When the NDIS published the new support lists of what it will and won’t pay for, it also introduced a new term: replacement supports.
In some situations, the NDIS may agree to fund items that are not considered NDIS supports. These are called replacement supports.
Replacement supports make some non-NDIS supports accessible. Let’s take a look at how they work.
What are replacement supports?
A replacement support is a service, item or piece of equipment that you’d like to use instead of the NDIS support or supports in your plan.
There is an application process for replacement supports and approval must be granted by the NDIS before purchase.
If the replacement support is approved, you can use part of your existing NDIS budget to buy the approved item from the non-NDIS support list. No extra funding is added to your plan. The purchase must meet the reasonable and necessary criteria and be related to your disability support needs.
A replacement support must:
- Replace an existing NDIS support or supports in your plan
- Cost the same or less than the NDIS support or supports it’s replacing
- Work the same or better for you than the support it’s replacing.
Replacement support items.
The NDIS has identified five types of assistive technology (AT) that may be approved as replacement supports. These items can help reduce a person’s need for traditional supports.
The five replacement supports are:
- Standard commercial available household items (e.g. washing machines or dishwashers)
- Smart watches
- Tablet devices
- Smartphones
- App for accessibility or communication.
How replacement supports work.
A replacement support must replace an existing support in your plan. The NDIS requires that the item has the potential to reduce your need for direct support or supervision.
Replacement supports should be able to help you:
- Participate in the community
- Complete tasks more independently
- Keep doing the things you need to do
- Need less help from support workers or specialised AT.
Example:
- Current support: A support worker provides direct support at home
- Replacement support: A tablet to remote control household devices so you can complete those tasks yourself.
Applying for a replacement support.
The NDIS replacement support application form must be completed and approved before purchasing a replacement support.
You will need to provide:
- The type of replacement support you’re requesting
- Which NDIS support(s) from your plan you want to replace or partly replace
- How the replacement support will work the same or better for you than the support it’s replacing
- The cost of the replacement support including any set up or ongoing costs
- If replacing support worker hours, the type and numbers of hours being replaced
- An optional quote.
If your application is approved, the NDIS will let you know and you can buy the replacement support immediately. If it’s not, the NDIS will let you know and explain the reasons. The decision is not reviewable.
Example cost saving breakdown for a replacement support.
It is important to provide the NDIS with details of the actual cost savings. The below example explains the cost of the current support, the cost of the replacement support and the total savings.
- Current support: Support workers to assist with accessing the house, and turning appliances and lighting on and off.
- $67.56 x 2 hours per day x 365 days per year = $49,000
- Replacement support: Tablet to remote control household devices.
- $600 tablet + $2800 training in use of tablet and customisation = $3,400
- Total saving = $45,500 per year.
Keep in mind that if the item is approved, the NDIS won’t fund everyday living expenses associated with the replacement support such as an internet connection.
Replacement support rules.
- Approval only lasts for the duration of your current plan
- You’ll need to apply for approval again for future plans
- If the item is from a retailer that is not an NDIS-registered provider, you’ll need to be plan managed or self manage
- You can only apply for the same support once every 12 months, unless a change of circumstances is approved
- Decisions about replacement supports are not reviewable.
An alternative support solution.
Replacement supports offer flexibility in how you use your NDIS budget by allowing you to swap certain funded supports for alternative solutions that work better for you.
If you have questions about how replacement supports fit into your NDIS Plan, the Leap in! Crew is here to help. Contact us on 1300 05 78 78 or email crew@leapin.com.au.