Will the NDIS pay for this? Understanding ‘Reasonable and Necessary’ Supports

July 10, 2023

When it comes to using NDIS funding to pay for services or products, the key phrase to remember is “reasonable and necessary.” These are the criteria used to decide whether things can be funded or not.  

Let’s break down what “reasonable and necessary” means for your disability supports. 

Reasonable Supports 

Relates to Disability

The support or service must be directly related to your disability. It should help you overcome the barriers posed by your disability, meaning you can keep on top of daily needs and activities, and work towards your goals. 

Effective and Proven 

The support or service needs to have been proven as effective in achieving positive outcomes. The NDIS looks for evidence-based practices and interventions that will benefit your specific needs. 

Value for Money 

The NDIS aims to ensure you’re getting value for money. This means considering the cost-effectiveness of the support or service, and its potential long-term benefits. The NDIS takes into account whether there are more cost-efficient alternatives that would lead to similar outcomes.  

Necessary Supports 

Essential for Daily Living  

The support or service should be necessary for your day-to-day functioning and quality of life. This means supports that are required to maintain your independence, safety, health, and well-being. 

Not the Responsibility of Others 

The NDIS does not fund supports that are the responsibility of other government systems or services, such as education, health, or transport. The NDIS focuses on providing disability-specific supports, while ensuring that you are connected to appropriate mainstream services. 

Helps Achieve Goals 

The support or service should help you work towards your goals and aspirations. These could be related to education, employment, community participation, social inclusion, or personal development.  

The NDIS takes an individualised approach, considering your unique circumstances, goals, and needs when assessing whether a support or service meets the “reasonable and necessary” criteria. It’s important to have open and honest discussions with the NDIS planners or Local Area Coordinators, to clearly explain your needs, and demonstrate how the supports meet the criteria. 

Remember, the NDIS is there to help you achieve the best possible outcomes based on your individual circumstances. The “reasonable and necessary” criteria ensure that funding pays for supports and services that will truly make a positive difference in your life. 

The Disability Plan Services team is highly experienced in dealing with the NDIS. We’ll help you understand what’s available to you through your funding, and how to maximise the value of every dollar. Contact Us to see how we can help you chase your goals!