Find out if NDIS can pay for it
Search any item or service to check if NDIS might fund it. Get official guidance and your next steps. Based on the NDIS operational guidelines and what the NDIS does and doesn't fund.
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💡 Tip: Start typing to search our knowledge base of common items. Can't find what you're looking for? The best approach is to speak with your support coordinator or the NDIA directly about whether an item is reasonable and necessary for your situation.
Common searches
Understanding what the NDIS funds
The 'reasonable and necessary' test
For a support to be funded by the NDIS, it must be reasonable and necessary. This means:
- It is related to your disability
- It helps you pursue your goals in your NDIS plan
- It is effective and beneficial for you
- It represents value for money
- It is not the responsibility of another service system (like health or education)
- It is likely to be required for your lifetime or a significant period
Official source: Supports funded by the NDIS (ndis.gov.au)
What the NDIS definitely doesn't fund
- Day-to-day living costs: Groceries, rent, mortgage, utilities, general household items
- Mainstream health services: GP visits, hospital stays, prescription medications covered by PBS, dental care
- Education and training: School fees, university fees, vocational training (funded by education systems)
- Home and contents insurance: General insurance products not specifically related to disability supports
- Support for other people: Supports that primarily benefit family members or carers rather than the participant
- Illegal or high-risk activities: Anything illegal or posing unreasonable risk to yourself or others
Official source: Supports not funded by the NDIS (ndis.gov.au)
When the answer is 'it depends'
Many items fall into a grey area. For example:
- Technology and equipment: An iPad might be funded if you need it specifically for communication (with specialist apps) and can't use standard options, but not as a general entertainment device.
- Home modifications: A ramp or bathroom modification might be funded if you need it due to mobility impairment, but general renovations or aesthetic upgrades won't be.
- Recreation and social participation: Support worker assistance to attend community activities might be funded, but the cost of the activities themselves (like concert tickets) generally isn't.
- Transport: Taxi or rideshare costs to access supports might be claimable as provider travel, but transport to work or study (mainstream activities) isn't funded.
Next steps if you're unsure
- Talk to your support coordinator or planner. They can assess whether an item meets the reasonable and necessary criteria for your specific situation.
- Get evidence. If a therapist, OT, or other professional recommends the item, ask for a written report explaining why you need it and how it relates to your disability and goals.
- Check your plan budget categories. Even if something is fundable, make sure you have budget allocated in the right category (Core, Capacity Building, or Capital).
- Ask the NDIA directly. Contact the NDIA on 1800 800 110 or via myplace if you need formal confirmation before purchasing.
Frequently asked questions
What does the NDIS fund?
The NDIS funds reasonable and necessary supports related to your disability that help you pursue your goals, maintain your health and safety, and participate in social and economic life. Supports must be related to your disability, not funded by another service system (like health or education), and represent value for money.
What doesn't the NDIS fund?
The NDIS doesn't fund day-to-day living costs unrelated to disability support (like groceries, rent, bills), supports that are the responsibility of other systems (mainstream health, education), illegal activities, items that pose an unreasonable risk, or supports that primarily benefit someone other than the participant.
Can NDIS pay for gym membership?
Generally no. The NDIS doesn't fund general gym memberships as they're a day-to-day cost. However, if your plan includes capacity building or improved health and wellbeing goals, you might be able to use funding for exercise physiology sessions or hydrotherapy at a gym, if recommended by a health professional and included in your plan.
Can NDIS pay for a car or driving lessons?
The NDIS doesn't fund the purchase of a car as this is a day-to-day living expense. It may fund vehicle modifications (like wheelchair hoists or hand controls) if they're related to your disability. Driving lessons might be funded if they're capacity building and help you achieve independence goals in your plan.
Can NDIS pay for rent or housing?
The NDIS doesn't pay rent or mortgage costs - these are mainstream living expenses. However, it may fund Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) for participants with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. It can also fund home modifications to make your existing home more accessible.
Can NDIS pay for dental or medical treatment?
Generally no. Health services like dental care, GP visits, and medical treatment are the responsibility of the mainstream health system (Medicare, public hospitals, dental services). The NDIS only funds health-related supports that are specifically related to your disability and not covered by health systems.
How do I know if something is 'reasonable and necessary'?
The NDIS uses specific criteria: the support must be related to your disability, help you pursue plan goals, be effective and beneficial, represent value for money, be appropriate to fund through the NDIS (not another system), and likely to be required for your lifetime. Your planner or support coordinator can help assess this.
What if the tool says 'maybe' or 'it depends'?
Many items don't have a clear yes/no answer - it depends on your individual circumstances, goals, and how the item relates to your disability. The best approach is to discuss it with your support coordinator or planner, with evidence (like quotes, assessments, or therapist recommendations) showing why you need it.
Sources & Accuracy
Coverage guidance based on:
- Supports funded by the NDIS (ndis.gov.au)
- Supports not funded by the NDIS (ndis.gov.au)
- Reasonable and necessary supports (ndis.gov.au)
Last checked: 16 October 2026
This tool provides general information only and is not a decision about your NDIS funding. The NDIA makes final decisions about what is reasonable and necessary for each participant based on individual circumstances. Speak with your support coordinator or the NDIA about your specific situation.
Plan Your NDIS Budget
Once you know what NDIS can fund, use our budget planner to see how your supports fit into your plan and funding periods.