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 following education and employment-related supports are commonly funded by the NDIS, provided they meet the relevant criteria and are linked to the participant's disability.
Early Childhood Supports
- ✅ Short-term assistance to manage life transitions, such as moving to new educational settings.
- ✅ Coordination of supports during these transitions.
School Education Supports
- ✅ Travel and Transport Assistance: For participants who are unable to travel or use public transport independently to attend school or other educational facilities.
- ✅ Travel Training: To help build skills and confidence in using public transport safely and independently.
Higher Education Supports
- ✅ Similar to school supports, including assistance with transport to and from higher education or vocational education settings.
Supports Not Funded by the NDIS
Certain items and services are considered outside the scope of the NDIS. These are typically seen as day-to-day living costs, the responsibility of other government services, or not directly related to a person’s disability.
Early Intervention Supports
❌ Childcare fees, including specialist childcare
❌ Teaching aids or supports for general educational attainment
❌ Early childhood therapies for general development
❌ Building modifications in early childhood educational settings
School Education Supports
❌ School tuition fees
❌ Standard uniforms, shoes, lunchboxes, school supplies
❌ Educational aids like modified hardware/software, braille textbooks
❌ Supports primarily aimed at educational achievement
❌ Capital works such as ramps or lifts at schools
❌ Staff or services already provided by the school or education department
❌ Textbooks and teaching aids (including in alternative formats)
❌ Tutors, scribes, home-schooling supports
❌ School refusal programs, camp/excursion fees, transport for school activities
❌ Work experience linked to school programs
Higher Education and Vocational Education (VET)
❌ Tuition fees for university or TAFE
❌ Campus modifications (e.g., ramps, hearing loops)
❌ Assistive technology primarily for education
❌ Personalised learning supports focused on educational achievement
❌ Tutors, scribes, work experience, course materials (including braille or Easy English)
❌ Transition-to-work training delivered in higher education or VET
Out of School Hours Care
❌ Before/after school care, vacation care, student-free day care
Employment Supports
❌ Work-specific aids/equipment
❌ Workplace modifications or reasonable adjustments
❌ Recruitment or employment-related costs
❌ Business development or business skills training
❌ Conference tickets, event entry fees
❌ Life coaching or career coaching
❌ Employment programs already provided by government agencies
❌ Supports for employers such as wage subsidies or recruitment training
Participant Responsibilities
NDIS participants are responsible for ensuring their supports align with the goals and budgets outlined in their plans. Key responsibilities include:
✅ Know Your Goals: Supports must contribute to achieving the goals stated in your plan.
✅ Understand Budget Categories: Each support category has specific rules.
✅ Be Aware of Stated Supports: Some plans specify exactly what supports are covered.
✅ Know the Funding Periods: Understand how your funding is spread across the duration of the plan.
✅ Spend in Line with NDIS Guidelines: All supports must meet the Reasonable and Necessary test.
Want to Get a Support Funded?
The best way to confirm whether a support is eligible for NDIS funding is to:
- Check your current NDIS Plan
- Consult with your My NDIS Contact, Plan Manager or Support Coordinator
- Visit the NDIS website for more information