What does the NDIS fund? Understanding the supports list

NDIS Supports: what does the NDIS fund?

By Clickability · Originally published 3 October 2024

How participants can use the list before discussing a service

Start with the practical support you need, then check the relevant official category and exclusions. A broad category name does not answer every question about a specific product, service or personal cost.

Bring the support description and quote to a funding conversation. If an item needs approval, keep the written decision with the purchase record rather than relying on an informal description of what other people have bought.

Original article and dated context

If you're a NDIS participant, you would have got a little SMS from the NDIS on October 3, sharing that the list of NDIS supports has come into effect. But what is this list and what does it mean for you? We're here to answer those questions!

In this blog post, we'll explain why the NDIS supports list was introduced, how it defines what you can and can't spend your NDIS funding on, and what other changes might be around the corner. Let's not delay - let's get into it!

Why did they introduce the NDIS supports list?

We've written before about the NDIS Review and the recent changes to the NDIS Act. All this is intended to improve the NDIS and address concerns around its sustainability.

The new NDIS supports list is part of the process, and is meant to give participants certainty around what they can and can't spend their NDIS funding, with less confusion.

The truth is it's a bit more complicated than just that, with many arguing that it's now denying people the ability to access legitimate supports with their NDIS funding.

Following a very brief consultation period, however, the supports list is now in effect - and will define what you can and can't spend your NDIS funding on. There's little flexibility.

[Clickability update, September 2026: There is a limited replacement-support process for specified items, requiring prior written approval. It is not a general exception to all exclusions. Check that process.]

What is and isn't included on the NDIS support list?

The NDIS support list has official categories about what it to be considered an NDIS support - or, what you can use your NDIS funding on. They include:

[Clickability update, September 2026: This reproduced list is not complete. For example, the official funded list includes accommodation and tenancy assistance and employment-related support categories. Use the full current official list, then check the exact support against your plan. Read the funded list.]

Assistance with travel or transport arrangements
Assistive equipment for recreation
Assistive products for household tasks
Assistive products for personal care and safety
Specialist positive behaviour support
Communication and information equipment
Community nursing care
Prostheses and Orthoses
Daily personal activities
Development of daily care and life skills
Disability-related health supports
Early Intervention supports early childhood
Exercise physiology and personal well-being activities
Group and centre based activities
Hearing equipment
High intensity daily personal activities
Home modification design and construction
Household tasks
Innovative community participation
Interpreting and Translation
Management of funding for supports
Participation in Community, Social and Civic Activities
Personal mobility equipment
Specialist Disability Accommodation
Specialised Driver Training
Specialised hearing services
Specialised Supported Employment
Support Coordination
Therapeutic supports
Vehicle Modifications
Vision equipment.

Whew, yep... it's a lot to take in. Much of this is what you would expect to be funded through the NDIS, building on the previous 'reasonable and necessary' criteria.

More telling is what the NDIS has explicitly stated is not an NDIS support - or, what you cannot use your funding on. This is mostly considered commonsense, with many in the community arguing no one has ever used their funding towards most of these:

Day-to-day living costs – accommodation and household
Day-to-day living costs – finance and payments
Day-to-day living costs – food and groceries
Day-to-day living costs – lifestyle
Day-to-day living costs – clothing and beauty
Day-to-day living costs – travel and transport
Day-to-day living costs – pets
Day-to-day living costs – reproductive health and family related
Not evidenced-based alternative and complementary therapies
Not evidence-based wellness and coaching
Not evidenced-based energy and healing practices related
Unlawful goods and services.

The important thing to note is that there will be a 12-month transition, with the NDIA stating it will work with participants to help them understand these changes.

[Clickability update, September 2026: The transition described from October 2024 is historical and has ended. Do not treat it as a current grace period for an otherwise ineligible purchase.]

For the full list of NDIS supports, please visit here.

Is anything else changing?

The NDIS supports list is now really important for people who are applying to the scheme for the first time. They will now need to evidence they need an NDIS support when applying.

In reality, there's far more on the horizon, but the introduction of the NDIS support list is immediate and the one that will have the biggest practical impact on participant's lives.

We'll keep you updated as we learn more.

Questions readers ask

Is the original list a complete current list?

No. Use the full official funded and excluded lists and check your individual plan. Official guidance

Does the October 2024 transition still apply?

No. The twelve-month transition described in the original article is historical.

Find a provider for the support you want to arrange

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