Welcome to Plan Like a Pro – NDIS Edition — your go-to space for practical, friendly insights on NDIS plan management that put you in control.
Whether you’re a participant, carer, or provider, we’re here to make the financial side of your plan easier to understand — without the jargon.
Plan management is one of the ways you can manage your funding through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). It means having a registered provider take care of the financial admin — like paying invoices, tracking your budget, and helping you stay on top of your funds — while still giving you choice and flexibility.
In short?
We handle the finances, so you can focus on your goals and your life. Here, you’ll find clear explanations, tips, and supportive guidance to help you make the most of your NDIS plan — with confidence and clarity.
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Let’s talk about the “In and Out” Lists…
Have you heard people talking about the In List, Out List, or the Yes/No List?
And thought:
“What does that even mean?!”
We get it. It can feel like just another layer of NDIS rules.
The real names of the lists are:
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Supports that are NDIS supports; and
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Supports that are not NDIS supports.
You can find the lists here:
https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/supports-funded-ndis
These lists are designed to clarify what can and cannot be funded under the NDIS. While they don’t cover absolutely everything, they’re a really helpful starting point.
👉 Important: These lists override the Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits Guide (often called the Price Guide).
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So… what can you actually claim?
There are 37 categories of supports that are NDIS supports.
We won’t walk through all of them here (we promise we like you too much to put you through that), but it’s worth having a look so you understand what might apply to you.
But let’s be honest…
👉 The question most people really want answered is:
“What can I claim?”
Because that’s where things can get confusing — and sometimes frustrating.
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🚫 What is NOT an NDIS support?
The following items are generally not funded by the NDIS.
That means — unless you have written approval from an NDIS Planner or Delegate — they can’t be claimed.
(This is not a full list, just some things that we get asked about the most.)
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Lifestyle-related items
- Internet devices (modems, routers)
- Landline phones and mobile phones (including smartphones
- Mobile phone accessories
- Tablets
- SIM cards
- Internet, landline, and mobile phone plans or data
- Standard computers and standard accessories
- Gaming consoles and games
- Streaming service subscriptions
- Standard (non-modified and not adaptive) recreational equipment and tools, including toys, balls and racquets.
- Costs associated with recreational sports and activities. This includes membership costs, venue hire fees, uniforms and footwear.
- Tickets to theme parks, tourism and entertainment operators.
- Tickets to music, theatre, cinema, sporting events, and conference fees or entrance fees.
- Standard indoor or outdoor play equipment.
- General health, fitness, social or recreational activity costs or services.
- Membership and entry to a recreational club and standard gym equipment.
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Alternative and complementary therapies
- Cuddle therapy
- Reflexology
- Aromatherapy
- Sound therapy
- Yoga therapy
- Wilderness therapy.
- Animal therapy – e.g. puppy therapy, goat therapy
- Alternative or complementary medicine
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Alternative and complementary therapies
- Cuddle therapy
- Reflexology
- Aromatherapy
- Sound therapy
- Yoga therapy
- Wilderness therapy.
- Animal therapy – e.g. puppy therapy, goat therapy
- Alternative or complementary medicine
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Wellness and coaching supports
- Massage that is not provided by an allied health professional for disability related purposes
- Sports or athletic supplements
- Life coaches, wellness coaches, career coaches, cultural coaches
- Hypnotherapy
- Neurofeedback
- Gaming therapy
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Health-related supports
- The diagnosis, early intervention and clinical treatment of health and dental health conditions, including ongoing or chronic health conditions
- Diagnostic assessments and screening services
- Health retreats
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Education-related supports
- Fees and payments for outside school hours care
- Education and tuition fees across all education settings
- Standard school uniforms, shoes, lunchboxes, drink bottles or other school equipment
- Personalised learning or supports for students that primarily relate to their educational attainment
- Aids and equipment for educational purposes
- Tutors and scribes
- Educational supports associated with home schooling
- School camp, incursion and excursion fees
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So… what does that mean in real life?
Let’s break it down in plain English.
In most situations, the NDIS won’t cover everyday items that everyone needs — even if they’re helpful.
That means:
👉 No phone, internet, tables or computers
👉 No yoga or animal therapy
👉 No general massage, gaming therapy or hypnotherapy
👉 No diagnostic assessments, health retreats or chronic health treatment
👉 No tutors or educational expenses
👉 No standard toys, indoor or outdoor equipment or music equipment
👉 No tickets to – theme parks, entertainment, music, theatre, sporting events
👉 No health, fitness, social or recreational activities or services
👉 No gym or recreational club memberships or equipment
(We know… deep breaths)
⚠️ But the key idea is this:
The NDIS is designed to fund disability-specific supports, not general living costs.
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So when could these things be funded?
There are exceptions.
An item might be approved if it is:
✔ Directly related to your disability
✔ Clearly linked to your NDIS goals
✔ Considered reasonable and necessary
✔ Supported with evidence
✔ Approved in writing by the NDIS
For example:
- A specialised communication device instead of a standard tablet
- Assistive technology recommended by an allied health professional
- Software that directly supports your disability needs
👉 The difference is how and why the item is used.
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Real-life example
A standard laptop for everyday use?
❌ Not funded
A specialised device recommended by an occupational therapist to support communication?
✔ Potentially funded (with approval)
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The golden rule
If it’s something most people would need in daily life — it’s usually not funded.
If it’s something you need because of your disability — it might be.
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⚠️ Always check first
Getting approval before you buy can save you time, money, and a lot of stress.
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Why does this matter?
Understanding what can’t be claimed is just as important as knowing what can.
It helps you:
- Avoid rejected invoices
- Prevent unexpected out-of-pocket costs
- Stay within your plan budget
- Reduce stress (and those “why was this declined?” moments)
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Our top tip 💡
If you’re ever unsure — ask before you buy.
JRA is here to support you. We’d much rather help you check something in advance than have to deliver disappointing news after the fact.
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Final thoughts
The NDIS can feel like a maze — especially when new lists, rules, and updates pop up.
But you don’t have to figure it all out alone.
At JRA, we’re here to make plan management simple, clear, and stress-free. So if you ever feel unsure, overwhelmed, or just need a second opinion — reach out. That’s what we’re here for.
