When the NDIS published its new support lists, it also introduced a new term: replacement supports. These are items the NDIS may agree to fund even though they aren’t on the NDIS supports list.
Here’s what you need to know about the replacement supports NDIS participants can access and how to apply.
What are replacement supports?
A replacement support is a service, item or piece of equipment you’d like to use instead of a support already in your NDIS Plan.
There’s an application process and NDIA approval is required before you purchase anything. If approved, you will be authorised to use part of your existing NDIS budget to buy the item. No extra funding is added to your plan.
A replacement support must:
- Replace an existing support or supports in your plan
- Cost the same or less than the support it’s replacing
- Work the same or better for you
- Meet the ‘reasonable and necessary’ criteria and relate to your disability support needs
What can be funded as a replacement support.
The replacement supports NDIS will consider include five types of assistive technology. These are everyday items and devices that can support greater independence and reduce the need for direct support.
- Standard commercially available household items, such as washing machines or dishwashers
- Smart watches
- Tablet devices
- Smartphones
- Apps for accessibility or communication.
The NDIS will only consider replacement supports from this list. If the support you are requesting is not one of them, it won’t be approved.
How they work.
The NDIS requires a replacement support to have the potential to reduce your need for direct support or supervision. The aim is to help you:
- Participate in the community
- Complete tasks more independently
- Keep doing the things you need to do
- Rely less on support workers or specialised assistive technology.
Applying for a replacement support.
Complete the NDIS replacement support application form before you purchase anything. You’ll need to include:
- The type of replacement support you’re requesting
- The support or supports from your plan you want to replace, fully or in part
- How the replacement will work the same or better for you
- The cost, including any set-up or ongoing costs
- If replacing support worker hours, the type and number of hours being replaced
- An optional quote.
If approved, the NDIS will let you know in writing so you can go ahead with the purchase. To process the claim, send a copy of the approval letter to your plan manager (like Leap in!) along with your invoice and receipt. If your application is not approved, the NDIS will explain why.
Replacement support examples.
If you have communication support needs, you may be able to apply for a tablet and communication app as a replacement support.
- Description of the replacement support: tablet and speech recognition app
- Cost of the replacement support: $1880
- The replacement support will replace this support in the current NDIS Plan: Core consumables (low-cost communication assistive technology) and Capacity building – Improved Daily Living (speech therapy) hours.
It’s important to note that everyday running costs, like an internet connection, extended warranties or optional hardware aren’t covered by the NDIS.
You may be able to apply for replacement supports that help build independence at home.
- Description of the replacement support: Thermomix
- Cost of the replacement support: $2649
- The replacement support will replace this support in the current NDIS Plan: Core supports (Assistance with Daily Life), up to the equivalent cost of the Thermomix.
Some important rules to know.
- Approval only lasts for your current plan. You can reapply when your plan is renewed.
- If your application is declined, you can usually only apply for the same replacement support once every 12 months, unless your circumstances change and you receive a new NDIS Plan.
- If the item is from a retailer that isn’t an NDIS-registered provider, you’ll need to be plan managed or self-managed
- In most cases, the NDIA requires you to pay up front for an approved replacement support and then submit a claim for reimbursement
- Decisions about replacement supports are not reviewable.
Want to know more?
If you have questions about the replacement supports NDIS funding can cover, the Leap in! crew is here to help. Call 1300 05 7878 or email [email protected].
