What is a Replacement Support and How to Apply

What is a 'Replacement Support'?

People can apply to the NDIA for funding for some supports on the “out” list.  This will be called a “replacement process” (previously referred to as “substitution”). 

Applicants will need to demonstrate that the support meets various criteria.

A replacement support must meet these criteria:

1. be used instead of the NDIS support or supports already in your plan
2. cost the same or less than the cost of the NDIS support or supports in your plan
3. work the same or better for you than the support it’s replacing.

There are only 2 categories of supports that can be substituted

Category 1: Standard commercially available household items

People can access “standard commercially available household items” if they can convince the NDIA that the item:

• meets the replacement criteria above AND:
  • is necessary to address the needs of the participant arising from the impairment they meet access for; and 
  • increases whole task independence; and
  • reduces or eliminates the need for a support worker or disability-specific assistive technology.

Category 2: Smart watches; tablets; smartphones; an app used for accessibility or communication purposes

People can access these items if they can convince the NDIA that the item: 

• meets the replacement criteria above AND
• is necessary to address communication or accessibility needs arising from the impairment(s) they meet access for.

Example of a Replacement Support

The NDIS is not designed to fund items such as an iPad or Apple watch.

However, should a participant know that they are able to communicate with their loved ones or a worker by using an iPad – rather than a specialist and more costly piece of equipment – then they can request the Agency to fund this.

The NDIA will then consider this request and may well say ‘Yes, absolutely that makes sense – so we will fund that on this occasion’.

That’s a really clear example of replacing a more expensive item with a better, more cost-effective solution.

How to Apply

What information do you need to supply

1. information about the replacement support, like what it is and how much it costs
2. which NDIS support or supports in your plan you want to replace
3. how it will work the same or better than the support you want to replace.

If your application IS approved

The NDIA will call and let you know that they have approved your application for replacement support. Then, They'll send you a letter by post or email.

You can buy your replacement support as soon as it’s been approved. 

You will need to use the funding in your plan to pay for the replacement support.

If the replacement support has extra costs, they'll tell you if they are also included. This might be things like delivery, or repairs and maintenance.

The approval for your replacement supports will last for your current plan. If you want to ask for this replacement support again, you will need to ask in your next plan.

In some situations, the NDIA may need to change how your plan is managed so you can buy your approved replacement support.

If your application is NOT approved

The NDIA will call you to let you know that they have not approved your application.

They’ll give you the reasons your application has not been approved.

They’ll also send you a letter by post or email to confirm this in writing.

You cannot use the funding in your plan to buy the replacement support.

You cannot ask for a review of this decision.

Where to Apply

Complete and submit the form below via email or post:

Application for a Replacement Support Form

Or you can provide the same information to the NDIS in an email or over the phone. You can also contact us on 1800 800 110 and they can help you.

Important Information:

• You don’t need to provide any additional assessments or reports to apply for a replacement support.
• Even if you provide all the right evidence, the NDIA does not have to approve the item.
• If the NDIA doesn't approve your request for a replacement support, you can’t ask for a review of this decision.
• If your application is not approved, you can’t apply for that same replacement support again for 12 months. 
• If your circumstances change and you have a Plan Reassesment, you do not have to wait for 12 months before you apply for the same replacement support again.
• Approval for your replacement supports will only last for your current plan - you need to apply again when your plan rolls over.