The N.D.I.S. uses three tests to see if what you are asking for is OK.

These are:

Reasonable – this means is it fair for you to expect this at your age and stage of life, and is it enough to meet your needs?

Necessary – this means do you really need it?

Is it more appropriate get it through a mainstream system?

When the N.D.I.S. are working out if what you are asking for is reasonable and necessary, they will look at:

– is it working on your goals?

– is it helping you with your long-term aspirations, things you want to do in the future?

– can you prove it will be good for you?

– is it value for money?

– is it helping you to do more things for yourself?

– is it helping you to be a part of your community?

– is it something that your family or friends could help you with?

AND

Should the NDIS pay for it, or:

– is it something that everybody pays for? The N.D.I.S. does not pay for day to day living expenses like rent and groceries. You can get help with these costs through Centrelink;

– is there another government system that pays for this for everybody? For example, Medicare helps to pay for medical costs;

– is it something your friends or family or a volunteer can help you with?

Keep in mind that the N.D.I.S. will want evidence that confirms your disability and how it affects your daily life. They will use the evidence to help decide if what you are asking for is reasonable and necessary.

Good evidence is:

– written down;

– by someone with the right background, such as a therapist, doctor, or psychologist;

– recent;

– clear about what is needed and why it is needed;

– signed and on a letterhead with contact details of the writer.

If you are asking for Home Modifications or Assistive Technology, the N.D.I.S. wants the request and evidence to be written on their General Assistive Technology Template and given to them. See Get Started for more information and links to the documentation required.

your life your choice!

Reasonable and necessary

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