Understanding NDIS-funded supports can make a big difference in getting the most from your plan. The NDIS funding system is designed to help participants achieve greater independence and quality of life, but knowing what’s included and what’s not can sometimes be confusing.

This guide breaks down what NDIS will fund, what it won’t, and how to identify “reasonable and necessary” supports so you can use your funding with confidence.

Which supports are funded by the NDIS?

The NDIS funds support that helps participants live more independently, build new skills, and take part in community life. To be approved, each support must meet the “reasonable and necessary” criteria - a key part of how the NDIS decides what to fund.

What does “reasonable and necessary” mean?

The phrase “reasonable and necessary NDIS supports” is used to describe the types of assistance the NDIS can fund.

Reasonable means the support is fair and makes sense for your personal situation.
Necessary means it’s something you genuinely need because of your disability, not a general everyday cost.

The goal of funding reasonable and necessary supports is to help participants live an ordinary life and achieve their personal goals. This can include education, employment, community involvement, independence or improved health and wellbeing.

During your planning meeting, an NDIA Planner will discuss your goals and needs to assess which supports are reasonable and necessary for you. They’ll look at whether each support is:

Directly related to your disability, not just a general living expense
Value for money, meaning it provides a worthwhile benefit for its cost
Effective and beneficial, with evidence to show it works
Not already funded elsewhere, such as through health or education services

Your planner will also consider:

Informal supports from family, friends, or carers
Formal supports available through other government systems

Because every disability and life situation is different, what’s reasonable for one person may not be for another. For example, home modifications might be essential for someone with mobility challenges, while therapy sessions might be crucial for someone focusing on communication or behavioural goals.

If you’re requesting specific supports, it helps to explain clearly why they’re needed, and where possible, provide supporting evidence from allied health professionals. This ensures your planner fully understands how the support will help you achieve your goals.

Examples of reasonable and necessary supports include things like therapy services, assistive technology, and home modifications to improve independence.

What does the NDIS cover?

NDIS funding is divided into three main categories: Core Supports, Capacity Building Supports and Capital Supports. Each category covers different areas of your life and helps you use your funding in a structured way.

Core Supports:

Core Supports are the most flexible part of your NDIS plan. They cover the essential, day-to-day assistance you need to live your life and participate in your community.
This includes:

Assistance with daily living (personal care, meal preparation or household tasks)
Consumables (everyday items such as continence products or low-cost assistive equipment)
Social and community participation (support to take part in recreational or community activities)
Transport (to help you get to work, school or appointments)

If you’ve ever wondered about NDIS core funding, this is the category that covers the basic supports that make everyday life easier and more independent.

Capacity Building Supports:

Capacity Building Supports are designed to help you learn new skills, build confidence and increase your independence.
This type of funding is not interchangeable - it must be used for the specific purpose listed in your plan.

Examples include:

Therapy services (like occupational therapy, speech therapy, or psychology)
Support to build social or relationship skills
Employment-related supports or training
Health and wellbeing programs related to your disability

These supports are about long-term development and helping you achieve your goals over time.

Capital Supports

Capital Supports are for high-cost or long-term items that improve your quality of life.
This includes:

Assistive technology, such as wheelchairs, communication devices, or hearing aids
Home modifications, like ramps, rails, or accessible bathrooms

These supports usually require quotes and approval from the NDIA, as they are investments that provide lasting benefit.

What supports are not funded by the NDIS?

While the NDIS funds a wide range of supports to help participants achieve their goals, there are some costs it does not cover. Generally, the NDIS won’t fund anything that isn’t directly related to your disability, offers poor value for money, or is already funded through another government service.

Living Costs and Daily Expenses

The NDIS does not pay for everyday living costs that everyone has, whether or not they have a disability. This includes things like:

Rent or mortgage payments
Utility bills such as electricity, gas and water
Groceries and food
Personal costs like clothing or entertainment

These are considered general living expenses, not disability-specific supports.

Alternative or Non-Evidence-Based Therapies

Supports that are unregulated, risky or lack evidence of effectiveness are not covered under NDIS funding. This includes therapies such as reiki, crystal healing, massage for relaxation or other treatments that are not proven to help manage your disability.

Supports Already Covered by Other Systems

The NDIS focuses on disability-related needs, not services provided through other mainstream systems. This means it won’t fund supports that are the responsibility of:

Medicare or your GP (e.g. medical treatment or hospital care)
Education systems (e.g. school teachers or curriculum support)
Housing services (e.g. public housing costs or tenancy management)
Aged care (e.g. services provided under My Aged Care)

This ensures NDIS funding is used for disability-specific supports and avoids duplication of services.

Other Common Exclusions

The NDIS may also refuse to fund supports that:

Are illegal or unsafe
Could cause harm to you or others
Don’t represent value for money compared to other options
Are unrelated to your disability or goals

Where can I find the latest NDIS Supports List (2025)?

The NDIS regularly reviews and updates the types of supports it funds. To make sure you have the most up-to-date information, always refer to the official NDIS website for the latest NDIS supports list (2025).

The site provides detailed information on NDIS-approved supports, eligibility requirements and any new items added to the scheme. It’s a useful resource for checking what’s currently funded, what has changed and how those updates might affect your plan.

If you want to stay informed, you can also speak with your support coordinator or provider - they can explain how new supports might apply to your personal situation.

We’d love to help, contact us today!

Understanding what the NDIS will and won’t fund is key to getting the most from your plan. While funding varies from person to person, the NDIS gives participants the flexibility to choose supports that align with their goals and lifestyle.

At Incluso, we’re here to help you make the most of your NDIS financial support - whether you need assistance with plan management, Supported Independent Living (SIL), or tailored disability support services at home or in the community.

Ready to get the right NDIS support for your needs?  Contact the friendly team at Incluso today to learn how we can help you understand your plan, manage your funding, and access the supports that matter most to you.

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