Understanding the NDIS
Understanding Reasonable and Necessary Supports
The criteria the NDIA uses when deciding which supports can be funded.
Every support must meet the rules
A support cannot be funded only because it would be helpful.
Evidence matters
The NDIA considers information about your disability, needs and circumstances.
The NDIA decides
Providers can supply information, but they do not approve funding.
Plain language guide
The detail, broken into useful sections.
Read the sections that matter to you. The content has not been shortened or changed, only organised so it is easier to scan.
What the criteria require
Before the NDIA can fund a support, it must meet all applicable criteria. The support must relate to your disability, help you work towards your goals, help with participation in work, study or social activities where relevant, represent value for money, be likely to be effective and beneficial, take account of support from family, community and mainstream services, and be an NDIS support or an agreed replacement.
What will not usually be funded
- An ordinary day to day living cost unrelated to disability
- Something another service system should provide
- Support that duplicates something already provided
- Anything illegal or likely to cause harm
- Income replacement
- Anything that is not an NDIS support
How the NDIA decides
They consider your support needs, goals, current supports, reports and assessments, how often and how much support is needed, the expected benefit, the cost, and whether another system is responsible. A recommendation or quote does not guarantee funding.
Value for money is not the cheapest option
The NDIA may consider whether a support is effective, whether it may reduce future support needs, whether another option gives the same benefit for less, and how much support is actually required.
Making the case for a support
It helps to explain what support you need, how it relates to your disability, which goal or daily activity it supports, what may happen without it, how often it is needed, and why the proposed option is appropriate. Evidence from health or allied health professionals may also be required.
SCL Support Services
What SCL can help with
SCL may provide:
- Service information and quotes
- Service Agreements
- Rosters and support schedules
- Records showing services delivered
- General information about how our supports may assist with your goals
SCL cannot guarantee the NDIA will fund a particular support.
Official information
This page explains things in plain language. The NDIS is the authority on the rules, and they change. Check the official pages for the current position.
Last checked: August 2026
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