The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has specific guidelines around the funding of clothing, beauty services, and related supports. The NDIS funds supports that are considered reasonable and necessary, directly related to a participant's disability, and which assist the participant to pursue their goals and live more independently. Most standard clothing and beauty services are considered everyday expenses and are not funded by the NDIS. However, in limited circumstances, adapted or modified clothing may be considered for funding.
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.
Supports Not Funded by the NDIS
The following day-to-day costs are not funded by the NDIS as they are considered general living expenses unrelated to a person’s disability:
- ❌ Standard (non-modified and non-adaptive) clothing.
- ❌ Jewellery, including watches (smart or traditional).
- ❌ Makeup, cosmetic treatments, cosmetics, and cosmetic accessories.
- ❌ Hair treatments such as cutting, dyeing, styling, extensions, threading, weaving, hair replacements, transplants, and wigs.
- ❌ Body art including body piercings, tattoo services, and henna.
- ❌ Nails: manicures, pedicures, false nail application/removal, nail painting or decoration, nail piercings, or hand/foot massage and treatments.
These items are considered personal lifestyle choices or standard grooming expenses which are costs everyone incurs, regardless of disability.
Supports That Require NDIS Approval
In some situations, participants may require clothing or personal care items that are adapted or modified to meet their disability-specific needs. These supports may be funded if they meet the NDIS funding criteria and require NDIS Approval.
Examples include:
- ⚠️ Adapted or modified clothing (e.g. clothing designed for easier dressing, sensory-friendly fabrics, adaptive fastenings for limited dexterity).
- ⚠️ Sensory clothing for participants with sensory processing needs.
- ⚠️ Waxing, eyebrow maintenance (only in cases where it is directly related to the management of the participant’s disability or well-being, as part of a broader care plan).
These supports must be:
- Directly related to the participant’s functional impairment or disability.
- Assessed as reasonable and necessary.
- Included in the participant’s NDIS plan or supported by written approval from an NDIS Planner or Delegate.
NDIS Operational Guidelines & References
Under the NDIS Act 2013, supports must be value-for-money, beneficial to the participant’s disability-related goals, and not more appropriately funded by other government services or considered everyday expenses.
Summary
| Support Item | Funding Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard clothing, jewellery, cosmetics | ❌ Not Funded | Everyday living cost not related to disability |
| Hair treatments, styling, wigs | ❌ Not Funded | Personal grooming choice |
| Body art (tattoos, piercings) | ❌ Not Funded | Not considered a disability-related need |
| Adapted or modified clothing | ⚠️ NDIS Approval Required | May be funded if disability-related and necessary |
| Sensory clothing | ⚠️ NDIS Approval Required | Case-by-case basis |
| Grooming related to disability needs | ⚠️ NDIS Approval Required | Must be clearly linked to functional outcomes |
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