This guide provides information about what the NDIS may or may not fund in relation to finance and payment-related supports. It’s important to note that this is only a guide and intends 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 The NDIS Does Not Fund: Finance and Payment Related Supports
The following are not funded by the NDIS because they are considered day-to-day living costs or are better funded by other services.
General Finance and Payment Costs Not Funded
- ❌ Donations, tithes, gifts, political contributions
- ❌ Fines, penalties, court-ordered payments
- ❌ Insurance (travel, life, income protection, home and contents, car, excess insurance, wheelchair, pet-related)
- ❌ Education and tuition fees (school, vocational, higher education)
- ❌ Legal costs
- ❌ Child support fees and debt repayments
- ❌ Debts, liabilities, loan repayments, Buy Now Pay Later, taxes
- ❌ Business development and business skills costs (company registration, bookkeeping, accounting services, software)
- ❌ Gambling
- ❌ Superannuation (including self-managed super funds)
Costs Considered Best Funded by Other Services
Early Childhood Related Costs
- ❌ Childcare fees, including specialist or segregated childcare
- ❌ Costs for reasonable adjustments by childcare services
Employment Related Costs
- ❌ Fringe benefits for staff or contractors
School Education Related Costs
- ❌ School camp, incursions, excursions
- ❌ All education and tuition fees across education settings
Higher Education and Vocational Training Related Costs
- ❌ All higher education and VET tuition fees
Income Replacement Costs Not Funded
The NDIS does not provide income replacement or income supplementation. The following are not funded:
- ❌ Income support payments
- ❌ Rent subsidies
- ❌ Income supplementation, Disability Employment income, or similar
Participant Responsibilities
As an NDIS participant, you are responsible for ensuring your supports align with your plan. Here are some key responsibilities:
✔ Know Your Goals
All supports purchased must contribute towards achieving the goals set in your NDIS plan.
✔ Understand Budget Categories
Each funding category has rules about what you can use the funds for. Stick to these rules.
✔ Be Aware of Stated Supports
If your plan specifically lists certain supports, you must use your funding accordingly. If no specific supports are listed, you have some flexibility, but any spending must still meet NDIS Reasonable and Necessary criteria.
✔ Know Your Plan Funding Periods
Understand how your funding is allocated over the duration of your plan.
✔ Spend In Line with the NDIS Guidelines
When in doubt, always check with your Plan Manager or My NDIS Contact to confirm whether a support can be claimed.
Need Help Getting a Support Funded?
If you're unsure whether a support can be funded by the NDIS, speak with your Plan Manager or visit:
👉 Kismet Healthcare – NDIS Supports
For more detailed information, you can also refer to the official NDIS Operational Guidelines: