What you can and cannot buy with NDIS funding
The simple principle behind NDIS funding decisions — disability-related, reasonable and necessary — explained with everyday examples, not a banned list.
One of the most common questions new participants ask is a simple one: can I buy this with my NDIS funding? Rather than handing you a long list of yes and no items that keeps changing, this guide teaches the principle the NDIS actually uses. Once it clicks, you can reason about most purchases yourself and know when to check before you spend.
The principle behind every decision
Why a list is not the best guide
Everyday examples that usually fit
Everyday examples that usually do not fit
How to check before you spend
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy everyday household items with NDIS funding?
Generally no, because those are living costs everyone has. The exception is when an item addresses a specific disability-related need — for example, specialised equipment rather than a standard version. The reason for the purchase is what matters.
Why was something funded for my friend but not for me?
The same item can be reasonable and necessary for one person and not another, depending on how it relates to each person's disability and goals. Decisions are individual, so a friend's plan is not a reliable guide to yours.
Does the NDIS pay for medical treatment?
No. General health care, medicines and hospital treatment are the health system's responsibility. The NDIS funds disability supports, not health care. Our hospital discharge guide explains where the two systems meet.
What if I buy something the NDIS later says was not fundable?
If you are self-managed, you may have to cover the cost yourself, so it is wise to check first. Keeping information that shows why a support relates to your disability protects you if you are ever asked.
Where can I find official guidance on what is funded?
The NDIS publishes guidance on what it will and won't fund, and your planner or LAC can point you to it. Use it alongside the principle in this guide rather than as a fixed shopping list.