NDIS Supports: Where Are the Gaps and What Needs to Change?

The NDIS is meant to support people with disabilities in living independently and participating in the community. But when looking at what’s funded, what isn’t, and the narrow path for “replacement supports,” it’s clear that the system is full of contradictions and unnecessary barriers.

This analysis highlights the gaps, inconsistencies, and limitations in the way NDIS supports are structured and shows how they impact real people’s lives.

The Confusing Divide: What NDIS Does and Doesn’t Fund

The NDIS divides supports into three categories. The first is NDIS-funded supports, which include 37 categories of goods, services, and equipment. The second is non-NDIS support, covering 15 categories of things the NDIS refuses to fund, such as rent, general medical treatments, and some assistive technologies. The third is replacement supports, which are non-NDIS supports that may be financed in specific circumstances but only if they replace existing NDIS-funded support.

At first glance, this might seem straightforward, but the lines between these categories are blurry. Some exclusions don’t make sense, and many necessary supports are left out simply due to bureaucratic definitions.

Contradictions That Make Life Harder

Some of the most significant issues arise from inconsistencies in how the NDIS decides what is considered necessary disability-related support. Assistive technology, for example, is covered in some cases but not others. The NDIS funds wheelchairs, prosthetics, and communication devices, but a person with a communication disability may not be able to get a regular tablet funded unless they can prove it replaces a specific NDIS support. This forces people to justify an obvious need through unnecessary bureaucracy.

Household items face similar inconsistencies. If an item is modified explicitly for disability support, such as adaptive cutlery, it can be funded. But if it’s something like a washing machine—essential for independent living—it is often excluded unless it qualifies as a replacement support. This creates an extra layer of hurdles for participants who want to manage their daily lives.

Mental health support is another area where people fall through the cracks. While the NDIS provides some psychosocial support, it excludes clinical mental health treatment, even when it is directly linked to a disability. This forces people to navigate both the NDIS and the mainstream health system without clear pathways for support. Many end up paying out of pocket for therapy or medical treatment that should logically be covered.

Parenting and family support are also limited in ways that disproportionately affect disabled parents. The NDIS provides some disability-related parenting support but does not fund general parenting programs or extra support for parents with disabilities. This creates significant challenges for disabled parents who need additional assistance but cannot access it through the NDIS.

Education and employment supports face similar restrictions. The NDIS funds skill development and capacity-building for employment, but it won’t cover tuition fees or workplace adjustments. This means many disabled people have to pay out of pocket for the education and accessibility modifications they need to enter or stay in the workforce.

These contradictions create stress for people who already have to fight for every bit of support. A washing machine shouldn’t need to be “justified” as a disability support. A person with a communication disability shouldn’t have to argue for a tablet that allows them to speak. These barriers add an unnecessary burden on participants who are simply trying to live independently.

The Problem with “Replacement Supports”

The idea of replacement supports was supposed to offer flexibility, but the criteria are so strict that many people can’t get the replacements they actually need. To qualify, a replacement must cost the same or less than the original support, work the same or better, and directly replace an NDIS-funded support.

This means people can’t request alternatives that might be slightly more expensive but significantly more effective. The NDIS also decides what counts as “better,” and there is no appeals process if a request is denied. If a replacement support is rejected, the participant has to wait 12 months before applying again unless their plan is reassessed due to a significant change in circumstances.

This creates a rigid system where people are forced to stick with supports that might not work best for them. Someone who needs a tablet for communication may be denied if the NDIS decides a dedicated speech device is “good enough,” even if the tablet would better meet their needs. Someone who wants to replace carer hours with a household appliance might be rejected because the NDIS doesn’t think it qualifies as necessary.

Instead of making life easier, the replacement support process adds another layer of red tape.

What Needs to Change?

The NDIS was designed to support people in living their lives on their terms, but the rigid rules and inconsistencies in funding undermine that goal. The system needs to be more flexible and responsive to real-world needs.

One key change would be allowing more flexibility in funding for everyday independence. Essential household items like washing machines and dishwashers should be included as standard supports if they clearly increase independence. Smart devices used for accessibility, such as tablets for communication, should not require a complicated workaround through replacement supports.

Fixing the gap in mental health funding is also critical. The NDIS and the mainstream health system should work together to ensure that people with psychosocial disabilities don’t fall through the cracks. At a minimum, therapy and treatment that are directly related to managing a disability should be covered.

The lack of appeal rights for replacement support also needs to change. If a request for replacement support is denied, people should have the right to challenge the decision, just as they can for other NDIS funding decisions.

Another crucial area for reform is expanding support for disabled parents and employees. Supporting disabled parents should not be an afterthought. The NDIS should also fund workplace adjustments so people with disabilities don’t have to fight for access to their own jobs.

Why This Matters

The NDIS isn’t just about funding—it’s about dignity, autonomy, and inclusion. Right now, the system still forces people into unnecessary battles over everyday supports. Instead of making people justify basic needs, the system should be designed to prioritise real-world impact over bureaucratic rules.

The goal shouldn’t just be about ticking boxes—it should be about supporting people to live full and independent lives without having to fight for what should be obvious.

What Can Be Done?

If the system isn’t working, then it’s worth advocating for change. Raising awareness of these inconsistencies, pushing for policy reform, and calling for a more person-centred approach are key steps. The NDIS should be flexible enough to meet the real needs of people with disabilities, not just fit them into pre-defined categories that don’t always make sense.