NDIS Funding: What's In And What's Out!
- carli215
- Jul 8, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 16
The NDIS funding in and out list was introduced to make it clearer what the NDIS will and will not pay for.
While the intention was to reduce confusion, many participants, families, and providers are still left asking the same question:“Can I actually use my NDIS funding for this?”
With the transition period ending on 3 October 2025, it is more important than ever to understand how the in and out list affects your plan and your supports.
What Is the NDIS Funding In and Out List?
In late 2024, the NDIS introduced two official reference lists:
The NDIS Supports List (often called the in list)
Items That Are Not NDIS Supports (often called the out list)
The rule is simple but strict.
If a support appears on the in list, it may be funded if it also meets your plan goals and disability needs.If a support appears on the out list, it generally cannot be funded, even if it feels helpful or has been approved in the past.
What the NDIS Will Not Fund
The out list includes items the NDIS now considers the responsibility of individuals, families, or mainstream services.
Common examples include:
Everyday living expenses like groceries, cleaning products, or drinks
General household items such as washing machines, recliner chairs, or gardening tools
Sporting costs like club memberships, uniforms, or venue hire
Therapies that are not supported by evidence
Supports that fall under health, education, or other government systems
General childhood expenses that are not disability specific
Even if something helped previously, that does not guarantee it will be approved again under current rules.
Common Grey Areas Families Ask About
Some items fall into a grey space and are only approved if strict criteria are met.
These include:
Gym memberships or fitness equipment
Smart home technology such as voice assistants
Tablets, laptops, or headphones
Gaming consoles or iPads
For these items to be approved, they must be clearly linked to a disability-related goal and not simply recreational or general use.
Approval must be specific, documented, and aligned with your plan.
How to Check if a Support Is NDIS Funded
A simple way to think about it is to ask:
Is the item on the NDIS supports list?
Is it not listed on the out list?
Is it directly related to the participant’s disability?
Is it not funded by another system like Medicare or education?
Does it clearly align with current plan goals and funding categories?
If you are unsure, it is always better to check before claiming.
Good people to speak to include:
Your plan manager
Your support coordinator
Your LAC
The NDIS directly
Impairment Categories and Why They Matter
New and reassessed NDIS plans now include impairment categories.
These categories help the NDIS decide which supports are considered relevant to your primary disability.
For example:
If autism is listed as the primary impairment, supports must relate clearly to autism-related needs.
If a participant has multiple disabilities, it is important to understand which ones are officially recognised in the plan.
This directly affects what will be approved and paid for.
What Happens if Something Is Claimed Incorrectly?
During the transition period, which runs until 3 October 2025, the NDIS is taking a more educational approach.
If a mistake happens:
For claims under $1,500, no debt is raised for the first or second mistake
For claims over $1,500, a debt may be raised but can sometimes be waived
After the transition period ends, incorrect claims may result in:
Repayment requests
Changes to plan management
Shorter review periods
Refusal to pay a provider
Debt decisions must be approved at a senior level, which helps protect participants from unfair penalties.
What Are Replacement Supports?
A replacement support is an item or service that replaces an existing funded support in your plan.
A replacement may be approved if it:
Replaces an existing NDIS funded support
Costs the same or less than the original support
Provides equal or greater benefit
Is safe and appropriate
Approval must be obtained before purchase. The NDIS does not reimburse unapproved replacement supports.
How We Can Help
While we are not plan managers, our team regularly supports families to:
Understand which supports fit under Core or Capacity Building
Navigate changes to NDIS funding rules
Connect with experienced support coordinators or plan managers
Our goal is to help participants and families feel informed, confident, and protected when using their funding.
Final Thoughts
The NDIS funding in and out list has changed how supports are approved and claimed.
Understanding these rules now can help prevent stress, confusion, and unexpected issues later. If something feels unclear, asking early is always better than fixing it after the fact.
📍 Based on the Gold Coast
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