The Government released new lists on 1 October 2024 that show which supports the NDIS will pay for. These lists started on 3 October, but they are not final yet. They may change after the Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments make final decisions. Here’s what you need to know about these changes and how they might affect you.

What’s in the New Lists?

The new lists are split into three groups:

1. Allowed List: Supports the NDIS will pay for.
2. Banned List: Supports the NDIS will not pay for.
3. Replacement List: Other supports you may be able to get, instead of some things on the Banned List.

If a support you need is on Banned List, you might be able to apply for a Replacement. To read the lists click here:

• Allowed Supports
• Allowed Supports (Easy Read)
• Banned Supports
• Banned Supports (Easy Read)
• Replacement Supports
• Replacement Supports (Easy Read)

Replacement Supports Explained

You can apply for a Replacement for some items on the Banned List. The item would need to mostly or fully replace a support funded in your NDIS plan. Here’s what you could apply for:

1. Standard Household Items – these are things like robot vacuums, a bar fridge next to your bed if you’re unable to leave bed, or a food processor if you need your food pureed.  If you want to apply for a standard household item, the support must:

1. 1. Be needed because of the disability or disabilities which are registered for NDIS, and
   2. Increase your independence for the task you want it for, and
   3. Reduce or remove the need for a support worker or disability specific assistive technology.  

1. Accessibility and Communication Devices – are smart watches, tablets, smartphones or an App (eg. Boardmaker, Dragon Dictation, Proloquo2Go or any assistive App) used for accessibility or communication.  If you want to apply for one of these items, the support must be needed because of your disability or disabilities which are registered for NDIS.

There is a small team of NDIA Planners who are assessing Replacement applications.  You can only apply once per item per year, and the NDIA might say ‘No’.  If they say ‘No’, you can’t appeal that decision, but you can apply again in a year.  You can apply for different Replacement items in the same year (e.g. multiple Apps).

For more details on what the NDIS will fund and how replacement supports work, visit the NDIS guidelines page: What does the NDIS fund? This resource explains the criteria and application process, helping you understand if a replacement support is right for your needs. You can speak with the National Contact Centre, your Local Area Coordinator, or your NDIS Planner for guidance.

Will My Current Supports Change?

If you have supports written in your current NDIS plan which are now on the Banned List, you can continue to claim them until your plan ends. This includes supports the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) approved for you. 

Debts 

If you are Self-Managed and buy supports with your NDIS funding that are now on the Banned List, you might have to pay it back.  Over the next 12 months:

• For supports under $1,500, you’ll get two warnings and then will be given a debt (unless there is evidence that you did it deliberately),
• For supports over $1,500, you may have to pay the money back.

Over the next 12 months, the NDIA CEO, Rebecca Falkingham will be the only person at the NDIA that can give a participant or nominee a debt.  They will be taking an education approach.  Participants can only buy supports that are:

• ‘NDIS Supports – this means that they are on the Allowed List.
• Needed because of the disability or disabilities that are registered for NDIS – if you aren’t sure, contact NDIA to check.
• In line with your NDIS Plan.

If you are unsure whether you can claim a support, it’s a good idea to contact NDIA and check first. This can help you avoid extra costs.

Questions You May Have

Why Were These Lists Made?
The Government wants to make sure everyone understands what the NDIS will pay for. Some supports may need to be funded by State or Territory services instead.

How Do I Check If a Support is Covered?
If a support you need is not on either the Allowed or the Banned List, you might be able to use it. If a support is on the Banned List, you may still be able to apply for it as a Replacement Support. It’s a good idea to check with the NDIA for more information.

What If I Booked a Support Before 3 October, and it’s Now Banned?
If you need to cancel a support because of the changes, the NDIA will cover the cost of any cancellation fees.

Where Can I Get Help?
The NDIA’s National Contact Centre is available at 1800 800 110 if you have questions about the lists or changes. Some disability advocacy organisations also offer help and resources.

Our Commitment at Every Australian Counts

Every Australian Counts believes the NDIS should provide choice and support for all people with disability. We will keep pushing for fair, clear, and easy-to-understand information for everyone who relies on the NDIS.

For the latest information, visit the NDIS website or call the National Contact Centre at 1800 800 110 or email More contact options are available on the NDIS Website.

Sign up to the Every Australian Counts Mailing List to stay updated. Together, we can make sure the NDIS works for all Australians with disabilities.