Guide · updated November 2026
The NDIS 'reasonable and necessary' criteria, explained
The NDIA funds a support only when it meets all of these criteria (NDIS Act s 34). Most refused supports fail on missing evidence, not missing need.
| Criterion | What it means | Evidence that shows it |
|---|---|---|
| It's related to my disability | Evidence shows the need comes from your disability, not just everyday costs everyone has. | A professional's report linking the support to the specific functional impact of your disability |
| It helps me pursue the goals in my plan | Name the plan goal the support works towards, in the same words as your plan. | Your plan's goals quoted exactly, and how this support moves you toward them |
| It helps me take part in community, social or work life | Show what you'll be able to do with the support that you can't do now. | Diary entries or examples of activities you miss or can't manage without it |
| It's value for money | The benefit is worth the cost compared with other options, and it may save costs later (e.g. fewer hospital stays, less support in future). | Quotes, a comparison of options, and why cheaper options won't work |
| It's effective and beneficial, based on good practice | There's evidence this kind of support works for people with needs like yours. | A professional's recommendation with reasons, trial results, or progress so far |
| It considers what family, carers and community can reasonably do | Explain what family already does, and why expecting more isn't reasonable or sustainable. | A carer statement covering hours, the carer's health, work and other responsibilities |
| The NDIS is the right system to fund it | Show it isn't the job of health, education, transport or other services. | A letter from the school, GP or service showing what they do and don't provide |
| It's an 'NDIS support' (on the NDIS supports lists since 3 Oct 2024) | Check the support isn't on the list of things the NDIS can't fund. | A reference to the NDIS supports lists, or a replacement-support request if needed |
Since 3 October 2024 a support must also be an "NDIS support", meaning it isn't on the lists of things the NDIS doesn't fund.
Sources: Legal Aid Tasmania: Unhappy with an NDIS decision · NDIS: Reasonable and necessary supports · Department of Health: NDIS Appeals Program · Department of Health: New framework planning consultation · Administrative Review Tribunal
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Build my pack Free support checkMore: How to request an NDIS internal review · NDIS plan reassessment checklist · What to ask your OT and therapists to write for the NDIS · Writing an NDIS carer statement · NDIS funding cut? What to do next · Appealing an NDIS decision to the Administrative Review Tribunal · NDIS new framework planning: delayed to April 2027