"Cost of" vs "Assistance with" in NDIS
Published at 22-01-2026 16:00:48
If you’ve ever looked at your NDIS plan or an invoice and wondered what the difference is between “cost of” and “assistance with”, you’re not alone.
These two phrases might look similar, but in the NDIS they mean very different things. Understanding the difference can help you avoid billing issues, rejected claims and confusion about what your funding actually covers.
What Does “Cost of” Mean?
“Cost of” refer to the actual price of goods, services, or expenses.
Examples of “cost of” supports:
- Cost of transport (e.g taxi, uber)
- Cost of consumables (e.g continence products)
- Cost of assistive technology
You are paying for the item or expense itself, not the worker’s time.
Keep in mind, the examples may not apply to you specifically, it still comes down to what is in your personal plan.
What Does “Assistance With” Mean?
“Assistance with” refers to support workers helping you do something.
Examples of “assistance with” supports:
- Assistance with grocery shopping
- Assistance with cooking meals
- Assistance with attending appointments
- Assistance with daily living tasks
- Assistance with community participation
You are paying for the worker’s time and support, not the item.
Real-Life Example: Grocery Shopping
Scenario: You go grocery shopping with a support worker.
- Assistance with grocery shopping -> funded (support worker’s time)
- Cost of groceries -> not funded (you pay for the food yourself)
Real-Life Example: Transport
Scenario: A support worker drives you to an appointment.
- Assistance with transport -> funded (worker’s time)
- Cost of transport -> funded (mileage or travel costs, dependent on plan)
Why This Difference Matters
Understanding “cost of” vs “assistance with” is important because:
- Avoids rejected invoices. If a provider bills the wrong category, the claim may be rejected.
- Prevents overspending. You might accidentally use funding incorrectly and run out of budget early.
- Helps you understand your plan. You’ll know what the NDIS pays for, and what you need to pay yourself.
- Supports compliance. Providers must bill correctly under the NDIS Pricing Arrangement.
Common Areas of Confusion
Here are some items we often get asked about that are most-likely not funded by NDIS:
- Restaurant bills
- Flights, hotels
- Medical fees
- Tickets, entry costs
- Groceries
- Art supplies such as paint brushes, canvas, etc.
How To Check What’s Funded In Your Plan
To understand whether something is funded within your plan:
- Check your NDIS plan wording
- Look at the line item in the NDIS Price Guide
- Ask your plan manager
- Ask your support coordinator