From 1 April 2026, the Purchasing Rules only apply to people receiving Choice in Community Living.
This guidance should help you to understand better how to apply the Purchasing Rules which govern Choice in Community Living funding.
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Purchasing rules
There are four rules that determine how you can use your Choice in Community Living funding.
Here are the rules, a brief explanation, and some helpful questions to ask yourself when you are considering the rules in relation to a purchase.
Rule one: It helps you live your life or makes your life better
Your funding is individually allocated to you for a specific purpose which was discussed with you by your Needs Assessment Service Coordinator (NASC) provider.
- Q: Does this purchase relate to the purpose of your funding?
Rule two: It is a disability support
The purchase must be specific to your disability, meaning you would not need the item or support if you did not have your disability.
- Q: Is this purchase specific to my disability?
Rule three: It is reasonable and cost effective.
The purchase is cost effective, reasonable and fits within your budget. This doesn't always mean the cheapest option. Cost effective means the purchase will give you a good outcome without costing a lot of money.
- Q: Thinking about your total budget, does this purchase make good use of the allocation on something that will make a lasting impact?
Rule four: It is not subject to a limit or exclusion
What we mean is that the purchase fits within your allocated funding. In other words, you can afford it under your budget, it’s legal, it is not funded somewhere else, for example, like a grant or other government funding, and it stays within good employment practices (where to get help with employing people is explained below).
- Q: Is this the best way to fund this purchase?
For more information on the Rules view the Purchasing Rules external webpage.
Making a plan
Having a plan will support you to make good purchasing decisions around what you want to spend your allocation on. It is there to support your decision making.
This is your plan. It should help you identify how your funding can be used to support you to achieve the outcomes you want.
Ongoing, if or when your desired outcomes change, you can review this plan and possibly make changes to keep up with where you are at in your life.
If you don't already have a plan developed, then discuss with NASC provider how you could create a plan that reflects your current outcomes.
What you cannot use the funding for
For details on what you can and cannot use funding for according to Choices in Community Living please view the section in the Purchasing Rules Scope of Supports by Allocation.
In general, you cannot use funding for anything illegal or alcohol, tobacco (or related products) or personal income, gambling, or anything that is not a cost related to disability and would be considered something that every citizen has to pay for.
You are not able to buy a support when funding for that support has been turned down by (or on behalf of) the responsible government agency or where you may have to wait, including for extended periods, to be able to access the service.
Employing support workers
If you are employing support workers, you must follow good employment practices and meet all legal employment obligations. Talk to your NASC provider about what is required.
Where to go for help?
If you have any further questions, we would encourage you to contact your NASC provider. They will know your specific situation and are there to advise and coach you. They can assist you to look at your plan and whether the support and funding you are choosing fits within this and the purchasing rules.