Understanding what the NDIS will and will not fund is essential to using your plan correctly. To support this, the NDIS introduced the In and Out Lists to clearly explain which supports the scheme covers and which items it excludes from funding.
While these lists aim to provide clarity around NDIS funding rules, many participants, families and providers still have questions about how they apply in real life. As a result, misunderstandings can lead to rejected claims, unexpected costs and confusion about supports.
This article explains the NDIS In and Out Lists, what an NDIS support is and how to make sure your supports align with your NDIS Plan.
What is an NDIS support?
An NDIS support is a service, item or piece of equipment that helps a participant achieve their goals, build independence and manage the functional impacts of their disability.
For a support to be funded, it must meet the NDIS criteria for being reasonable and necessary. This means the support must:
- Be directly related to the participant’s disability
- Represent value for money
- Be something the NDIS is responsible for funding
- Not be more appropriately funded by another system such as health, education or housing
The NDIS supports list builds on this definition by outlining which supports generally meet these requirements.
Understanding the NDIS in List and Out List
The NDIS funding framework is supported by two key lists.
NDIS supports (the In List)
The In List includes supports that the NDIS may fund when they meet all criteria and align with a participant’s goals and plan. These supports are disability-specific and focus on:
- Increasing independence
- Improving safety
- Supporting community participation
Items that are not NDIS supports (the Out List)
The NDIS Out List includes items and services that the NDIS does not fund. Even if these items are helpful, the NDIS generally excludes them because they are everyday living expenses or the responsibility of other service systems.
NDIS funding can only be used for supports on the In List. Supports on the Out List cannot usually be claimed.
What does the NDIS not fund?
Many commonly assumed supports fall under the NDIS Out List.
Examples include:
- Groceries, food, drinks and household cleaning products
- Standard household furniture, appliances and garden tools
- Recreational and lifestyle expenses such as gym memberships, sporting fees, uniforms and entertainment tickets
- Therapies that are not evidence-based
- Supports funded by health, mental health, education, child protection or aged care systems
- General parenting or childhood supports that are not disability-specific
Understanding what the NDIS does not fund can help prevent rejected claims and reduce financial stress.
Commonly misunderstood NDIS supports
Some items often cause confusion under the NDIS funding rules.
These commonly include:
- Gym memberships or fitness equipment
- Smart home devices
- Tablets, laptops and general technology
- Baby equipment
- Recreational devices
In limited cases, the NDIS may approve these items as replacement supports. However, this only applies when the item replaces an existing approved disability support and receives clear and written approval before purchase.
How to tell if a support can be funded by the NDIS
If you are unsure whether you can pay for a support using your NDIS funding, asking the right questions can help.
Consider the following:
- Is the support listed as an NDIS support?
- Does it avoid appearing on the Out List?
- Does it directly relate to my disability?
- Does it help me work towards my NDIS goals?
- Is it something the NDIS is responsible for funding?
- Does it align with my current NDIS Plan?
If uncertainty remains, it is always best to check before purchasing the support.
Matching supports to your disability and NDIS Plan
All NDIS-funded supports must relate to the disability or disabilities the NDIS has approved funding for.
Many plans now link funding to specific impairment categories, which guide the types of supports you can purchase. If you have multiple disabilities, your plan may not fund all of your conditions.
Understanding this connection helps ensure supports remain compliant and aligned with your NDIS funding.
What happens if a mistake is made?
If a mistake occurs, the NDIS considers several factors, including whether the error was unintentional, how often it occurred and the value involved.
Possible outcomes may include:
- Education and guidance
- Requests for repayment
- Changes to how a plan is managed
- Shortened plan periods
- Refusal to pay providers
Intentional or repeated misuse of funds may result in stronger compliance action.
Conclusion
The NDIS In and Out Lists play an important role in clarifying what the NDIS funds and how participants should use supports. While the rules can feel complex, understanding what an NDIS support is and how the lists apply to your plan helps you make informed decisions.
By checking supports before purchase and understanding how your disability and plan align, you can use your NDIS funding with greater confidence and clarity.
*This article is for general information only. NDIS rules, funding decisions and interpretations can change. Always refer to the official NDIS website or your support team for the most up-to-date information.