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Replacement support 

In some specific circumstances, NDIS can fund supports that are not NDIS supports. These are called replacement supports. This may mean the service, item or equipment you would like to use instead of the NDIS support or supports in your plan. Only some supports can be replaced and only if the NDIS agree in writing can you buy this support.

A replacement support isn’t an extra support. It replaces an existing NDIS support or supports in your plan. 

A replacement support must meet certain criteria. It must:
  • replace an NDIS support or supports in your plan
  • help you the same or more than the NDIS support or supports it’s replacing
  • cost the same or less than the NDIS support or supports it’s replacing.
A replacement support must be for your disability support needs. It is not an extra support. It replaces an existing NDIS support or supports in your plan. This means your total budget amount will not change if we approve a replacement support.
The supports that can replace an existing support or supports in your plan are:
  • standard commercially available household items, like a washing machine or dishwasher
  • smart watches
  • tablet devices
  • smartphones
  • an app for accessibility or communication

If the replacement support is not on this list, you won’t be able to ask for it.

How to apply for a replacement support:

To apply for a replacement support, you or your authorised representative will need to give the NDIS information about it. You can do this by completing an Application for a replacement support on the NDIS website. Or you can provide the same information to in an email or over the phone. You can also contact NDIS on 1800 800 110.

When you apply, you will need to tell them:

  • information about the replacement support, like what it is and how much it costs
  • which NDIS support or supports in your plan you want to replace
  • how you think it will work the same or better than the support you want to replace.

You don’t need to give any additional assessments or reports to apply for a replacement support.

Instead, when you apply, you need to tell the NDIS how it will help you. For example, the replacement support may help you to:

  • participate in community and social activities
  • do tasks more independently
  • keep doing the things you need to do.

The replacement support may mean you need less help from support workers or from specialised assistive technology for your disability.

You can provide a quote for the replacement support if you would like to. The NDIS will check your application when they receive it and will let you know if more information from you is necesary before a decision is made.

How NDIS make a decision

After you apply, NDIS will look at whether the information you’ve given meets the criteria for approving a replacement support. They don’t need any additional assessments or reports to make our decision.

The replacement support must:

  • replace an NDIS support or supports in your plan
  • help you the same or more than the NDIS support or supports it’s replacing
  • cost the same or less that the NDIS support or supports it’s replacing
  • be safe for you.

If your application is approved

NDIS will call and let you know that they have approved your application for a replacement support. Then, will send you a letter by post or email.

You can buy your replacement support as soon as it’s been approved. You can show your letter to the provider to let them know the support has been approved by NDIS.

You will need to use the funding in your plan for the NDIS support or supports to pay for the replacement support.

If the replacement support has extra costs, NDIS will tell you if they are also included. This might be things like delivery, or repairs and maintenance.

The approval for your replacement supports will last for your current plan. If you want to ask for this replacement support again, you will need to ask in your next plan.

In some situations, we may need to change how your plan is managed so you can buy your approved replacement support. NDIS will talk to you about this when contact is made with you to tell you that the replacement support has been approved.

If your application is not approved

NDIS will call you to let you know that your application has not been approved. They’ll give you the reasons your application has not been approved and also send you a letter by post or email to confirm this in writing.

If your application is not approved, you won’t be able to use the funding in your plan to buy the replacement support.

You can’t ask for a review of this decision and can continue to use the NDIS support or supports that are described in your plan.

Reapplying for a replacement support

If your application is not approved, you can’t apply for that same replacement support again for 12 months. For example, if you apply for a replacement support in January and it’s not approved, you will have to wait until January of the following year to reapply for the same replacement support.

If your circumstances change and your plan is reassessed, you do not have to wait for 12 months before you apply for the same replacement support again.

Applying for a different replacement support

You can apply for a different replacement support at any time. Go to How to apply to learn more.

How you claim for a replacement support depends on how your plan is managed.

If we your application for a replacement support is approved, NDIS will explain how to claim in the letter sent to you. When you claim, you’ll need to include a tax invoice or receipt for the replacement support you bought.