What does the NDIS cover?

If you're new to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), you might be wondering what it pays for. In short, it covers supports related to your disability that help you work towards your goals.

Here's what the NDIS covers, what it doesn't and how to check what fits your plan.

What are NDIS supports?

NDIS supports are the services, items and equipment that NDIS laws say the NDIS can fund.

They can help you:

• Complete daily living activities

• Build independence and skills

• Buy assistive technology, equipment and home or vehicle modifications

• Pay for capital costs, like Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)

The 4 support budgets in an NDIS plan

Supports in your plan are grouped into 4 budgets:

• Core supports: help with everyday activities and taking part in your community

• Capacity building supports: help to build your skills, such as therapy or support coordination

• Capital supports: more expensive assistive technology, home or vehicle modifications and SDA

• Recurring supports: regular transport to work, study or community activities

Your plan is based on your needs, so you might not have funding in all 4. Our guide to NDIS core supports explains the most flexible budget.

Everyday examples of what the NDIS can fund

Depending on your plan and goals, NDIS funding might pay for:

• A support worker to help with personal care, cooking or cleaning

• Everyday items like continence products

• Speech therapy or occupational therapy

• A dietitian or exercise physiologist

• A plan manager to pay your providers

• Equipment like a powered wheelchair

What the NDIS doesn't cover

The NDIS also lists things that aren't NDIS supports. These include things that:

• Relate to your day-to-day living costs

• Should be funded by another government system or community service

• Are illegal

• Are sexual services, sex work, alcohol or drugs

For example, rent and bonds aren't NDIS supports, but the NDIS can fund help to find and keep a home.

In some cases, the NDIS can fund something that isn't on its list. This is called a replacement support, and you need to apply and be approved first.

How to check what fits your plan

Your funding can only pay for NDIS supports that relate to your disability and fit your plan. If you use it for something else, the NDIS might ask you to pay it back.

The NDIS publishes two lists, with 37 categories of supports it can fund and 15 it can't. If you're unsure, ask your my NDIS contact (usually your local area coordinator) for a plan implementation meeting.

Talk to us about your NDIS supports

At HomeCaring, we're a registered NDIS provider, and your supports are led by people who live and work in your community.

Tell us what you'd like help with, and we'll talk you through the NDIS supports we can offer. Reach out to our Care Specialists on 1300 875 377.