📱 Can NDIS Fund Mobile Phones?

✨ NDIS and Mobile Phones: Can You Get Funding? 📱

[NDIS, Mobile Phones, Assistive Technology, Funding Criteria, Communication]

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Today, we’re looking at mobile phones under the NDIS. While smartphones are essential tools for communication and accessibility, they are generally considered everyday items. So, when does the NDIS fund them? Let’s break it down!

No, the NDIS does not typically fund mobile phones, as they are considered day-to-day living costs. Since most Australians use mobile phones for everyday activities, they are not considered a specific disability support.

However, in some circumstances, you may be able to request a mobile phone as a replacement support. A replacement support must:

• Directly serve your disability-related needs.

• Replace an existing NDIS support in your plan.

• Be on the approved replacement support list.

• Be pre-approved in writing by the NDIS before you use your funding for it.

In rare cases, a mobile phone may be funded if it replaces another approved NDIS support that serves the same or better purpose.

For example, if you have complex communication needs and rely on a smartphone with assistive communication apps as your primary means of communication, you may be able to request a mobile phone as a replacement support.

You must provide strong evidence from a professional, such as a speech therapist, to justify this request.

The NDIS follows strict laws that determine what can and cannot be funded.

• Mobile phones are considered day-to-day living costs.

• Most Australians use them for daily life, making them not disability-specific supports.

• The NDIS only funds supports that are directly related to disability needs and are in-line with your approved plan.

No, unless it has been pre-approved as a replacement support. You cannot use your NDIS funding to buy a mobile phone unless:

1. It replaces an NDIS support that is already funded in your plan.

2. It is listed on the approved replacement support list.

3. NDIS has provided written approval before purchasing it.

If these conditions are not met, the cost of a mobile phone must be covered personally.

🔹 No, the NDIS does not fund mobile phones as they are considered day-to-day living costs.

🔹 A mobile phone may be funded only as a replacement support if it meets strict criteria.

🔹 You must have pre-approval from the NDIS before using funding for a mobile phone.

🔹 ISM can help you navigate funding requests and determine if a replacement support applies to you.

Need help with your NDIS plan? Reach out to ISM for expert support and assistance! 📞

• Our Guideline - Reasonable and necessary supports

• Our Guideline - Assistive Technology

• Our Guideline – Replacement supports list.