The starting rule: phones and tablets are excluded
Since 3 October 2024 the NDIS Supports Transitional Rules have listed supports that generally are not NDIS supports. Under day to day living costs, the list includes mobile phones and smartphones, tablets, phone accessories, SIM cards, modems and routers, phone and internet plans and data, and standard computers. Smart watches are listed with jewellery and watches.
These are things many people buy anyway, so the starting point is that you pay for them yourself.
The exception: replacement supports
The Rules allow a short list of excluded items to be bought with NDIS funding if the NDIA makes a replacement support determination for you. Smart watches, tablets, smartphones and apps used for accessibility or communication are one of only two groups that qualify.
To be approved, the device must be necessary for communication or accessibility needs arising from your disability. The NDIA must also be satisfied that it replaces one or more NDIS supports already funded in your plan, costs the same or less, and works as well or better.
- Example: a tablet with a communication app instead of a far more expensive dedicated communication device
- Example: a smartphone with accessibility apps that does the job of separate assistive technology you would otherwise need
How to apply
You apply to the NDIA before buying. Your support coordinator, plan manager or therapist can help. Be ready to explain:
- The exact device or app and its cost
- Which support in your plan it replaces, and how it will work as well or better
- How it relates to your disability, ideally with a speech pathologist's or occupational therapist's recommendation
- That the cost will come from your existing funding, in place of the support it replaces
If you are refused
A replacement support decision is not a reviewable decision, so you cannot ask for an internal review of it. The Rules also limit how often you can apply for the same item, generally once in any 12 month period while your plan is in effect.
If you need a device mainly to communicate, it may be better to ask for it as assistive technology in your plan, with evidence from your speech pathologist. That is a separate request and follows the usual assistive technology rules.
Communication devices and apps
Communication and information equipment is an NDIS support category in its own right. Dedicated speech generating devices, communication boards and the services to assess, set up and train you in using them can be funded as assistive technology. Mid cost items, from $1,500 to $15,000, need written advice from an assistive technology advisor such as a speech pathologist.
The app on its own can also be an approved replacement support, so it is worth asking your speech pathologist which route suits your situation.
What may change
In August 2026 the government proposed removing the replacement supports process. Under the proposal, tablets, smartphones, smart watches and accessibility apps could be included in your plan as stated supports where they meet the requirements. The NDIA had received 11,051 replacement support requests by 17 July 2026, and devices like these were the most requested.
Consultation closed on 14 October 2026. Until new Rules are made, the current replacement support process still applies.