NDIS Assistive Technology: Funding and How to Apply

By DisabilityChoice · Sources checked 28 September 2026

NDIS assistive technology (AT) is equipment that helps with activities affected by disability. Finding the right item is only part of the task: you also need to check its safety, funding category, available budget and the evidence required before buying.

What counts as assistive technology?

Examples include adapted cutlery, communication devices, wheelchairs and equipment that makes personal care safer. The item must address your disability support needs and meet NDIS funding criteria; being useful is not enough by itself.

Ordinary household furniture, a general-purpose computer or a standard kitchen appliance is not automatically NDIS-funded AT. Some replacement-support arrangements have separate requirements. Check the specific item and approval pathway before buying, rather than assuming an everyday product qualifies because you will use it for a disability-related task.

Use the official AT guide to establish the purpose and evidence. Describe what the item will enable you to do, how it will be used and what alternatives you have considered.

NDIS assistive technology cost tiers and next steps

Swipe the table sideways to read all columns.

A wheelchair or communication device can fall into different tiers depending on its actual price. The official mid- and high-cost buying guide explains the evidence route. An adviser’s recommendation is not itself an NDIA funding approval.

Risk matters even when an item is inexpensive

The NDIS generally treats TGA-regulated equipment as higher-risk. That is a useful prompt to seek advice, not an exhaustive safety test. A low price or absence from a particular register does not establish that an item is safe for your circumstances.

Get advice from a relevant AT adviser or assessor for higher-risk equipment. Ask about fitting, safe setup, training, supervision and maintenance. The NDIA may require specific evidence and may describe approved equipment as a stated support; check the wording in your plan.

See the official explanation of AT cost and risk. Do not trial a device in a way that exposes you or a carer to avoidable harm.

Buying low-cost AT through Consumables

Before using this route, check all four conditions:

• The item is an NDIS support related to your disability, not an ordinary expense outside the funding rules.
• It costs under $1,500 per item.
• You can use it safely; obtain advice if it is higher-risk.
• You have sufficient available funding and the purchase complies with your plan’s restrictions.

You do not generally need to send a quote for approval for an eligible low-cost item when the necessary funds are available. If Consumables funding is insufficient, eligible flexible Core funding may be an option. If no suitable funding is available, contact the NDIA about options, which may include a plan variation.

Follow the official low-cost buying steps. Our Consumables guide explains the other needs that may use the same budget.

Prepare your equipment request

Use this checklist with your adviser. Not every item needs every document; confirm what applies before commissioning an assessment.

• What task is difficult, and what disability-related need will the item address?
• Which item or type of equipment is proposed, and why is it suitable?
• What alternatives have been considered, including simpler equipment, trial or rental?
• What is the full cost, including delivery, fitting, setup and training?
• Is written advice sufficient, or is an assessor’s report required?
• Which budget will pay, how much is available now, and is approval needed?
• Who will supply, fit and maintain it, and what records should be retained?

If funding needs to be added, send the evidence through your my NDIS contact or the NDIS service hub. Call 1800 800 110 if you need help with the next step. Do not rely on a promise of reimbursement for equipment that has not been approved where approval is required.

Trialling or renting before buying

A trial can test whether equipment works in your actual environment. Agree what you are testing—such as independent use, comfort, communication or safe transfers—and ask your adviser how to record the result. Confirm trial costs, collection, return terms and whether any trial payment is credited towards a purchase.

Rental may suit changing needs, a child likely to outgrow equipment, or a temporary gap while an item is repaired. Compare the likely total rental cost with buying, including delivery and return charges. Confirm available funding before signing and plan what happens when the rental ends.

The official guides explain AT trials and AT rental. Training or setup can be just as important as delivery; ask who will help you and your supporters use the equipment safely.

Repairs, maintenance and replacement

Maintenance: ask the supplier for servicing instructions, warranty terms and a maintenance schedule. Keep records. Discuss a backup plan if you cannot safely manage without the item. See NDIS maintenance guidance.

Repairs: check warranty coverage, your repair funding and the approved repairer. Tell the NDIA if essential equipment fails and you do not have enough funding; ask about the urgent-repair pathway and temporary support rather than assuming you must wait for the next reassessment. Follow the repair guidance.

Replacement: obtain evidence of the item’s condition, why repair is unsuitable and whether your needs have changed. The evidence needed may differ from replacing an item with the same type. Use the replacement guidance before committing to a new purchase.

Who pays the supplier?

With NDIA-managed funding you need a registered supplier, who claims directly. With plan-managed funding, send the invoice and required documents to your plan manager. With self-management, you handle claims and payment and retain the required records. Check your available funding and payment arrangements before ordering.

Your choice of supplier does not remove the eligibility, safety or evidence requirements. A plan manager can help with invoices and budget records, but cannot approve equipment that requires an NDIA decision.

Is assistive technology affected by the October funding reset?

The reset targets non-exempt social, economic and community participation and Improved Daily Living funding—not Capital AT funding itself. Specified customised/wearable technology and personal mobility equipment are also listed among exemptions.

However, related professional advice or assessments may be paid from a different category. Do not assume every cost connected to equipment is protected simply because the item is AT. Check each support and its category. Our October funding-changes guide explains timing and exemptions.

Frequently asked questions