🏡 NDIS and Household Items: Can You Get Funding?

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Today, we’re looking at household items under the NDIS. While appliances and home equipment can help improve accessibility and independence, they are generally considered everyday items. So, when does the NDIS fund them? Let’s break it down!

Would the NDIS Fund Household Items?

No, the NDIS does not typically fund standard household items like washing machines, dishwashers, or microwaves, as they are considered day-to-day living costs. Since most households in Australia own these appliances for general use, they are not considered specific disability supports.

However, in certain situations, you may be able to request a household item 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.

When Can a Household Item Be a Replacement Support?

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

For example, if you have limited mobility and require a combined washer/dryer to reduce the need for physical transfers, you may be able to request this appliance as a replacement support.

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

Why Doesn’t the NDIS Fund Household Items?

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

Household items like washing machines and dishwashers 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.

Can I Use My NDIS Funding for a Household Item?

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

It replaces an NDIS support that is already funded in your plan.
It is listed on the approved replacement support list.
NDIS has provided written approval before purchasing it.

If these conditions are not met, the cost of household items must be covered personally.

Key Takeaways

🔹 No, the NDIS does not fund standard household items as they are considered day-to-day living costs.

🔹 A household item 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 household item.

🔹 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! 📞