The following information is to provide you with examples of what the NDIS may fund. It’s important to note that this is only a guide to assist you make an informed decision. Only your My NDIS Contact, an NDIS Delegate, or the explicit written information in a current NDIS plan serves as the source of truth. The NDIS considers requests based on whether the support is related to your disability and whether it meets the NDIS Reasonable and Necessary Guidelines.
What are Personal Care and Safety Related Supports?
Personal Care and Safety Related supports help participants maintain their personal hygiene, independence, and safety. These supports include a range of assistive products and services designed to assist with daily self-care activities and to enhance safety in the home environment.
These supports must relate directly to the participant's disability and be considered reasonable and necessary.
Commonly Funded (Low Risk) Supports
These supports are typically considered low risk and may be included in your NDIS plan if they meet your needs.
Examples include:
- ✅ Non-slip bath mats
- ✅ Assistive products for self-care (e.g. shower stools, bed pans, urinals, modified cutlery, dressing aids)
- ✅ Incontinence supports (e.g. nappies, Molicare, wipes)
- ✅ Menstrual management supports (adaptive products, period underwear)
- ✅ Furniture or products to support movement, positioning, and safety (e.g. safety chairs, stools, transfer aids)
- ✅ Visual and tactile alerting systems
- ✅ Falls watch (not phone connected)
- ✅ Mepacs monitoring service
- ✅ MLAK keys for accessible public bathrooms
- ✅ Vital Call monitoring devices
- ✅ Bed pans, urinals
- ✅ Shower care or dressing aids
- ✅ Medical soap, Milton tablets
- ✅ Modified eating and drinking utensils (e.g. tipping kettles, jar openers)
Supports Requiring NDIS Approval
Some personal care and safety supports may require written approval from the NDIS. This is often necessary when:
- The support is higher-cost, customised, or not clearly low-risk.
- The support has not previously been funded for the participant.
Examples include:
- ⚠️ Modified foods including PEG feeding requirements.
- ⚠️ Portable ramps and handrails.
- ⚠️ Personal alarms, sensor mats.
- ⚠️ Alarm monitoring subscriptions.
- ⚠️ CPAP machines (case by case).
- ⚠️ Heat packs for pain relief.
- ⚠️ Wheelie walkers.
- ⚠️ Specialist safety equipment or furniture not previously funded.
All assistive products under this category may also include:
- ⚠️ Assessment and prescription services.
- ⚠️ Training and adjustment services.
- ⚠️ Maintenance and spare parts.
Supports Not Funded by NDIS
The following items are generally not funded as they are considered everyday expenses or not related to a participant’s disability:
Examples include:
- ❌ Standard toiletries and hygiene products (soap, shampoo, deodorant)
- ❌ Smoking cessation devices (nicotine patches, etc.)
- ❌ Hair cutting, hair treatments, wigs
- ❌ Sanitary pads that are not modified/adaptive
- ❌ KISA phones, Fitbits
- ❌ Standard pillows and bedding
- ❌ Consumable personal care items not specifically related to disability
These items fall outside NDIS funding as they are considered general household, beauty, or personal care costs that all people encounter.
Useful NDIS Resources
- NDIS Pricing Arrangements
- Supports funded and not funded by the NDIS
- Assistive Technology Product Risk Table
- Replacement Supports
Key Takeaways
✔ Supports must be directly related to a participant's disability.
✔ Everyday living costs are not covered.
✔ Some household items or technology may be considered a Replacement Support
✔ Some items require additional clinical evidence and NDIS approval.
✔ Where appropriate, assessments, prescriptions, and training for assistive technology are included.
For personalised advice, participants should speak with their My NDIS contact or support coordinator.