NDIS Funding: What's In And What's Out!
Updated: Sep 21
The NDIS lists of what you can and can't buy with NDIS funding were introduced to make it clearer what the NDIS will and won't pay for.
While the intention was to reduce confusion, many participants, families and providers are still asking the same question: "Can I actually use my NDIS funding for this?"
The one-year transition period ended on 2 October 2025, so the rules now apply in full. Here's what you need to know.
What are the NDIS in and out lists?
Since 3 October 2024, NDIS law has set out exactly what counts as an "NDIS support". The rules separate supports into two lists:
Supports that are NDIS supports (often called the in list)
Supports that are not NDIS supports (often called the out list)
If a support is on the in list, it can be funded if it is also reasonable and necessary for you and fits your plan. If a support is on the out list, it generally can't be funded, even if it feels helpful. The only exception is a replacement support, which we explain below.
What the NDIS will not fund
The out list covers things the NDIS treats as everyday costs, or as the responsibility of another system. Examples from the list include:
groceries, including food, drinks, and cleaning and household products
rent, rental bonds and mortgage repayments
standard household and garden items, appliances and tools, and standard furniture
standard computers and computer accessories, gaming consoles and games, and streaming subscriptions
mobile phones, tablets and smart watches, unless approved as a replacement support
recreational sports costs, including memberships, venue hire, uniforms and footwear, and membership and entry to recreational clubs
holidays, including travel, accommodation and airfares
toys and standard recreational equipment, and babysitting or nannying
therapies that aren't evidence-based, such as crystal therapy, reflexology, aromatherapy and kinesiology
things other systems are responsible for, such as private health insurance or standard school uniforms
If something was approved in an older plan, that doesn't guarantee it will be approved again under the current rules.
What about tablets, laptops and gym memberships?
These used to be grey areas. Under the current rules, most of them aren't:
Standard computers and laptops, gaming consoles and streaming subscriptions are on the out list.
General fitness costs, and membership and entry to recreational clubs, are on the out list.
Tablets, smartphones and smart watches are on the out list, but can be approved as a replacement support in limited circumstances.
What are replacement supports?
A replacement support is an item from the out list that the NDIA approves you to buy instead of a support already funded in your plan. It isn't extra funding. Only two kinds of items can be approved:
Standard household items, like a washing machine or dishwasher. The item must be needed because of your disability, increase your independence in completing whole tasks, and reduce or remove the need for a support worker or disability-specific equipment.
Smart watches, tablets, smartphones, or an app for accessibility or communication. The item must be needed to meet communication or accessibility needs that come from your disability.
You also need to show it will give the same or better outcomes, and be the same or better value for money, than the support it replaces. You must apply and be approved before you buy it. It can't be approved after you've already bought it. If your application isn't approved, you generally can't apply for the same replacement support again for 12 months, unless your plan is reassessed in that time.
How to check if a support is NDIS funded
A simple way to think about it is to ask:
Is it on the in list?
Is it not on the out list?
Does the need for it come directly from the impairments that got you into the NDIS?
Is it not funded by another system, like Medicare or education?
Does it fit your current plan goals and funding?
If you're unsure, check before you buy. Good people to ask include your plan manager, your support coordinator, your my NDIS contact, or the NDIS directly on 1800 800 110.
Why your impairments matter
When you became a participant, the NDIA decided which of your impairments meet the NDIS access requirements. That can be more than one. Your supports need to relate to those impairments, not to other conditions you might have.
Since 27 August 2026, the law is stricter. The need for a support must arise directly from those impairments (section 34(1)(aa) of the NDIS Act). If you have more than one disability, it's worth knowing which ones the NDIA has recognised.
What happens if something is claimed incorrectly?
There was a one-year transition period to help people adjust, and it ended on 2 October 2025. During it, the NDIA didn't raise debts for a first or second purchase of something that wasn't an NDIS support, if it cost under $1,500.
From 3 October 2025, if NDIS funding is used to buy something that isn't an NDIS support, the NDIA may raise a debt, even if it cost less than $1,500. That means the money may need to be paid back.
What's coming next
These lists are set out in transitional rules that apply to current plans. In August 2026, the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing released a consultation paper on new NDIS Supports Rules, proposing changes to the support categories for both current and new framework plans. We'll update this post when the new rules are made.
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 in and out lists have changed how supports are approved and claimed. Understanding these rules now can help prevent stress, confusion and unexpected debts later. If something feels unclear, asking early is always better than fixing it after the fact.
📍 Based on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast
Sources
National Disability Insurance Scheme (Getting the NDIS Back on Track No. 1) (NDIS Supports) Transitional Rules 2024, Federal Register of Legislation
National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013, Federal Register of Legislation (section 34)
This is general information, current as at 21 September 2026. It isn't advice about your individual plan. If you're unsure whether something can be funded, check with the NDIS before you buy.
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