What Can NDIS Funding Be Used For?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides funding to help participants access the necessary services and support. However, most individuals may not be familiar with the process and wonder, “What can NDIS funding be used for?” or if the funds pay for all their daily activities. Well, the funding can be used for various purposes to accommodate different wants. These include:

This blog also explains the different NDIS categories of funding. If you’re a client or have a loved one who is, this is a perfect read for you. So, let’s get started.

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NDIS Funding

Who Is Eligible for NDIS Funding?

The NDIS helps participants achieve their goals and improve their quality of life. When deciding which supports are reasonable and necessary, the NDIA looks at guidelines specific to each support type. It must meet specific criteria, such as:

  • Related to Disability: The service must be directly related to the participant’s disability.

  • Excludes Day-to-day Costs: It cannot include everyday living costs like groceries, which are not related to disability support needs.

  • Support Social and Economic Participation: The support should help clients engage more in the community and work.

  • Value for Money: The service should represent good value for money.

  • Effectiveness: Every support must improve the participant’s quality of life to a high degree.

  • Complement Other Services: It should fit seamlessly with other support provided by government services, family, carers, networks, and the community.

  • Be the responsibility of NDIS: The support must fall under NDIS funding responsibility.

To be eligible for NDIS funding packages, you must meet certain criteria:

  • Be over 9 and under 65 years old when applying

  • Live in Australia and be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or protected special category visa holder

  • Have a permanent disability that affects your ability to perform everyday activities

  • Need support now to reduce future needs

  • Must show that the requested supports are reasonable and necessary

Participants may also be required to demonstrate how the disability impacts their daily lives and the support they require. Goal setting is another key part of the process. Individuals work with planners to identify objectives and the support needed to achieve them. This ensures that the funding is used effectively.

Supports Not Funded by the NDIS

The NDIS doesn’t fund all support services. There are certain types that are not under the NDIS categories of funding. These include:

  • Unrelated to Disability: Assistance not directly related to a participant’s disability is not funded.

  • Day-to-day Living Costs: Everyday living expenses such as rent, groceries, and utility bills are not covered by the NDIS.

  • Similar Support: If a particular service is already covered by another part of your NDIS plan, it will not be funded again.

  • Risky Supports: Any support that is likely to cause harm to the participant or others will not be covered.

  • Act as Income Replacement: NDIS does not fund services that act as an income substitute.

  • Other Government Responsibilities: The NDIS program will not pay for supports that fall under the responsibility of other government or community services.

Types of Supports Funded by the NDIS

The NDIS classifies funding into four main categories:

  • Core Supports: These concern everyday activities and are mostly flexible, allowing you to use funding across different categories. This can include NDIS domestic assistance, consumables, as well as social and community participation.

  • Capacity Building Supports: These services help participants build skills, increase independence, and reduce the need for similar support in the future. Capacity-building supports are fixed, meaning participants cannot use funding from one category to pay for something in another.

  • Capital Supports: Participants can enjoy high-cost assistive technology, equipment, vehicle modifications, home modifications, and specialist disability accommodation. They can only use the funding to buy approved individual support in the particular support category.

  • Recurring Supports: The NDIS pays for these services regularly and mainly includes NDIS transport funding.

Flexible and Stated Budgets

NDIS funding categories can be either flexible or stated:

  • Flexible Budgets: Most support programs are flexible, giving you the freedom to choose what services to buy within the described categories.

  • Stated Budgets: Some support categories are specific and less flexible. You must use the funds exactly as described in your plan.

Get Expert Assistance with NDIS Funding

Many people ask, “Does NDIS pay for activities?”. The answer is yes but with conditions. The NDIS funds programs that help participants achieve their goals and increase independence. These typically include social activities, sports, or skill-building classes.

Understanding what the NDIS can and cannot fund is essential for making the most of your NDIS package. Marika Care has a team of professionals who understand the unique needs of people with disabilities. We provide personalised support to help our clients reach their objectives and use NDIS funds effectively.

Our team adopts a holistic approach to help participants become more independent and participate in various community events. For more detailed information about NDIS funding or related services, call us on 0406 936 117 or email us at info@marikacare.com.au.