What Does NDIS Cover? A Simple Guide to NDIS Funding

 

If you or someone you care for is eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), you may be wondering, “What does NDIS cover?” Understanding what you can and cannot use your NDIS funding for can help you make better decisions about your supports.

The NDIS generally funds supports and services that are related to a person’s disability and help them work towards their goals, become more independent, participate in the community, and improve their quality of life.

What Does the NDIS Cover?

NDIS funding can cover a wide range of supports, depending on your individual needs, circumstances, and NDIS plan. Some common areas include:

1. Daily Living and Personal Care

The NDIS may fund support with everyday activities when a person needs assistance because of their disability. This can include:

  • Personal care and hygiene

  • Getting dressed

  • Preparing meals

  • Household tasks

  • Assistance with daily routines

  • Support with shopping and appointments

These supports are designed to help participants manage everyday life more independently.

2. Community Participation

The NDIS can fund supports that help participants participate in their community and social activities. Depending on your plan, this may include assistance to:

  • Attend community activities

  • Join social groups

  • Participate in recreational activities

  • Develop social skills

  • Attend appointments or events

  • Build confidence in the community

Community participation can help reduce social isolation and support greater independence.

3. Supported Independent Living (SIL)

For participants who require significant assistance with daily living, the NDIS may fund Supported Independent Living (SIL).

SIL provides support to eligible participants who live independently or with other people and need regular assistance with everyday activities. The support may include personal care, meal preparation, household routines, and developing independent living skills.

4. Assistive Technology

The NDIS may fund assistive technology that helps a participant perform everyday activities or improve their independence.

Examples can include:

  • Mobility equipment

  • Communication devices

  • Personal care equipment

  • Modified equipment

  • Certain specialised technologies

The type and level of funding depend on the participant's individual needs and plan.

5. Transport Support

Some participants may receive NDIS funding for transport-related supports when disability affects their ability to travel independently.

Transport funding can help eligible participants access employment, education, community activities, or other important activities.

It is important to understand that NDIS transport funding has specific rules, so participants should check how transport is included in their individual plan.

6. Employment and Education Support

The NDIS may fund reasonable and necessary supports that help participants develop skills and participate in employment or education.

Depending on individual circumstances, support may include assistance with:

  • Developing workplace skills

  • Building confidence

  • Preparing for employment

  • Maintaining employment

  • Developing skills for education or training

7. Therapeutic Supports

Some participants may receive funding for therapies and other supports that help them achieve their goals and improve their functional capacity.

Depending on individual needs, this may include supports from professionals such as:

  • Occupational therapists

  • Physiotherapists

  • Speech pathologists

  • Psychologists

  • Other qualified allied health professionals

The support must meet NDIS funding requirements and be related to the participant's disability and goals.

What Does NDIS Not Cover?

Not everything can be paid for with NDIS funding. Generally, the NDIS does not fund everyday expenses that people would normally need to pay for themselves.

Examples may include:

  • Groceries and ordinary food expenses

  • General household bills

  • Rent or mortgage payments

  • Entertainment costs

  • Items unrelated to your disability

  • Supports that should reasonably be provided by another government service

  • Everyday expenses that are not disability-related

The NDIS also has specific rules about what is considered a reasonable and necessary support.

How Does NDIS Funding Work?

Your NDIS plan is based on your individual circumstances, disability-related needs, and goals. Funding is allocated to different support categories depending on what has been approved.

Having funding in your plan does not automatically mean every service or item is covered. A support generally needs to meet the NDIS requirements before you use your funding for it.

Before purchasing a service or item, it is a good idea to check your plan and understand the relevant funding rules.

How Do I Know If the NDIS Will Cover Something?

If you are unsure whether a particular support is covered, consider:

  1. Checking your NDIS plan and funding category.

  2. Confirming that the support relates to your disability.

  3. Checking whether it helps you work towards your goals.

  4. Making sure the support meets NDIS funding requirements.

  5. Speaking with your support coordinator, plan manager, or the NDIS if you need clarification.

Final Thoughts

So, what does NDIS cover? The NDIS can fund a wide range of disability-related supports, including personal care, daily living assistance, community participation, assistive technology, therapeutic supports, and support to develop independence.

However, NDIS funding is individualised, so the supports available to one participant may be different from those available to another. Always check your plan and the current NDIS rules before using your funding.

Understanding your NDIS funding can make it easier to choose suitable supports and use your plan confidently.

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