What Is No Longer Covered by the NDIS?

If you’ve been hearing more conversations about changes to the NDIS and wondering “What can’t I claim anymore?” — you’re not alone.

With recent reforms, increased scrutiny and clearer guidance around what is considered an approved support, many participants and families are understandably confused about what the NDIS will and won’t fund.

The short answer? The NDIS is tightening its focus on supports that are directly related to a participant’s disability and considered “reasonable and necessary.”

What Does “Reasonable and Necessary” Mean?

To be funded under the NDIS, supports generally need to:

• Be directly related to your disability

• Help you work towards your goals

• Improve independence, participation or daily living

• Be effective and evidence-based

• Represent value for money

• Not be more appropriately funded by another system (such as health, education or housing)

This means the NDIS is increasingly asking a simple question:

“Is this support directly connected to a participant’s disability needs?”

If the answer is unclear, funding may be declined.

What Is No Longer Covered (or More Difficult to Claim)?

While every participant’s circumstances are different, there are some categories of supports that are no longer funded or are now much harder to claim.

Everyday Living Costs

The NDIS generally does not cover ordinary living expenses that everyone pays, including:

• Groceries

• Rent or mortgage payments

• Utility bills

• Standard household expenses

• General childcare costs

These are considered normal day-to-day costs rather than disability-specific supports.

Holidays, Entertainment and Event Tickets

The NDIS does not fund holidays, accommodation for recreational travel, or tickets to concerts, sporting events or entertainment.

However, disability-related supports during an activity may still be funded in some circumstances (for example, support workers to assist participation if aligned with your goals).

Alternative or Non-Evidence-Based Therapies

Supports are increasingly being assessed against evidence and effectiveness.

Therapies that are not evidence-based, experimental or unrelated to disability outcomes may not be funded. Participants have reported greater scrutiny around therapies that cannot demonstrate a clear disability-related benefit.

Supports Funded Elsewhere

One of the biggest areas of confusion is supports that should be funded through another system.

For example:

• Medical treatment → generally funded through Medicare or the health system

• Hospital care → health system responsibility

• School education → education system responsibility

• Housing costs → not typically funded by the NDIS (outside specialised circumstances)

The NDIS is designed to complement — not replace — mainstream services.

Alcohol, Drugs and Illegal Services

The NDIS does not fund:

• Alcohol

• Recreational drugs

• Illegal items or services

• Sexual services or sex work

These are specifically excluded from funding rules.

Why Are People Feeling More Confused?

In recent years, there has been a stronger focus on ensuring supports clearly align with disability-related needs and funding rules. Some participants are finding that supports previously approved are now being questioned, particularly where evidence is limited or the link to disability is unclear. Community discussions also reflect growing uncertainty around what plan managers and planners will approve.

This doesn’t necessarily mean supports are “gone” — but it does mean stronger documentation and clearer evidence are becoming increasingly important.

How Can You Strengthen Your Case for Supports?

If you are preparing for a plan review or reassessment, it can help to:

✔ Clearly explain why a support is disability-related
✔ Obtain reports from allied health professionals where appropriate
✔ Demonstrate how the support improves independence, safety or participation
✔ Link supports to your NDIS goals
✔ Keep records showing outcomes or ongoing need

The stronger the evidence, the easier it is to demonstrate why a support is reasonable and necessary.

Final Thoughts

NDIS funding changes can feel overwhelming, particularly when the rules seem to shift. The most important thing to remember is that the NDIS is moving toward a more evidence-based, disability-specific approach to funding.

If you’re unsure whether something can be claimed, speaking with your Support Coordinator, Plan Manager or allied health team can help you better understand what is likely to align with your plan and goals.

Understanding the rules now can help you feel more prepared, more confident and better equipped for your next review.