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.
Overview
The NDIS generally does not fund standard clothing, beauty treatments, or accessories unless they are directly related to a participant's disability and required to meet functional needs. The focus of funding is on supports that assist with daily living, safety, and functional independence, rather than general lifestyle or cosmetic choices.
Not Funded by the NDIS (Day-to-Day Costs)
The following items and services are considered everyday living expenses and are not funded by the NDIS:
- ❌ Standard Clothing: Non-modified, non-adaptive clothing that is typical for anyone in the community.
- ❌ Jewellery and Watches: This includes standard jewellery and smart watches.
- ❌ Makeup and Cosmetic Products: Includes makeup, cosmetic treatments, cosmetic accessories, and any services for beauty enhancement.
- ❌ Hair Treatments and Services: Hair styling, dyeing, extensions, threading, weaving, hair replacements, transplants, and wigs.
- ❌ Body Art: Tattoo services, body piercings, henna, and similar services.
These items are viewed as personal choices or general lifestyle expenses which are not considered reasonable and necessary supports under the NDIS.
Supports That May Require NDIS Approval
In certain circumstances, the NDIS may consider funding clothing or beauty-related supports if they meet specific disability-related criteria and are required for functional reasons.
Examples include:
- ✅ Modified or Adaptive Clothing: Clothing that has been specifically designed or modified to assist with dressing or other functional needs related to a participant’s disability.
- ⚠️ Sensory Clothing: Where clothing items are specifically designed to meet sensory needs arising from a participant’s disability.
- ✅ Support Worker Assistance: A support worker assisting with purchasing, choosing, or dressing in appropriate disability-specific clothing, when this is included as part of an overall support plan.
These supports require written approval or specific inclusion in the participant's NDIS Plan.
Practical Scenarios
| Item/Service | Funded by NDIS? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard T-shirt or jeans | ❌ Not Funded | Considered a general cost of living |
| Compression or sensory clothing | ⚠️ May be Funded | Requires evidence of disability need and NDIS approval |
| Haircut, hair dye, hair extensions | ❌ Not Funded | Cosmetic service, not disability-related |
| Adaptive footwear linked to disability | ✅ May be Funded | Only if custom/modified due to disability |
| Body piercings or tattoos | ❌ Not Funded | Lifestyle choice, not considered a disability-related need |
| Wigs for sensory/medical needs | ⚠️ May be Funded | Only where there is a clear disability-related requirement and NDIS approval |
Key NDIS Operational Guidelines and Resources
For further clarification on what the NDIS does and does not fund, you can refer to:
Summary
The NDIS focuses on funding supports that are directly related to functional needs caused by a participant's disability. Most general clothing, beauty treatments, and accessories are personal expenses and not covered by the NDIS. However, where an item has a clear link to a participant's disability—such as adaptive or sensory clothing—it may be considered for funding with appropriate evidence and plan inclusion.
For specific cases or uncertainties, always seek written confirmation from the NDIA or your My NDIS Contact.