What Can You Buy with Your NDIS Funding?
, by Aussie Pharma Direct, 11 min reading time
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia has been a game-changer for many, providing essential support and funding to help individuals with disabilities live more independent and fulfilling lives. But with so many options available, understanding what you can actually buy with your NDIS funding can feel a bit overwhelming.
That’s where this guide comes in. We’re here to help you navigate the ins and outs of NDIS funding and show you how to make the most of it. Whether you’re new to the NDIS or just looking to get a clearer idea of what’s covered, this blog will break down the different types of products and services you can purchase, ensuring that you’re fully informed and confident in making decisions that best support your needs.
Understanding NDIS funding categories
Before we dive into the specifics of what you can buy, it’s important to understand the different categories of NDIS funding. The scheme is designed to be flexible, offering support across several key areas:
- Core supports
These are the essential, everyday items and services that help you with daily living. Think of things like personal care, household tasks, and transport.
- Capital supports
This category covers more significant purchases, such as assistive technologies, equipment, and home or vehicle modifications that can enhance your independence.
- Capacity building supports
These are services and products aimed at helping you develop skills and capabilities, whether it’s through therapy, education, or employment support.
Knowing which category your needs fall into will make it easier to plan your purchases and ensure you’re using your funding in the most effective way.
Products you can purchase with NDIS funding
One of the key benefits of the NDIS is the wide range of products you can buy to help manage your disability and improve your quality of life. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common items you can purchase:
- Daily living aids
These include personal care items and adaptive equipment that make everyday tasks easier and safer.
Examples:
- Shower chairs
- Raised toilet seats
- Grab rails
- Long-handled reachers
- Adaptive cutlery
- Mobility equipment
If you need help getting around, NDIS funding can be used to purchase various mobility aids.
Examples:
- Manual and electric wheelchairs
- Walkers and rollators
- Mobility scooters
- Walking sticks and canes
- Transfer hoists
- Communication devices
For those with communication challenges, NDIS can fund devices that aid in expressing needs and interacting with others.
Examples:
- Speech-generating devices (SGDs)
- Communication boards
- Tablets with specialised communication apps
- Eye-gaze systems
- Hearing aids
- Home modifications
This could include installing ramps, modifying bathrooms, or making other changes to your home to improve accessibility.
Examples:
- Ramps and handrails
- Widening doorways
- Accessible bathroom renovations (e.g., roll-in showers)
- Stairlifts
- Smart home systems for accessibility
- Therapeutic supports
Equipment needed for physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or other forms of therapy is also covered under NDIS funding.
Examples:
- Therapy mats and exercise balls
- Sensory equipment (e.g., weighted blankets, sensory swings)
- Standing frames
- Adaptive seating systems
- Orthotic supports
- Assistive technology
This includes devices that help with hearing, vision, or other sensory impairments.
Know more about what assistive technology means.
Examples:
- Hearing aids and cochlear implants
- Magnifiers and braille displays
- Assistive listening devices
- Screen readers and adaptive keyboards
- Tactile signalling devices
Scanning pens or reader pens (Devices that help with reading and comprehension, particularly useful for individuals with dyslexia or other learning difficulties.
Services covered by NDIS funding
In addition to products, NDIS funding can be used to access a variety of services that support your goals and overall wellbeing. These services are designed to help you live as independently as possible and include:
- Therapy services - This covers physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and other therapeutic services that help you manage your disability.
- Support workers - You can use NDIS funding to hire support workers who assist with daily living activities, community participation, and personal care.
- Transport services - If you need help getting to appointments, social activities, or other essential outings, NDIS funding can cover the cost of transport services.
- Plan management services - These services help you manage your NDIS funds and coordinate the services you need, making it easier to stay on top of your budget and care.
- Social and community participation - Engaging in social, recreational, and community activities is also supported by NDIS funding, helping you stay connected and active.
These services are a crucial part of the support network provided by the NDIS, helping you achieve your personal goals and maintain your independence.
How to purchase products with NDIS funding
Now that you know what you can buy, let’s talk about how to make those purchases. The process can seem a bit daunting, but with the right approach, it’s straightforward.
- Choosing providers
- Budgeting and planning
It’s essential to plan how you’ll use your funding across different categories. To make the most of your NDIS funding, consider both your immediate needs and any long-term goals. As you develop your plan, asking yourself the following questions can help guide your decisions:
Identify any products or services that are essential for your daily life or immediate well-being.
Think about how your needs might change over time and how you can allocate funding to cover those changes.
Consider whether you’ll need different supports or equipment due to changes in your living situation, work, or health.
Reflect on your personal goals, such as increasing independence, improving mobility, or enhancing social participation, and how your funding can support these.
Ensure you’re budgeting for regular services, such as therapy or support workers, to maintain consistent support throughout the year.
- Making purchases
Once you’ve decided what you need, you’ll typically need to get quotes from providers and submit these to the NDIS for approval. After approval, you can proceed with the purchase and keep all relevant invoices.
- Keeping records
Maintaining detailed records of your purchases and services is crucial. This not only helps with budgeting but also ensures you’re prepared if you’re ever audited.
By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to making informed and effective use of your NDIS funding.
Tips for maximising your NDIS funding
Finally, let’s look at some tips to help you get the most out of your NDIS funding:
- Prioritising needs: Start by identifying the most essential products and services you need. This will help you allocate your funds more effectively.
- Long-term planning: Think about your future needs as well as your current ones. Planning for the long term can help ensure that your funding lasts and supports your goals over time.
- Staying informed: The NDIS can be complex, and policies do change. Stay up-to-date with the latest guidelines to ensure you’re always making the most of your funding.
- Seeking professional advice: Don’t hesitate to consult with plan managers or support coordinators if you need help. They can offer valuable advice and guidance tailored to your individual situation.
Buying NDIS-approved products at Aussie Pharma Direct
Aussie Pharma Direct collaborates closely with Plan Managers and self-managed NDIS participants to streamline the purchasing process for NDIS-approved products. Although not a registered NDIS provider, the platform offers a straightforward method for accessing necessary health, wellness, and assistive products.
At Aussie Pharma Direct, you can find essential items such as masks and COVID test kits to help protect your health. If you or your loved one needs support with breathing, you can also find a range of breathing aids from AirPhysio. Additionally, scanner pens are also sold on the website, which are incredibly useful for individuals with reading difficulties or vision impairments.
Here’s how the process works when you’re buying the products at Aussie Pharma Direct:
- You can contact Aussie Pharma Direct to set up an account.
- Once the account is established, orders can be placed directly through the platform.
- After placing an order, an invoice will be issued to you.
- Upon payment of the invoice, the order will be promptly dispatched to your address.
Shop NDIS-approved products at Aussie Pharma Direct