Why replacement supports exist
Since 3 October 2024 the NDIS supports lists have set out what NDIS funding can and cannot buy. Some everyday items, like phones, tablets and household appliances, are on the list of things that generally are not NDIS supports.
For some people, one of those items does the job of a funded support more cheaply. A tablet with a communication app can replace a costly communication device, or a kitchen appliance can cut down the hours a worker spends preparing meals. The replacement supports process lets the NDIA say yes in those cases.
What can be a replacement support
The Rules only allow two groups of items, each with its own conditions:
- Standard commercially available household items. They must meet a need arising from your disability, increase your independence across the whole task, and reduce or remove the need for a support worker or disability specific assistive technology
- Smart watches, tablets, smartphones, and apps used for accessibility or communication. They must be needed for communication or accessibility needs arising from your disability
The rules the NDIA applies
On top of those conditions, the NDIA has to be satisfied that the item replaces one or more NDIS supports you already have funding for. It must cost the same or less than the support it replaces, and work as well or better.
The most important rule: you must have written approval before you buy. Without it, the item is not something your NDIS funding can pay for, even if it would have been approved. Once approved, you can buy straight away and show the approval letter to your provider or plan manager.
How to apply
You apply to the NDIA, and your support coordinator or plan manager can help you prepare it. Be ready to explain:
- What the item is and how much it costs
- Which support or supports in your plan it would replace
- How it will work the same or better for you, ideally with a therapist's recommendation
- How it relates to your disability
If the answer is no
A replacement support decision is not a reviewable decision, so you cannot ask for an internal review. If your application is not approved, you cannot apply for the same replacement support again for 12 months.
If you think the item should be funded as assistive technology in its own right, for example a specialised communication device, that is a different request about your plan and is handled separately.
Proposed change: replacement supports removed
In August 2026 the government proposed removing the replacement supports process altogether. By 17 July 2026 the NDIA had received 11,051 requests, of which 5,545 were approved and 1,995 refused. Tablets, accessibility and communication apps, smart watches and smartphones were the most requested items.
Under the proposal, those devices could instead be included in your plan as stated supports where they meet the requirements, and no items, including standard household items, would be available through a replacement process. Consultation closed on 14 October 2026. Until new Rules are made, the current process still applies.