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.
Low-Risk Supports – Commonly Funded
The NDIS commonly funds certain supports related to early childhood. These supports typically do not require extensive supporting evidence when the appropriate Support Category is included in a participant's plan.
Examples of Commonly Funded Early Childhood Supports:
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✅ Therapy provided by allied health professionals
Such as early childhood educator, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, and physiotherapists. -
✅ Daily Living Skills Development
Including assistance with communication, dressing, and social interaction. -
✅ Key Worker Support
Provision of a key worker (Early Childhood Educator) to support the child and their family.
These supports are designed to assist children aged 0-9 years in achieving better long-term outcomes.
What the NDIS Does Not Fund
Certain supports are not funded by the NDIS because they are either considered everyday living costs, health-related, or more appropriately provided by other services.
Health-Related Supports:
- ❌ Newborn follow-up care provided by the health system (including maternal and child health services).
Early Childhood Development:
- ❌ General early childhood supports or therapies aimed at typical child development rather than disability-related needs.
- ❌ Childcare fees of any kind, including specialist childcare services or costs related to reasonable adjustments made by childcare providers.
- ❌ Teaching aids or educational supports, such as tutoring or learning assistance aimed at academic performance.
Child Protection & Family Support:
- ❌ Child support fees and debt repayments.
- ❌ Travel or accommodation costs for parents visiting children in out-of-home care (OOHC).
- ❌ Guardianship services for children or adults.
- ❌ General family therapy and parenting programs.
- ❌ Babysitting, nannying services, or au pairs.
- ❌ Marriage or relationship counselling.
- ❌ General community-based parenting programs or counselling.
- ❌ Child protection services required by families involved in statutory child protection systems.
- ❌ General support to carers of children in out-of-home care (unless it addresses additional needs beyond what is typical for children of the same age).
Participant Responsibilities
NDIS participants have the responsibility to ensure that their funding is used in accordance with their plan and the NDIS Reasonable and Necessary Guidelines. Below are key responsibilities for participants and their families:
- Know the Goals: Ensure all supports contribute toward achieving the goals set in your NDIS Plan.
- Understand Budget Categories: Spend each category within its specific rules and limitations.
- Be Aware of Stated Supports: If specific supports are detailed in the plan, funds must be used as prescribed.
- Plan Funding Periods: Know how your plan’s funds are allocated over time and manage spending accordingly.
- Spend Responsibly: All spending should align with NDIS guidelines and be in the spirit of the plan’s intentions.
If you are ever uncertain about whether a support is claimable under your NDIS Plan, it is highly recommended to speak with your Plan Manager or Support Coordinator.
Want to Get a Support Funded by the NDIS?
To explore whether a support may be funded under your NDIS Plan, please visit Kismet Healthcare – NDIS Supports or contact with your My NDIS Contact for personalised advice.