Replacement Supports: How to Access Funding Outside the Approved List

The NDIS Support Lists introduced in October 2024 clarify what can and can’t be funded. But what happens when a standard approved support doesn’t suit your specific needs? That’s where replacement supports come in.

Information current as of April 2025. This article is general information only — not NDIS, legal, or financial advice.

What is a replacement support?

A replacement support is an alternative to a standard approved NDIS support — one that isn’t on the standard approved list but may be more appropriate for a particular participant given their specific disability, goals, or circumstances.

Think of it as a formal exception process. The default is to use supports from the approved list, but the law recognises that disability is diverse and one-size-fits-all lists don’t always work.

When can you request a replacement support?

You may be able to request a replacement support when:

• The standard approved support doesn’t meet your needs due to your specific disability
• An alternative support would achieve the same outcome more effectively or safely
• There’s evidence to support why the replacement is more appropriate for you

How does the process work?

1. Identify the need — with your Support Coordinator, identify that a standard support isn’t adequate
2. Gather evidence — you’ll need documentation from qualified professionals explaining why the standard support doesn’t work for you and why the alternative does
3. Submit a request — your plan nominee, Support Coordinator, or you can submit a formal request to the NDIA
4. NDIA decision — the NDIA reviews the request and makes a determination

What’s the evidence threshold?

The NDIA will assess whether the evidence demonstrates that:

• The standard support is not appropriate for your situation
• The proposed replacement meets the same goal
• The replacement aligns with the NDIS’s objectives

Your Support Coordinator plays a crucial role in helping build this case with the right evidence.

Important: don’t assume

Don’t use funding for a non-approved support and assume it will be approved later. The replacement support process must be completed before using funding for the alternative. If in doubt, check with your coordinator first.

Source: NDIS — Changes to NDIS legislation