsibilities of employers, schools, or universities. For example, an employer must make reasonable workplace adjustments under Australian law, and schools must provide standard educational resources for studentswith a disability. The NDIS may fund additional supports only where your disability needs go beyond what those systems provide.
Will the NDIS fund job coaching?
The NDIS may fund job coaching or employment support when it helps you build the capacity to work independently or transition into the workforce.
This might include:
- Support developing work habits or social communication skills
- Learning how to travel safely to and from work
- Building confidence to manage work tasks or routines
Job coaching can be delivered by a support worker, employment specialist, or allied health professional, depending on your needs.
It usually falls under the NDIS category Assistance to access and maintain employment or higher education, which includes support to prepare for or transition into work.
What’s out: The NDIS won’t duplicate what mainstream employment services already provide, such as Disability Employment Services (DES). Your plan might fund complementary supports that build on, not replace, those programs.
Will the NDIS fund resume and interview support?
The NDIS may fund supports that help you prepare for employment if you need disability-specific help to:
- Write a resume or application
- Practise job interviews
- Build confidence and communication skills
If your disability impacts how you prepare or communicate, a support worker or therapist might help you develop these skills as part of a capacity-building goal.
What’s out: General career coaching or job search services that anyone can access (like a recruitment agency or job platform) are not funded. The NDIS focuses on disability-related supports, not general employment assistance.
Will the NDIS fund workplace assessments?
Yes, workplace assessments are often considered reasonable and necessary when linked to your disability needs.
These may include:
- Assessing physical access to a workplace
- Identifying assistive technology or ergonomic modifications required
- Evaluating how job tasks can be adjusted
An occupational therapist or allied health professional usually completes this assessment. It ensures your workplace setup is safe and suitable, helping you perform your role effectively.
If modifications or assistive technology are needed as a result, those may also be funded (see below).
Will the NDIS fund laptops or computers for study?
The NDIS does not fund standard laptops, tablets, or computers because they are considered everyday items used by most people for work or study.
However, funding may be possible in specific cases if:
- The computer or tablet is modified or includes assistive technology that supports your disability needs, and
- It is a reasonable and necessary replacement for another approved support.
For example, if you require specialised software for communication, screen reading, or accessibility, the NDIS may fund the device as part of an assistive technology package.
Your Plan Hero Plan Manager can help you check this against your plan and the NDIS guidelines before making any purchase.
Will the NDIS fund assistive software?
If the software directly supports your disability-related needs for learning or communication, the NDIS will fund it.
Examples may include:
- Screen readers or magnifiers for vision impairment
- Voice recognition or speech-to-text software for physical or communication difficulties
- Specialised literacy or organisational tools for cognitive or learning disabilities
These supports fall under Communication and information equipment or Assistive technology in the NDIS price guide.
What’s out: Standard software like Microsoft Office, video games, or general internet subscriptions would not be funded, as they are considered everyday or educational costs.
Will the NDIS fund course or TAFE fees?
The NDIS may fund supports that enable you to participate in those courses. For example:
- A support worker or educational aide to help with physical access or note-taking
- Assistive technology to use learning materials
- Transport assistance to attend classes
What’s out: The NDIS does not fund course fees, tuition, or TAFE costs, as these are considered mainstream education expenses. So while the NDIS won’t pay the course fee, it may help fund the supports that make studying possible.
Under “Supports that are not NDIS supports,” education and tuition fees for school, vocational education, and higher education are listed as excluded.
Will the NDIS fund tutoring?
Funding may be possible where tutoring is disability-specific and directly linked to your functional needs — for example, learning to use adaptive technology, communication devices, or alternative learning strategies.
If the tutoring is aimed at building skills that support independence or employment (rather than improving grades), it might be considered under Capacity Building Supports.
What’s out: Tutoring for general academic improvement is not typically funded, as it falls under standard educational support.
Will the NDIS fund driving lessons (for employment goals)?
The NDIS may fund driving lessons when driving is necessary to achieve your employment or community participation goals, and your disability means you need extra instruction or modified vehicle training.
This can include:
- Specialist driving lessons from an accredited provider
- Vehicle modifications (if approved under assistive technology funding)
What’s out: The NDIS won’t fund general driving lessons for people who can learn without disability-related adjustments.
It’s also important to note that the NDIS doesn’t fund the cost of obtaining a driver’s licence, registration, fuel, or insurance. Those are everyday expenses.
Will the NDIS fund workplace modifications?
Yes, workplace modifications can be funded when they are directly related to your disability and necessary for you to perform your role safely.
Examples include:
- Adjustable desks or chairs
- Voice-activated devices
- Ramps, rails, or accessible entryways
- Lighting or sound adjustments
Funding may also include assessment and setup costs by an occupational therapist.
What’s out: The NDIS won’t duplicate employer responsibilities, but it may step in when modifications are disability-specific and go beyond what’s considered a reasonable adjustment under workplace law.
Will the NDIS fund work clothing or equipment?
Funding may be possible if:
- The clothing or equipment must be modified for accessibility or safety, and
- It is directly related to your disability support needs.
For instance, if you require protective gloves adapted for your mobility needs, or a customised harness to use machinery safely, these could be considered.
What’s out: Generally, the NDIS does not fund standard work uniforms, safety gear, or professional clothing. These are everyday employment expenses and are excluded under the “Lifestyle related” and “Clothing and beauty” sections of the non-NDIS supports list.
Will the NDIS fund assistance on the job (workplace assistance)?
Yes, the NDIS may fund on-the-job support when it helps you perform tasks safely and effectively due to your disability.
This might include:
- A support worker to provide coaching or supervision
- Help managing communication or routines
- Assistance with personal care during work hours
These supports are covered under Assistance to access and maintain employment, which includes help in both open and supported employment settings.
The level and type of assistance will depend on your needs and the goals outlined in your plan.
What the NDIS Generally Does Not Fund for Employment or Education
Based on the “Supports that are not NDIS supports” document, the NDIS does not usually fund:
- Course or university fees
- Standard laptops or tablets
- Work uniforms or safety gear
- Travel to and from work or study (unless you need special transport assistance)
- General job search services or recruitment programs
- Career counselling or resume services for the general population
These are considered everyday or mainstream responsibilities.
How Plan Hero Can Help
Understanding NDIS employment and education funding can feel complex, especially when different systems overlap, like schools, TAFEs, employers and the NDIS.
At Plan Hero, we make it simple. We explain what your plan covers, how to make claims correctly, and when to ask for additional evidence or quotes. Our dedicated Plan Managers keep track of your budget, liaise with providers, and make sure your invoices are processed promptly.
We speak to parents, carers and participants every day about things like job coaching, driving lessons, and assistive technology for study. We’ll help you confirm whether a support is reasonable and necessary before you commit to it.
With Plan Hero’s plan management service, you’ll always have clear answers, transparent tracking, and the peace of mind that your funding is being used wisely — so you can focus on learning, working, and achieving your goals.
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