What is the NDIS responsible for?
The NDIS funds supports that relate to your disability and fit your plan. It does not fund everyday living costs like rent, or supports that other government services should provide.
Call 1800 844 995 Registered NDIS provider in MelbourneThe NDIS funds
- Help with daily living
- Building skills and independence
- Assistive technology and equipment
- Home and vehicle modifications
- Capital costs such as specialist disability accommodation
The NDIS does not fund
- Day-to-day living costs, including rent
- Supports another government system should provide
- Anything not related to your disability
- Illegal activities
- Items that are not NDIS supports
Last checked 18 October 2026
What the NDIS pays for
The purpose is to help you have the same things in life as people without disability.
The NDIS defines what counts as an NDIS support. To be funded, a support has to relate to your disability and fit your plan. The rules and lists are on the NDIS page what is the NDIS responsible for.
Daily living and personal care
Help with showering, dressing, meals, household tasks and getting out in the community. Our NDIS core support services in Melbourne cover this.
Skills and independence
Therapy and capacity-building supports such as occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech pathology. We deliver NDIS therapy and allied health services in Melbourne.
Equipment and modifications
Assistive technology, mobility equipment, and changes to your home or vehicle.
Where you live
Housing is the part most people find confusing, because three different things are involved:
- Support workers at home. Funded as supported independent living in Melbourne and Perth, Western Australia.
- The building. Funded as specialist disability accommodation for eligible participants. See SDA Melbourne or SDA Perth.
- Your rent and living costs. Not funded by the NDIS.
If you are weighing up your options, read ILO vs SIL: what is the difference.
What it does not cover
If a support is not on the list, you can ask whether a replacement support is possible, but it needs approval first.
- Day-to-day costs. Rent, groceries, bills and other living expenses.
- Other systems. Health, hospital, education and other services that belong to different government or community systems.
- Unrelated supports. Anything not connected to your disability.
- Non-NDIS items. Including anything illegal. The NDIS can ask for repayment if funds are used on things that are not NDIS supports.
Not sure about a specific item? Check the NDIS would we fund it guide before you buy.
Who does what
- The NDIA
- Decides what to fund in your plan, based on your goals, needs and evidence.
- You
- Choose your providers and how to use your funding, within what your plan allows.
- Your provider
- Delivers the supports and bills against your funding. A registered NDIS provider must meet NDIS quality and safety standards.
- Your coordinator
- Helps you put the plan into action. If you are new to plans, start with what is an NDIS care plan.
What is changing in 2026
Dates have moved before, so check with the NDIA or your support coordinator.
- 27 August 2026
- Reassessments are tighter. Unscheduled reassessment requests are limited to significant, ongoing changes.
- 1 October 2026
- Budget changes. New budget rules apply to new and reassessed plans. SIL supports can only be delivered by registered providers, or those who applied before this date.
- 1 April 2027
- New framework planning. A phased rollout of plans built from a needs assessment.
The NDIS says its pages are being updated to reflect new legislation, so some details may change.
Questions people ask
What is the NDIS responsible for?
The NDIS funds supports that help you with disability-related needs, such as help with daily living, building skills and independence, assistive technology, home or vehicle modifications and specialist disability accommodation. Funding has to be for an NDIS support, relate to your disability and fit your plan.
What does the NDIS not pay for?
It does not fund day-to-day living costs, supports another government system or community service should provide, illegal activities, or anything that is not an NDIS support. The NDIS publishes a list of what it would and would not fund, and you can check it on its would we fund it page.
Does the NDIS pay my rent?
No. Rent is a day-to-day living cost. Supported independent living (SIL) pays for support workers, and specialist disability accommodation (SDA) pays towards the building for eligible participants. Neither covers your rent.
Who decides what goes in my plan?
The NDIA decides what supports to fund, based on your goals, your disability-related needs and the evidence you provide. Reports from therapists and your support coordinator help show what your days look like.
Can I spend my funding on anything I like?
No. You choose your providers and how to use your funding, but it must be spent on supports that fit your plan. If funds are used on things that are not NDIS supports, the NDIS can ask you to pay them back.
Is the NDIS responsible for my healthcare?
Generally no. Health, hospital and education services belong to other government systems. The NDIS can fund supports that relate to your disability, so the line sometimes depends on your situation. Ask your support coordinator or the NDIA when you are unsure.
What is the difference between SIL and SDA?
SIL is funding for the support workers who help you at home. SDA is funding for the specially designed building. Many participants have both, but they are separate decisions made by the NDIA.
What changes in 2026?
The NDIS has said it is updating its information for new legislation. Reported changes include tighter reassessment requests from 27 August 2026, new plan budget rules from 1 October 2026 and the new framework planning from 1 April 2027. Dates have moved before, so confirm with the NDIA or your support coordinator.
Do you support people in Melbourne and Perth?
Yes. Caring Hearts is a registered NDIS provider based in Melbourne, with accommodation and support services. Call 1800 844 995 to talk about what is available for you.
Not sure what your plan can cover?
Talk to a registered NDIS provider. We will explain what is usually funded and what to raise at your next plan meeting.
1800 844 995How to find a registered NDIS provider