New NDIS Bill: Supports that are not NDIS supports
The new NDIS Bill was passed and came into effect last Thursday, 3rd October 2024. There are many goods and services that simply don’t fall under the category of ‘NDIS supports.’ These include day-to-day living expenses, items related to lifestyle, health services, and more. It’s essential to understand that the NDIS is not designed to fund everything in a person’s life, but only those things that are directly related to the participant's disability.
Below is a brief summary of the types of goods and services that are not funded by the NDIS:
Accommodation and Household Related:
Home security systems (such as CCTV and alarms)
Pools, pool heating, spas, and saunas
Water filters, purifiers, solar panels, and home batteries
Standard household appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and fridges
Non-disability related renovations, standard furniture, and fixtures (e.g., lounges, beds)
Finance and Payment Related:
Donations, tithes, and political contributions
Fines, penalties, and court-ordered payments
Insurance (health, car, home, life, travel)
Superannuation contributions
Loan repayments, buy-now-pay-later payments, or debt management
Food and Groceries:
Everyday groceries (food, beverages, cleaning products)
Fast food, takeaway, or food delivery services (unless disability-related)
Non-prescription medicines like vitamins or sports supplements
Lifestyle Related:
Internet plans, mobile phone contracts, iPads, Smart Watches, and data charges
Standard computers, consoles, or gaming equipment
Costs for recreational sports, elite sporting activities, and related travel expenses
Tickets for entertainment events, theme parks, or conferences
Dating services, wedding or honeymoon costs, funerals, or other social events
Clothing and Beauty:
Standard clothing and footwear
Jewellery, watches (including smart watches)
Hair treatments (cutting, styling, extensions), manicures, pedicures
Cosmetic treatments, body piercings, tattoos, and other beauty services
Travel and Transport:
Overseas and interstate travel (including passports and visas)
Holiday packages, cruises, and holiday accommodation
Petrol, diesel, or gas for personal vehicles
Personal mobility devices like e-scooters or electric bikes
Vehicles or motorbikes, unless modified for disability needs
Health Related:
Non-disability related health services like surgery, dental treatment, or medical appointments
Prescription glasses, contact lenses, hearing aids (if covered by other programs)
Health transport services (e.g., ambulance)
Non-disability related nursing or hospital care
Pharmaceuticals and over-the-counter medications
Pet Related:
Pets or companion animals (except for NDIS-funded assistance animals)
Pet food, grooming, veterinary care, and pet insurance
Taxidermy, pet funerals, or cremation services
Mental Health and Addiction Support:
Treatments for drug, alcohol dependency, gambling, or other addictions
Mental health services provided in hospitals or clinics
Residential care focused on mental health treatment
Education and Training:
School tuition fees, textbooks, and educational software
Higher education fees and vocational education (VET) fees
Costs for school uniforms, lunchboxes, and other school supplies
Tutors, scribes, and other educational support staff
Clearing Up the Misunderstanding
This is not new information—these items have never been funded by the NDIS. However, ongoing misinformation and confusion within the community have led to the misuse of funding in some cases. Participants and their families need to be well-informed about what is and isn’t covered under the NDIS to avoid misallocating their funds and ensure they receive the most appropriate supports for their needs.
By understanding these exclusions, participants can focus on utilizing their funding for supports that truly enhance their independence and quality of life.