Have you ever looked at your NDIS plan and wondered: Can I actually claim this? You’re not alone. Understanding what the NDIS will and won’t fund is one of the biggest challenges participants face.
The truth is, unless you’ve experienced it firsthand, it’s hard to imagine how much it matters to get this right. Claiming something the NDIS doesn’t cover could lead to delays or even rejected invoices. And that can leave you without support when you need it most.
Here’s a breakdown of what you can (and can’t) claim through the NDIS—with clear examples and guidance to help you feel confident using your plan.
What the NDIS Will Fund
The NDIS is designed to fund reasonable and necessary supports that relate to your disability. But what does that actually include?
Here are some of the main categories:
- Therapeutic Supports: Occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychology, speech therapy, and other professional services.
- Assistive Technology: Wheelchairs, communication devices, specialised beds, and mobility aids.
- Home Modifications: Ramps, railings, widened doorways or accessible bathrooms if they’re required for your disability.
- Support Workers: Help with personal care, household tasks, or participating in community activities.
- Transport: If you can’t use public transport due to your disability, the NDIS may cover private travel assistance.
- Capacity Building: Training for skills like budgeting, social interaction, job readiness or learning how to use public transport.
A good rule of thumb? If the support is directly related to your disability and helps you achieve goals in your plan—it’s likely to be covered.
What the NDIS Won’t Fund
Just as important as knowing what you can claim is understanding what you can’t. Many new participants are surprised to learn that some everyday expenses aren’t eligible.
Here are a few things the NDIS generally won’t pay for:
- Everyday Living Costs: Rent, groceries, utility bills, or internet access are considered standard living expenses.
- Items with No Disability Connection: This includes regular furniture, clothing, or food unless specifically needed due to your disability.
- Services Funded Elsewhere: Healthcare covered by Medicare (like GP visits or hospital care) and education supports already funded by schools.
- Illegal or High-Risk Activities: The NDIS won’t fund anything deemed unlawful, unsafe, or not value-for-money.
- Income Replacement: If you’re unable to work due to disability, the NDIS doesn’t provide income support—you’d need to explore Centrelink options for that.
Grey Areas: What About Holidays, Hobbies, or Driving Lessons?
Sometimes, it’s not black-and-white. You might be able to claim things like driving lessons, gym memberships or travel assistance if they are clearly linked to your goals and your disability.
Here’s an example:
- You’ve set a goal to become more independent and get a job.
- Driving lessons may be claimable if public transport isn’t accessible.
But a general holiday to the beach or a Netflix subscription? That won’t be covered.
Need Help Getting it Right?
Navigating NDIS claims can feel like walking a tightrope. That’s where a reliable plan manager like Nexus comes in.
With 28 years’ experience in financial services and a team of dedicated experts, Nexus takes the guesswork out of what you can and can’t claim. We make sure your invoices are processed quickly, your plan is on track, and your funding is used efficiently—all at no cost to you.
Curious how it works? Sign Up Now or Get in Touch to learn more.