Can I buy a laptop with NDIS funding?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia provides funding to support individuals with disabilities, aiming to enhance their independence and participation in daily life. One common query among participants is whether they can use NDIS funds to purchase a laptop.

Eligibility for laptop funding

While the NDIS generally does not cover standard electronic devices, there are exceptions. If a laptop is deemed ‘reasonable and necessary’ to help achieve the specific goals outlined in your NDIS plan, it may be funded. For instance, if you’re engaged in education, employment or require assistive technology for communication, a laptop could be considered essential. It’s crucial to demonstrate that the laptop directly relates to your disability needs and is not for general use.

Funding criteria

To qualify for NDIS funding for a laptop, the following criteria must be met…

• There must be a direct connection to disability: so, the laptop must address challenges arising from your disability;
• it must be in support of NDIS Goals: it should aid in achieving the goals specified in your NDIS plan; and
• It must be cost-effective: the device should represent value for money in meeting your needs.

It’s important to note that items considered everyday living expenses, such as standard laptops for general use, are typically not funded by the NDIS. For more information, please refer to the NDIS guidelines. It is important to remember that the NDIA has directly identified that laptops are generally not covered by the NDIS.

Other items and services: what can and can’t be funded

The NDIS has clear guidelines on what supports can be funded, such as:

• funded supports: these include therapies, home modifications, mobility equipment and assistive technologies directly related to your disability;
• non-funded supports: the NDIS does not cover items, such as:
  • general living expenses: rent, groceries, and utility bills;
  • medical services: services like doctor visits or medications that fall under other health systems;
  • non-disability-related items: entertainment devices, tickets to events or holiday costs; and
  • alternative therapies: treatments not supported by evidence, such as crystal or energy therapy.

For more information, please refer to the NDIS guidelines as a way to decipher what is and is not covered through your support plan.

Ensuring your funds are used appropriately

To make the most of your NDIS funding:

• you should align your purchases with your plan: by ensuring all items and services purchased directly relate to the goals and supports outlined in your NDIS plan, you can prevent any concerns the NDIA may have about misappropriated funds;
• you should consult your plan manager: before making significant purchases, discuss them with your NDIS planner or support coordinator to confirm whether you are eligible; and
• you should keep any relevant documents: by maintaining records and receipts for every purchase to provide evidence of appropriate fund usage, you keep yourself in the agency’s good graces.

Generally, while purchasing a laptop with NDIS funding is possible, it must be clearly connected to your disability-related needs and goals. Understanding the distinction between funded and non-funded supports ensures that you utilise your NDIS plan effectively and appropriately.