This article provides guidance on what the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) may fund in relation to sport and recreation 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.
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Low Risk Supports – Commonly Funded
These supports are commonly funded by the NDIS and are usually included in your plan if the appropriate Support Category is available. These items typically do not require extensive supporting evidence.
Lifestyle-Related Supports:
- ✅ Support worker assistance to help you access a self-funded sport or recreational activity, provided it aligns with your current plan goals.
Sometimes Funded by the NDIS – Evidence Required
These supports may be funded by the NDIS, but only with written approval. If the support is not already included in your NDIS plan, you will need confirmation from My NDIS Contact or an NDIS Delegate.
Sporting Activities:
- ⚠️ Assistive products for use in sports or recreational activities, such as:
- ⚠️ Personal recreation equipment modifications
- ⚠️ Sporting equipment modifications
- ⚠️ Services to assess, prescribe, deliver, adjust, and train in the use of assistive products
- ⚠️ Maintenance, spare parts, and consumables specific to the equipment
- ⚠️ Adult swimming lessons related to a disability need
- ⚠️ The gap cost between standard group swimming lessons for a child and a required 1:1 lesson due to disability-related needs
Not Funded by the NDIS
The NDIS classifies some costs as day-to-day living expenses or not evidence-based. These items are not funded by the NDIS.
Lifestyle-Related (Not Funded):
- ❌ Membership costs for recreational sports or activities
- ❌ Venue hire fees
- ❌ Uniforms and footwear for sports or recreation
- ❌ Classes for recreational purposes (e.g., drama, art)
Sporting Activities (Not Funded):
- ❌ Costs for elite or professional sports, including equipment, modifications, and travel
- ❌ Standard sporting equipment
- ❌ Memberships, uniforms, venue hire, or footwear for recreational sports
- ❌ Sporting activity fees such as:
- Karate
- Gymnastics
- Dancing
- Football
- Child swimming lessons (non-disability related)
- Martial arts
- Rugby
- Soccer
- Surfing lessons
- Tennis
Additional Information: Participant Responsibilities
NDIS participants have a responsibility to ensure supports are used in line with their NDIS plan. Key responsibilities include:
- Know Your Goals: Ensure all supports help achieve your plan’s goals.
- Understand Budget Categories: Use each category according to the specific rules.
- Be Aware of Stated Supports: If your plan specifies exact supports, funds must be used accordingly.
- Know Plan Funding Periods: Be aware of how your funding is allocated across timeframes.
- Spend in Line with Reasonable and Necessary Guidelines: Supports must be disability-related and align with the intent of your plan.
If you’re unsure whether a support can be funded, speak with your Plan Manager or My NDIS Contact.
Want to Get a Support Funded?
The NDIS is your first point of contact to discuss whether a support may be funded. To learn more, visit Kismet Healthcare – NDIS Supports.