If you’re an NDIS participant, or supporting an individual with NDIS funding you’ve probably heard the phrase “reasonable and necessary supports.”
Supports deemed reasonable and necessary determine whether a support, service, or item can be funded by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Understanding it can be the difference between getting essential help or missing out on services you need to thrive.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about reasonable and necessary supports in the NDIS: what they are, how they’re assessed, common examples, and how to advocate for your needs.
How Does the NDIA Decide What’s Reasonable and Necessary?
To determine whether your supports are reasonable and necessary, The NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency) uses evidence from:
- Medical or allied health professionals (e.g. OT or GP reports)
- Quotes and supporting documents
- Your goals and functional assessments
- Pricing comparisons and benchmark costs
The NDIA may also refer to past decisions and guidelines from the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).
What Does “Reasonable and Necessary” Mean?
The NDIS only funds supports that meet the criteria of being reasonable and necessary. According to the NDIS Act (Section 34), to meet this criteria a support must:
1. The Support Must Relate to Your Disability
The NDIS won’t fund general life costs that people without disabilities also experience (e.g. rent, groceries, or holidays). The support must directly relate to the functional impact of your disability.
2. The Support Should Be Likely to Benefit You
The support needs to help you in a practical and meaningful way. This doesn’t mean it has to be guaranteed to work—but there should be reasonable evidence or a professional recommendation that it’s helpful.
3. Value for Money
NDIS looks at whether the support is worth the cost—either compared to similar supports or in the broader context of long-term benefit. For example, funding a wheelchair ramp that reduces daily support hours may be considered better value than paying for personal support each time.
4. Not Better Provided by Other Systems
Supports that fall under education, housing, or health systems (like surgery or schooling) are usually not covered by the NDIS. The scheme won’t double up on services already funded by other government systems.
5. Helps You Pursue Goals
Each NDIS plan includes goals. The supports you request must link back to those goals—whether that’s building independence, improving health, finding employment, or participating socially.
6. Supports Participation and Inclusion
Whether it’s going to school, joining a sport, or accessing the community, the NDIS prioritises funding that promotes social and economic inclusion.
If a support ticks all these boxes, it’s considered “reasonable and necessary” and the NDIS may fund it in your plan.
Examples of Reasonable and Necessary Supports
Here are some commonly funded reasonable and necessary supports across NDIS plans:
Core Supports
- Support workers to help with personal care or community access
- Meal preparation (if cooking is impacted by disability)
- Low-cost assistive technology like shower chairs or communication apps
Capital Supports
- Wheelchairs and mobility aids
- Home modifications (e.g. rails, ramps, accessible bathrooms)
- Vehicle modifications
Capacity Building Supports
- Occupational therapy and physiotherapy
- Support coordination
- Social skill programs or mentoring
- Employment coaching
What’s Not Considered Reasonable and Necessary?
The NDIS does not fund:
- Day-to-day living costs unrelated to disability (e.g. rent, groceries, entertainment)
- Items already covered by mainstream systems (e.g. Medicare-funded therapy)
- Supports that are unsafe or unproven
- Supports not linked to your NDIS goals
- Duplicated services
You might be asking if a gym membership or iPad is funded by the NDIS? If the gym program is part of a therapy plan or helps you achieve a health-related NDIS goal you may receive funding for this in your plan. If an iPad is required for communication, education, or other disability-specific reasons, and supported by a therapist’s report you may receive funding in your plan. The key is to creating outcome-focused goals that can justify how these services or tools can support you in achieving your goals. Read on for more on this.
How to Make Sure Your Supports Are Approved
To give your support request the best chance of being approved by the NDIS, it’s important to be clear, specific, and well-prepared.
Start by ensuring the goals you’ve outlined in your plan are as detailed and outcome-focused as possible. The support you are requesting must be linked directly to these goals and the impact of your disability. We highly recommend always including supporting evidence such as professional reports, letters from therapists, and functional assessments that explain why the support is necessary. Submitting itemised quotes from registered providers also strengthens your case by demonstrating value for money.
Use NDIS-appropriate language and terminology to align your request with what the NDIA looks for in its assessments. If you’re feeling unsure or overwhelmed, a support coordinator or plan manager can guide you through the process, helping you gather and present the right information to meet the reasonable and necessary criteria.
Reasonable and Necessary in Different Funding Categories
The term “reasonable and necessary” applies to all parts of your NDIS plan, including:
- Core Supports (daily living needs)
- Capital Supports (equipment or modifications)
- Capacity Building (skills development and therapy)
Each category uses the same six criteria outlined earlier in the guide, but differs by the types of supports offered.
What If the NDIS Says “No”?
If a support request is denied, you can:
- Ask for a review of the decision
- Submit further evidence or clarification
- Seek advocacy or legal support
- Lodge an appeal with the AAT
Support coordinators or advocacy services can assist you through this process.
Navigating What’s Reasonable And Necessary
Navigating what’s “reasonable and necessary” under the NDIS can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right knowledge, documentation, and support, you can access the funding and services that truly make a difference in your life.
At Achora, we’re here to help you understand your plan, build strong evidence, and advocate for what matters most to you.
Need support understanding your NDIS plan or requesting the right funding?
Contact Achora today to get started with expert plan management and support coordination.
