The following information is to provide you with examples of what the NDIS may fund in relation to Skill Development supports.
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.
👉 Useful Links:
NDIS Operational Guidelines
NDIS Social and Recreation Support
What Skill Development Supports May Be Funded?
The NDIS may fund Skill Development Supports where they are directly related to a participant’s disability and help them pursue their NDIS goals.
These supports typically fall under Low Risk Supports – Commonly Funded and may include:
- ✅ Support worker assistance to access a self-funded skill development activity, in line with the participant’s NDIS goals and current plan.
Example: A support worker assisting a participant to attend a cooking class they’ve paid for themselves, where the activity builds independence or social participation.
What Skill Development Supports Are Not Funded?
The NDIS is unlikely to fund activities that are:
- Considered everyday living costs
- Not disability-specific
- More appropriately funded by other services (e.g., education or health sectors)
Examples of Not Funded Items:
| ❌ | Item | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| ❌ | Tickets to events, conferences, entrance fees | General community participation not disability-specific |
| ❌ | Licenses (e.g., forklift, truck) | Employment-related, not disability-specific |
| ❌ | Recreational classes (drama, art, pottery, music lessons) | Not directly linked to disability outcomes |
| ❌ | Mentoring and tutoring supports | Considered educational rather than disability-specific |
| ❌ | Tutors and scribes | Educational support best funded by schools or education departments |
| ❌ | Home-schooling supports | Responsibility of the education system |
Participant Responsibilities
NDIS participants play a key role in managing their supports responsibly. Here’s what participants need to know:
| Responsibility | What It Means |
|---|---|
| 🎯 Know Your Goals | Ensure any support purchased helps achieve goals in your NDIS plan. |
| 💰 Understand Budget Categories | Each category has rules about what you can use funds for. |
| 📜 Be Aware of Stated Supports | Some plans include exact supports – others are more flexible but must still meet NDIS guidelines. |
| ⏳ Know Your Funding Periods | Be aware of how your funding is spread across the life of your plan. |
| ✅ Spend in Line with the Plan | Supports must meet the NDIS Reasonable and Necessary criteria. |
👉 If you're unsure whether a support is claimable, speak with your Plan Manager or Support Coordinator.
How to Get a Support Funded by the NDIS
To explore whether a support may be funded:
- Check your NDIS plan goals and categories.
- Consider how the support relates to your disability and functional capacity.
- Discuss with your Support Coordinator or My NDIS Contact for advice.
For more information, visit:
👉 Kismet Healthcare – NDIS Supports
👉 NDIS Operational Guidelines