The introduction of the NDIS supports lists in late 2024 marked a big change to how NDIS funding can be used.
While designed to provide clarity on what the NDIS can and can’t fund, the changes have raised new questions and caused confusion.
With the transition period ending on 3 October 2025, we take a look at how the lists are being applied and what they mean for your NDIS Plan.
A quick recap on the NDIS supports lists.
On 3 October 2024, the NDIS introduced two new lists:
- NDIS supports: also known as the ‘In list’
- Items that are not NDIS supports: also known as the ‘Out list’.
You can only use NDIS funding for supports on the In list. If a support is on the Out list, it is not funded, even if it helps with your disability.
What’s not funded: Examples from the Out list.
The Out list outlines items that the NDIS will not fund, even if they seem helpful. Many are everyday expenses or the responsibility of mainstream and community services.
Examples include:
- Groceries, cleaning products and drinks
- Standard household items like recliner chairs, washing machines and garden tools
- Costs associated with recreational sports and activities. This includes membership costs, venue hire fees, uniforms and footwear.
- Therapies not backed by strong evidence
- Supports provided by health, education or other services
- General childhood supports that are not disability-specific.
In limited cases, the NDIS may fund an item from the Out list as a ‘replacement support’. Learn more at NDIS replacement supports: What they are and how they work.
Commonly confused items.
Some items may seem like they could be funded but are excluded under the new rules:
- Gym memberships or equipment unless clearly linked to disability goals and supported by evidence
- Smart home devices (eg. Alexa) unless clearly related to disability needs*
- Tablets or laptops unless used for disability-related communication*
- Baby equipment that a parent would usually buy
- Recreational items like video game consoles.
*Except as replacement supports when fully approved by the NDIS prior to purchase.
How to tell if a support is NDIS-funded.
Not sure if something can be paid for with your NDIS funds? Use this checklist to guide your decision:
- It’s listed on the In list
- It doesn’t appear on the Out list
- It directly relates to your disability
- It’s not already covered by another system like health or education
- It fits within the funding and supports outlined in your current NDIS Plan.
If you’re still unsure, talk to your plan manager, LAC, support coordinator or contact the NDIS. It’s always better to check if you have any doubts.
Matching supports to your plan.
All supports purchased must directly relate to your NDIS-funded disability.
For new and reassessed plans, your primary disability is placed into one or more of six ‘impairment categories’. The impairment categories listed on your NDIS impairment notice determine the supports you can purchase with your funding. If you have multiple disabilities, it’s a good idea to make sure you know which impairment/s the NDIS is funding you for.
This may not apply yet if your plan started before 3 October 2024. For more details, see Impairment notices: What you need to know.
Working with providers.
Providers may not be across everything in your NDIS Plan or how a support relates to your disability. If a provider delivers a support that the NDIS won’t fund, they risk not being paid, especially if the support is on the Out list.
If you’re unsure:
- Check with your LAC or the NDIS
- Talk to your plan manager
- Make sure the support is clearly disability-related.
What happens if you make a mistake?
Until 3 October 2025 the NDIS is taking an educational approach to help participants adjust to the new rules.
If a mistake is made:
- Under $1,500: No debt will be raised for first or second unintentional mistakes during the transition
- Over $1,500: A debt can be raised, though it may be waived in special circumstances.
If a breach is intentional, over $1,500 or happens after the transition ends, the NDIS may:
- Ask you to repay the money
- Change how your plan is managed
- Shorten your plan length
- Refuse to pay the provider.
All decisions to raise participant debts must be approved by the NDIA CEO to ensure fairness and transparency.
Please note: While participants have a longer transition period, plan managers were given one month to comply with the new support lists. That means plan managers may now be liable if they process claims for items that appear on the Out list.
Replacements and tech.
Just because something was funded before doesn’t mean it will be approved now. For example, tech items purchased during COVID (like tablets or headphones) may not be replaced unless:
- They’re still required for therapy
- It replaces something already approved
- It follows the new NDIS rules.
Do you need help to make sense of your NDIS Plan?
Book your FREE Understand Your Plan session. Learn about the different budget categories and find out about the kinds of supports you can use.
Call 1300 05 78 78 to make your booking today or register your interest and we’ll call you!
