Understanding Replacement Supports in Your NDIS Plan

We all have different needs and preferences. For people with disabilities, those needs can vary greatly depending on personal circumstances, goals and day-to-day challenges. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) recognises this diversity by offering participants the flexibility to customise their supports.

One way this flexibility takes shape is through replacement supports—alternative items, services or equipment that can substitute for existing supports in your plan.

But what does this mean in practical terms? How can you determine if a replacement support is right for you? Let’s explore.

Replacement supports were introduced as part of recent changes to NDIS legislation, and this type of support is about giving you more control over how your NDIS funding is used. These are not add-on supports; rather, they allow you to swap an existing support for one that better suits your needs.

That said, your total budget amount will not change if the NDIS approves a replacement support. To qualify, a replacement support should:

This process ensures your funding is used efficiently while allowing for a personalised approach that aligns with your individual goals.

The NDIS allows certain items or services to replace an existing support in your plan, provided they meet specific criteria. Only some supports can be replaced and only if the NDIA agree in writing that you can buy this support.

The list of replacement supports include:

The NDIS says that if the replacement support you’re considering is not on this list, you won’t be able to ask for it.

Now let’s look at how these supports can work in practice with a few scenarios:

Your NDIS plan initially provided funding for a lightweight manual vacuum cleaner to assist with household cleaning. However, you’ve found that worsening joint pain or reduced grip strength makes it increasingly difficult to use. To address this challenge, you opt for a robot vacuum that automates the cleaning process and reduces physical strain.

The robot vacuum allows you to maintain a clean living environment without risking physical discomfort. This replacement achieves the same outcome as the original support but aligns more closely with your current needs and goals for maintaining independence at home.

Let’s say your plan provides funding for a communication device, but it’s too bulky to bring with you and doesn’t fit your on-the-go lifestyle. Instead, you choose to replace it with a smartphone that has accessibility apps tailored to your needs. The smartphone is portable, flexible and allows you to communicate more effectively wherever you are, which makes it a smart and practical choice for a replacement support.

Your NDIS plan includes funding for assistive technology to improve safety in your home, such as a traditional alarm system. However, due to mobility challenges, you find it difficult to operate or maintain the system effectively. You decide to replace it with motion-sensor lights or a doorbell camera which are easier to use and provide more customised safety features.

These scenarios are just basic examples, so it’s important to note that every request must meet the NDIS criteria for reasonable and necessary supports. This means demonstrating that the replacement aligns with your goals, achieves the same or better outcomes and represents value for money.

More importantly, the replacement support should be genuinely in your best interest. If a proposed replacement doesn’t align with these principles, it’s unlikely to be approved.

To apply for a replacement support, you or your authorised representative will need to provide the NDIS with important details about the proposed support. You can do this by completing the application for a replacement support on the NDIS website. Alternatively, you can provide the same information via email or over the phone. If you need assistance, you can contact the NDIS on 1800 800 110 for support.

When submitting your application, you’ll need to include:

The process is straightforward, and you don’t need to provide additional assessments or reports to apply for a replacement support. This keeps the application focused on demonstrating how the new support meets your needs and aligns with your plan.

Replacement supports are a crucial component of the NDIS designed to help participants adjust their plans as their needs change. They allow you to explore practical alternatives, making your supports more effective and better suited to your circumstances—all without impacting your overall budget.

For participants, replacement supports provide a way to keep their plans flexible and relevant over time. Whether your circumstances evolve or new technology becomes available, this feature allows you to adapt your supports to achieve your goals and make the most out of your plan.

Leora Healthcare is a trusted disability care provider, dedicated to connecting NDIS participants with compassionate, professional support workers who empower them to live independently and achieve their goals. Whether you need assistance at home, in the community or with using the devices in the examples we shared above, we can help.

Contact us today to learn more about how our support workers can make a positive difference in your life!