The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) takes a lifetime approach to your support. Its primary purpose is to fund NDIS supports, which are the specific services, items, or equipment that address your disability-related needs. These supports help you increase your independence and live an ordinary life.

Before the NDIS provides funding, it considers three primary factors:

• Your own abilities: What you can currently do for yourself.
• Your informal network: The help you receive from family, friends, and your community.
• Mainstream government services: The services provided by other systems like health or education.

Once we define these supports, the NDIS uses a strict set of rules to determine what is included in your plan.

2. The 7-Point Funding Checklist

For a support to be funded, it must meet all seven criteria established under NDIS laws. The following table explains how we apply these rules to your funding.

Even if a support meets these criteria, it must still fall within the scheme's legal boundaries.

3. Identifying Everyday Expenses

The NDIS does not cover the standard costs of living that all Australians face. You must pay for your own basic needs. This includes groceries, rent, and utility bills like electricity or water. Because these are everyday expenses, they remain your personal responsibility. You cannot use NDIS funding to replace a salary or act as a regular income. Mainstream systems like Medicare or the education system cover health and schooling costs rather than the NDIS. Finally, the NDIS will not fund anything illegal, sexual services, or items that relate to alcohol and drugs. We also exclude any support likely to cause harm to you or others.

While these exclusions are firm, your funding is ultimately driven by the goals in your plan. You should understand that your goals do not always guarantee a specific funded support.

4. Goals vs. Funded Supports: Practical Examples

The NDIS funds supports that overcome disability-related barriers, but we do not fund every cost associated with a goal.

1. The Bathroom vs. The Pool: If your goal is to live independently, we might fund an accessible bathroom modification. We will not fund a swimming pool for your backyard. While a pool may be part of a dream home, it is not a necessary disability support.
2. Gym Memberships: You may have a goal to get fit, but a gym membership is an everyday expense. All Australians pay for these memberships regardless of disability, so the NDIS typically does not fund them.
3. Equipment Costs: If you require a shower commode, we look for the most cost-effective option. If a $3,000 model meets your needs, we will not fund a $4,000 "top model." We fund the lower-cost option if it delivers the same result.

These boundaries also depend on the help you receive from people in your life.

5. The Role of Your Support Network and Mainstream Systems

The NDIS works alongside other Australian support structures. It is not designed to replace the help you receive from the community or other government agencies.

Informal Supports Family, friends, and neighbors provide this help. The NDIS expects these networks to give the support that is reasonable for a family or community to provide.

Mainstream Services Systems like WorkSafe, Medicare, the Transport Accident Commission, or Lifetime Care and Support provide specialized care. The NDIS will not duplicate funding or services provided by these agencies.

You have a direct responsibility to manage the funding you receive within these established boundaries.

6. Managing Your Funding for the Long Term

Managing your budget ensures your supports remain available for the duration of your plan. Use these three steps to stay on track:

1. Follow the plan descriptions. Only spend on the supports described in your plan. Pay close attention to "stated supports," as these are very specific.
2. Budget for the full period. You must pace your spending so it lasts for the entire plan length. If your plan includes funding periods and funding component amounts, you must ensure the money lasts for each specific period.
3. Confirm the support type. Check that every purchase is an official NDIS support or an agreed replacement related to your disability before you buy.

Staying within these boundaries keeps the NDIS financially sustainable. This ensures the scheme maintains its lifetime approach and remains available for everyone who needs it in the future.