NDIS Smartphone Funding: When Can You Use NDIS Funds for Mobile Phones and Tablets?

When you need a smartphone or tablet to help with your disability support needs, you may wonder if NDIS funding can help cover the cost. The answer is not straightforward—smartphones and tablets have specific rules that are important to understand before making a purchase.

The General Rule: Smartphones Are Day-to-Day Living Costs

Under NDIS guidelines, mobile phones and smart phones are considered day-to-day living costs, not NDIS supports. This is because most Australians have them, and they are considered an ordinary expense rather than something extra required due to disability support needs.

This means:

• Smartphones and tablets are not funded as standalone items through NDIS
• You cannot simply purchase a smartphone with your NDIS funding because it would be helpful
• The cost is generally expected to be covered by personal income or other sources

The Exception: Replacement Supports

There is one important exception where smartphones or tablets may be funded—as a replacement support.

A replacement support must:

• Replace an existing NDIS support or supports in your plan
• Help you do the same or more than the NDIS support it's replacing
• Cost the same or less than the NDIS support it's replacing
• Be on the NDIS approved replacement supports list

You can only spend your funding on a replacement if the NDIS has agreed in writing that you can buy this support.

Case Example: When NDIS Approved a Smartphone

Here's a real example from NDIS showing when a smartphone was approved:

Michael's situation:

• Michael has a moderate intellectual disability
• He has a support worker who visits daily for 4 hours to help with medications, meals, and shopping
• He estimates his support worker spends about 1 hour per week helping him make phone calls
• Michael struggles using his current smartphone—can only make calls with help

Michael's request:

• He found a specialised smartphone designed for people with cognitive difficulties
• Features include simple picture-based instructions, no scam calls, and remote management by support workers
• His doctor provided a written recommendation confirming benefits
• He wanted the phone to replace 15 hours of support worker hours per year (about 10 minutes per day)

NDIS decision: The planner approved funding because:

1. A smartphone used for communication and accessibility needs is on the replacement supports list
2. The phone would replace support worker hours currently helping with phone calls
3. The phone would increase Michael's independence—useable when support worker isn't present
4. The replacement of a small amount of support worker hours for the phone presented no great risk

What This Means for You

If you're considering asking for smartphone or tablet funding:

1. Check if it's on the replacement supports list — Only certain supports can be replaced. If the item isn't on this list, you won't be able to ask for it.

2. Identify what it would replace in your plan — You need to show which existing NDIS support the smartphone would replace. This could be support worker hours, an alternative communication device, or another support.

3. Demonstrate it does the same or more — The smartphone must provide equal or greater benefit than the support it replaces.

4. Ensure it costs the same or less — The total cost of the smartphone (including any apps or accessories) cannot exceed the cost of the support being replaced.

5. Get written approval first — You cannot purchase until the NDIS has approved it in writing. If you buy without approval, you likely won't be reimbursed.

6. Get professional support — An Occupational Therapist (OT) or other allied health professional can help assess your needs and provide a recommendation letter.

Accessories vs. Devices

It's important to distinguish between:

• Smartphones/tablets themselves — Generally not funded as standalone items
• Accessories and apps — May be funded as low-cost Assistive Technology with appropriate justification

For example, adaptive grips, stands, or accessibility apps may be funded more easily than the device itself.

Getting Help

If you think a smartphone or tablet could replace an existing support in your plan:

• Speak with your OT or support coordinator
• Review the NDIS Guideline – Reasonable and necessary supports
• Check the Replacement supports list
• Contact the NDIS for clarification on your specific situation

Summary

| Scenario | Can NDIS Fund? | |----------|---------------| | Smartphone for general use | No — day-to-day living cost | | Smartphone replacing alternative communication device | Yes — if approved replacement support | | Smartphone replacing support worker hours | Yes — if approved replacement support | | Accessory like adaptive grip | May be possible as low-cost AT | | Accessibility app | May be possible as low-cost AT |

Understanding these rules helps you make informed decisions about using your NDIS plan effectively. If you're unsure, always check with your NDIS planner or support team before making a purchase.