One of the most common questions families ask is:
What does NDIS actually pay for?
When a plan is approved, it often contains categories, budgets, and line items that feel confusing. Words like “Core Supports” and “Capacity Building” don’t immediately explain what you can actually use your funding for.
Parents and participants often wonder:
- What does NDIS cover?
- Can NDIS pay for cleaning?
- Can I use funding for therapy?
- What does NDIS not fund?
- Am I allowed to use this money for transport or equipment?
This guide explains everything in plain English, using real-life examples families across Australia ask about every day.
The Simple Rule NDIS Uses
Before understanding categories, it’s important to understand the rule behind every funding decision.
The NDIS only funds supports that meet the reasonable and necessary criteria.
You can read the full criteria on the official page about NDIS reasonable and necessary criteria.
In simple terms, funding must:
- Be directly related to your disability
- Help you complete daily activities
- Not be something everyone pays for anyway
- Represent value for money
- Be safe and effective
This means NDIS does not pay for “nice to have” expenses. It pays for supports that are required because of disability-related needs.
If a support does not meet these criteria, it is unlikely to be funded.
Core Supports (Daily Life Help)
Core Supports are the most commonly used funding category.
They focus on helping participants manage everyday life safely and independently.
Daily Living Assistance
This includes help with:
- Showering and personal hygiene
- Dressing and grooming
- Meal preparation
- Cleaning disability-related mess
- Medication reminders
- Supervision for safety
These are commonly delivered through structured daily living support services.
Daily living assistance is one of the most flexible areas of funding and is used by many participants who need in-home help.
Community Participation
Community participation helps participants engage outside the home.
Examples include:
- Shopping trips
- Attending appointments
- Going to the gym (as part of skill-building or social support)
- Social outings
- Learning to catch public transport
- Skill-building programs
The focus is not entertainment it is inclusion, independence, and participation.
Transport Funding
Transport funding works differently from daily supports.
There are generally two models:
- Transport Allowance Payments
Paid directly to the participant to assist with travel costs. - Provider Transport
When a support worker drives the participant as part of a shift.
Transport must be disability-related. It is not a replacement for everyday petrol expenses unrelated to support.
Capacity Building Supports (Skill Development)
Capacity Building funding is designed to improve independence over time.
Instead of providing help forever, it helps participants build skills.
Therapy Supports
Therapy is one of the most common Capacity Building supports.
Examples include:
- Speech therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Psychology
- Behaviour support
- Physiotherapy
These services aim to:
- Improve communication
- Develop life skills
- Reduce behaviours of concern
- Increase independence
Therapies are usually goal-focused and require evidence to justify continued funding.
Support Coordination
Support coordinators help participants:
- Understand their plan
- Connect with providers
- Monitor budgets
- Prepare for plan reviews
- Navigate complex situations
They do not provide hands-on care. Instead, they guide and organise supports.
This is especially helpful when families feel overwhelmed by plan management.
Capital Supports (Equipment & Home Modifications)
Capital Supports fund higher-cost items that are necessary for daily functioning.
Examples include:
- Wheelchairs
- Communication devices
- Assistive technology
- Bathroom rails
- Home modifications
- Vehicle modifications
These supports require quotes, assessments, and approval processes.
They are not automatically included in every plan and usually require specialist recommendations.
What NDIS Does NOT Pay For
This is one of the highest-interest sections for families.
The NDIS does not fund:
- Rent or mortgage payments
- Groceries
- Utility bills
- Fines or penalties
- Cosmetic services
- Standard gym memberships for general fitness
- Childcare
- School fees
Why?
Because these are everyday living expenses not directly caused by disability.
NDIS funding must not replace personal financial responsibility.
If everyone pays for something regardless of disability, it usually won’t be funded.
Real Life Examples Families Ask About
Here are practical questions families frequently ask.
Can NDIS pay for cleaning?
Sometimes.
If cleaning is required due to disability-related limitations (for example, mobility restrictions preventing safe cleaning), it may be funded under Core Supports.
However, general house cleaning for convenience is not covered.
Can NDIS pay for gardening?
Sometimes.
If overgrown yards create a safety risk due to disability-related inability to maintain the property, funding may apply.
General landscaping upgrades are not funded.
Can NDIS pay for cooking meals?
NDIS can fund assistance with meal preparation if the participant cannot safely cook due to disability.
It does not fund restaurant meals or takeaway as a lifestyle choice.
Can NDIS pay parents?
In rare circumstances, parents may be paid if:
- The child has very high support needs
- No alternative workforce is available
- The NDIA approves the arrangement
This is not standard and requires formal approval.
How To Know If You Can Use Your Funding
If you are unsure whether something is covered, do not guess.
Always:
- Check your plan wording
- Ask your provider
- Speak with your support coordinator
- Review your goals
A registered NDIS provider in Canning Vale can help check whether supports match your plan before funding is used.
This prevents accidental misuse.
Avoiding Plan Misuse
Using funding incorrectly can cause serious problems.
Plan misuse may result in:
- Funding recovery
- Audit review
- Reduced trust with planners
- Future funding complications
Always ensure:
- Supports are disability-related
- Invoices match service agreements
- Goals align with services used
Transparency protects both families and providers.
Getting Help Understanding Your Plan
NDIS plans can feel technical and difficult to interpret.
Families unsure about their funding can contact our support team for guidance.
Sometimes a simple conversation can clarify:
- Which category to use
- How many hours remain
- Whether reassessment is required
- If additional evidence is needed
Understanding your funding helps avoid stress later.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I save unused NDIS funding?
No. Funding does not roll over to the next plan unless specifically structured in rare cases. Unused funds generally expire at the end of the plan period.
2. Do I need receipts?
If you are self-managed, yes. You must keep invoices and receipts in case of audit. Plan-managed participants have invoices processed through a plan manager.
3. Can I change categories?
Generally, categories cannot be moved between Core, Capacity Building, and Capital. However, Core supports are often flexible within that category.
4. What happens if I overspend?
If funding is exhausted early, supports may stop until reassessment. Providers cannot claim beyond approved budgets without approval.
5. Can I buy equipment online?
Yes, but only if it is approved, disability-related, and meets plan requirements. Higher-cost items usually require formal quotes and approval before purchase.
Final Thoughts
Understanding what NDIS pays for does not require legal language or policy documents.
It comes down to one principle:
Is the support directly related to disability, necessary for daily functioning, and reasonable in cost?
If the answer is yes, it is likely fundable.
If it replaces everyday expenses or lifestyle choices unrelated to disability, it likely is not.
When in doubt, always check before spending.
Clarity prevents stress.
And understanding your plan gives you control over how support improves everyday life.
Email: info@elmur.com.au
Phone: (08) 6558 8814
Website: Elmur Community Services
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