If you’ve ever stared at your NDIS plan wondering why some things are covered and others aren’t—you’re not alone. The term “reasonable and necessary” gets thrown around a lot, but what does it actually mean for you or your loved one trying to navigate the NDIS in Sydney?
Let’s break it down in plain English—with local examples, real-world context, and a few tips from our team here at Giving Hand.
What Does “Reasonable and Necessary” Mean?
At its core, the NDIS is about giving people with disabilities the right supports to live an independent, connected, and meaningful life. But not everything can be funded.
So, the NDIS uses a “reasonable and necessary” test to decide what gets approved in your plan. It’s their way of filtering out what is directly linked to your disability versus what is just part of everyday life.
To pass this test, a support must:
- Be related to your disability
- Be good value for money
- Be likely to help you pursue your goals
- Help you be more independent or take part in the community
- Not be something that everyone has to pay for (like food or rent)
- Not be better funded by another system (e.g., Medicare or Centrelink)
What Kinds of Supports Are Considered Reasonable and Necessary?
Here’s what usually ticks all the right boxes:
- Allied health therapy (e.g., occupational therapy, physiotherapy)
- Support workers to assist with daily tasks
- Assistive technology such as wheelchairs or communication devices
- Home modifications if you have mobility issues
- Transport funding to attend appointments and activities
- Community access programs to help you build social skills
Some Sydney-Specific Examples:
- A participant in Parramatta needing weekly transport to attend hydrotherapy in Ryde
- A Bankstown resident requiring a modified bathroom to safely shower
- A support worker helping someone in Blacktown navigate public transport to attend a local TAFE course
These are all real-life situations where funding might be approved, as long as they clearly support the person’s disability-related goals.
What Is Not Considered Reasonable and Necessary?
Unfortunately, not everything that makes life easier or more comfortable will make the cut. Some common exclusions include:
- Everyday costs like rent, groceries, or bills
- Medical treatments already covered by Medicare or PBS
- Items with no disability connection, like standard gym memberships or designer clothes
- Non-value-for-money supports, like gold-plated wheelchair rims (yes, really)
“Will NDIS Pay for My Rent?”
The short answer? No, the NDIS generally doesn’t cover rent or everyday housing costs. These are seen as ordinary expenses that everyone has, so they fall outside what’s considered “reasonable and necessary.”
But if your disability means you need specialised housing or support to live independently, there may be help available through:
- Supported Independent Living (SIL) – for people who need help with daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, and personal care in a shared or individual setting
- Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) – for participants with extreme functional impairment who need purpose-built homes
Learn more about our SIL services here: givinghand.com.au/SIL
Our team helps Sydney residents find safe, supportive homes—whether you’re in the CBD, the Hills, or the outer suburbs. We walk you through the paperwork, help you apply, and connect you with local housing providers.
Still confused about what the NDIS covers? This quick video explains it beautifully:
Watch: What does the NDIS fund? – YouTube
Common Misunderstandings (You’re Not the Only One Asking)
We hear these questions all the time from families and participants across Sydney:
“Can I get NDIS funding for a cleaner?”
Yes—if your disability stops you from cleaning and this support helps you maintain a safe and hygienic home.
“Will NDIS cover my Uber rides?”
Maybe. If transport is included in your plan and the travel is related to your disability (e.g., to a medical appointment or day program), you could be eligible.
“Does the NDIS pay for holidays?”
Sometimes. The scheme won’t fund the trip itself—but it might fund a support worker to help you travel, or pay for accessible accommodation if it directly supports your goals (like building independence or social skills).
Why Sydney Residents Face Unique Challenges
Living in Sydney means facing different hurdles than other parts of Australia. Here’s what we often see:
- Long travel times – especially for participants in Western or South-West Sydney trying to access therapy services in central suburbs
- Availability issues – not enough local support workers or therapists in certain pockets
- Cultural and linguistic needs – support workers fluent in Arabic, Mandarin, Vietnamese or Auslan can be essential
- Urban vs rural gaps – NDIS service access in places like Campbelltown or Penrith can look very different from the North Shore or Inner West
At Giving Hand, we’re locals—we know the landscape, the services, and the challenges unique to Sydney.
How Giving Hand Helps You Navigate the “Reasonable and Necessary” Test
We know this stuff inside out. Our services are built around helping NDIS participants get the most out of their plan while avoiding all the confusion and red tape.
Here’s what we offer:
- Support Coordination – We help you understand what’s included in your plan and connect you to reliable providers
- Plan Management – We handle invoices, manage your budget, and make sure your funding is used wisely
- Core Supports – Whether it’s domestic cleaning, group outings, or community participation—we provide hands-on support that gets you out into the world
- SIL Housing – Real housing solutions for people who need day-to-day living support
Our mission is simple: to make sure your supports aren’t just “funded”—but actually helpful.
How to Make Stronger Funding Requests
If you’re trying to get something approved in your plan, here are some insider tips:
- Link it to your goals – Make sure the request ties directly to what you’re trying to achieve (e.g., “be more independent,” “build social skills”)
- Provide supporting evidence – Letters from your OT, reports from your GP, and even videos can help
- Use the right words – Phrases like “functional capacity,” “risk to safety,” and “daily living support” carry weight during plan reviews
Need help with this? We’ve got your back.
Final Thoughts: Everyone’s “Reasonable and Necessary” Looks Different
What’s right for one person in Sydney might not be right for another—and that’s okay. The NDIS is designed to be personalised, not one-size-fits-all.
If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just unsure what to ask for, reach out to our team. At Giving Hand, we’re here to take the guesswork out of your NDIS journey and help you get what you actually need.
Let’s make your plan work for you—not the other way around.