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 Disability-Related Health Supports?
Disability-Related Health Supports refer to assistive products, consumables, and services that help manage health conditions directly related to a person’s disability. These supports aim to enable participants to live as independently and safely as possible.
These supports are different from general health services, which remain the responsibility of the mainstream health system.
Common Examples of Disability-Related Health Supports
Low Risk Supports
These are typically approved where funding is available and when they meet NDIS reasonable and necessary criteria:
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Assistive products to manage:
- ✅ Dysphagia: e.g. food thickeners, modified utensils
- ✅ Diabetes: e.g. glucometers, sharps containers
- ✅ Continence: e.g. continence pads, catheters
- ✅ Wound and pressure care: e.g. dressings, specialised creams
- ✅ Respiration: e.g. nebulisers, respiratory aids
- ✅ Nutrition: e.g. nutritional supplements (only where disability-related)
- ✅ Podiatry and foot care: e.g. specialised footwear or foot care products
- ✅ Seizures: e.g. seizure mats or monitoring devices
- ✅ Wound Care Supplies: e.g. bandages, antiseptic creams
- ✅ Webster pack (labour only, not contents)
Supports Requiring NDIS Approval
These supports may be funded but require explicit approval through the participant's NDIS plan or through your My NDIS Contact approval:
- Disability-related health supports that require more specialised assessment or higher costs, such as:
- ⚠️ Nutritional supplements recommended as part of disability management
- ⚠️ Nappy bin hire for continence needs
- ⚠️ Air purifiers linked to disability-related respiratory needs
- ⚠️ Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) if they are essential to safely deliver disability-related supports
- ⚠️ Pain Management devices such as TENS machines or specific therapeutic items
Supports Not Funded
The following are out of scope for NDIS funding as they are considered general health or everyday living expenses:
- ❌ Medications/Pharmaceuticals: Includes both prescription and over-the-counter medicines such as Panadol, Nurofen, CBD oil, Ural, vitamins, weight-loss products
- ❌ Dental care
- ❌ General health items not directly related to disability
- ❌ Webster pack contents
- ❌ Weight loss supplements
- ❌ Alternative therapies not evidence-based or not directly related to the functional impact of disability
The NDIS does not fund supports that are primarily related to clinical treatment, general healthcare, or items that fall under the mainstream health system.
NDIS Reference Links
Important Considerations
- Supports must be directly related to the participant’s disability and not be considered day-to-day living costs.
- Many disability-related health supports also require the involvement of a qualified allied health professional for assessment, prescription, or training where applicable.
- Always check if the support is already covered under other systems such as the mainstream health system or Hearing Services Program.
If you're unsure whether a specific item or service is covered, it’s essential to seek guidance from the participant’s My NDIS Contact, Support Coordinator, or check the NDIS Operational Guidelines.