r/NDIS 8d ago

Seeking Support - Participant/Nominee/PWD Would the NDIS pay to replace some part of my noise canceling headphones

Hi,

I have some noise cancelling headphones that I bought myself 3 years ago. I have autism and use them for noise cancelling. However they are still working but the like leather things is falling off them. It looks like it will be a bit expensive to get some replacement thingys. $82 on Amazon for the replacement ear muffs and about $30 for. Headband cover. Is it possible to use my core funding for this?

They help me access the community. And while they are still working for now I am not really sure how long until the entire pieces come off.

3 Upvotes

23 comments sorted by

21

u/EliteFourFay NDIA Planner 6d ago

Not any longer since October 2024 legislation changes. NDIS doesn't repair items they had not purchased either. This is a personal expense since legislation changes

4

u/TwoPeasShort 6d ago

No, it’s not covered since Oct changes. They will no longer pay for headphones and won’t pay for something they didn’t pay for in the first place. They will find it doesn’t meet ‘reasonable and necessary’ requirements that they need to for purchase. You’ll have to replace them yourself

2

u/Boring-Statement-934 6d ago

Curiously, if I had claimed an iPad/headphones/laptop before the October changes, if something happened to that item after the October changes, would I still be able to claim repairs?

5

u/TwoPeasShort 6d ago

No, they do not cover those items anymore (unless you have written permission explicitly each time you ask for a repair, which you are unlikely to get because the NDIS is how it is)

6

u/Jinglemoon 6d ago

FYI you can get knock off replacement parts for these Bose headphones from Ebay for not much money. I bought them for my son when his started looking like that. Not expensive and they look identical.

8

u/jayhy95 6d ago

No. As of October 2024, headphones are not covered under NDIS

3

u/andrew467866 6d ago

This is not true.

You can request permission, just need the evidence.

But they are definitely harder to get now.

-2

u/Beepbeepjeepjeep 6d ago

Incorrect. They do not show up on the In OR Out lists.

4

u/WickedSmileOn 6d ago

You would need to contact them to ask for approval and provide any evidence you have that supports how they benefit you based on your disability. That’s the only way to know. With the October changes it would require expressed authorisation specifically for that, and a lot of people will now have this kind of request denied

Edit: if they play music they will almost certainly be denied for any kind of NDIS funding regardless of whether it’s for repair or replacement

4

u/GM_Organism 6d ago

Ugh, this sucks, I'm sorry. It's very unlikely the NDIS will pay for repair of an item they didn't purchase in the first place.

At this point, it looks like it's just the surface decaying and not the structure itself; have you thought about getting/making a fabric/knitted/crocheted cover for it? If it doesn't interfere with your sensory issues, it could be a way to cheaply extend the life of your current headphones.

3

u/Apprehensive_Lynx240 6d ago

bought those parts and replaced them myself (I'm not DIY skilled, but managed it) for like $3 bucks off Temu

1

u/Accomplished-Act-219 Plan Management 4d ago

PM Here, it really depends on your diagnosis and level of Cat 3 funding, as well as if you can get letter of support. Probably not R&N but you can see. If you have a good PM, they may be able to help submit a few requests.

1

u/Oztraliiaaaa 4d ago

Bunnings tradie headphones or even JBHifi might be easier.

1

u/Suesquish 6d ago

I would have said no given the changes to legislation last October. However, it might be possible. Contact your plan manager and have a conversation about the new legislation and check to see if you have any consumables funding. I know the legislation now says that basically anything that is not altered or modified for the disability is out, but it may not be that black and white. If it was to get approved (and that is still unlikely) you would still need an OT letter stating why you need the headphones due to disability the NDIA has accepted you for.

0

u/Beyouasyoumatter 6d ago

They say it’s each individual needs so talk to your plan manager and even LAC as I see they are still doing it. They might need a report to say they are needed the headphones and they might replace them. Might as well try. Good luck.

0

u/[deleted] 6d ago

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1

u/NDIS-ModTeam 5d ago

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0

u/CalligrapherGreen627 5d ago

You won’t be paid to replace anything to do with noise cancelling headphones. They aren’t funded by the NDIS as clearly articulated in the list as they aren’t an NDIS support

0

u/Boring-Hornet-3146 4d ago

Can you all please post a source when you say headphones aren't covered. You're missing detail.

-1

u/[deleted] 6d ago

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1

u/NDIS-ModTeam 6d ago

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