NDIS replacement supports: everything you need to know

If you have anything to do with the NDIS, you'll likely know there are certain things that can and cannot be funded. The things that can be funded are called NDIS supports. But what you may not know is that in special circumstances the NDIS can fund supports outside of this list. These are what we call replacement supports.

Replacement supports are simply a service, item or piece of equipment you’d prefer to use instead of an existing NDIS support already in your plan. It’s a different option that helps you achieve the same outcome.

What’s the benefit of replacement supports?

The biggest benefit of replacement supports, is that (when the right conditions are met) the NDIS can approve replacement supports upfront, with no assessment needed. That means less paperwork and faster approval.  

Basically, replacement supports provide easier access to everyday items that help you live more independently.

What makes a support a “replacement support”?

Replacement supports are mainstream, commercially available items (not specialised disability equipment) that:

  • Directly relate to your disability needs
  • Help achieve the same functional outcome as a disability-specific item
  • Support greater independence
  • Reduce reliance on support workers or specialised assistive technology

Only some supports can be replaced and only if the NDIS approves it in writing. A replacement support isn’t extra; it replaces an existing NDIS support or supports in your plan. So, your total budget doesn't change if the NDIS approves a replacement support.

What NDIS supports can be used as replacement supports?

There are currently only two categories of replacement supports: standard commercially available household items and smart devices and apps.

Cat 1 – Standard Commercially Available Household Items:

This category is for everyday items you can buy off the shelf, but they can make a big difference in supporting your independence at home.

To be covered, your support item must:

  • Address a disability-related needs
  • Increase your independence with whole tasks
  • Reduce or even remove the need for support workers or specialised assistive technology.

Some examples of such household items include:

  • Accessible washing machines with easy-to-reach controls
  • Robotic vacuums that help you keep your home clean  
  • Air fryers with adaptive or easy-use controls that make cooking safer and more independent.

Category 2 – Smart Devices and Apps

This category is for tech devices and apps that can make communication and accessibility easier in your daily life.

Some examples for such devices include:

  • Smart watches
  • Tablets
  • Smartphones
  • Accessibility or communication apps that support how you communicate and interact

To be covered, the device or app must:

  • Directly support your communication or accessibility needs
  • Be needed because of your disability, not just for general use

How to apply for replacement supports

To have your replacement support successfully approved by the NDIS, you need to show why the support item matters and how it will make daily tasks, independence or communication easier for you.

Start with clear evidence:

Explain your disability-related needs, what challenges you're facing, and how this item will help.

Show how the replacement support meets the criteria. For example, does it help you communicate more easily, or make tasks more independent?

Include quotes, supporting documents and any relevant reports.

If required, ask an allied health professional or AT specialist to provide a short statement confirming how and why the item will help.

Demonstrate why it’s a suitable replacement:

Describe how it replaces support worker hours or specialised assistive technology.

Show how it aligns with your NDIS goals (things like independence, easier communication, or reducing the need for ongoing support).

Highlight cost-effectiveness, especially if the replacement support delivers similar (or better) outcomes at a lower cost.

Example:

Instead of buying a pricey communication device (like a specialised speech-generating device), you may be able to use a regular tablet with accessibility apps. If you can show that it helps you communicate independently, supports your goals and costs less, the NDIS may consider it a suitable replacement support.

Common Replacement Support misconceptions

When it comes to replacement supports, there’s a lot of confusion about what the NDIS can and can’t approve. Here are some of the biggest misconceptions and the truth behind them.

Misconception 1: Replacement supports are just for broken equipment.

Truth: Replacement supports aren’t about fixing or swapping out damaged items. They’re about using mainstream alternatives that meet your disability-related needs.

Misconception 2: You can apply for replacement supports as often as you like.

Truth: There’s a limit. You can only receive one replacement support per item every 12 months.

Misconception 3: Any household item can count as a replacement support.

Truth: Not quite. Every item has to meet clear functional criteria (i.e. it must directly support your independence, communication or daily living in a disability-related way).

Misconception 4: If the NDIS rejects your request, you can appeal the decision.

Truth: Replacement support decisions aren’t reviewable under Section 99 of the NDIS Act. 

Confused about what you can and cannot use your NDIS funding for?

We get it! At times, it can be confusing and overwhelming navigating the NDIS by yourself. Plan Partners are one of Australia’s leading providers of plan management. 

As well as taking care of your provider invoices and making sure they get paid on time, find out more about plan management with Plan Partners now.