Low-Cost Assistive Technology: What’s Covered Under Your NDIS Consumables?

Low-cost assistive technology (AT) is equipment that costs less than $1,500 and counts as an NDIS support. It’s paid from the ‘consumables’ part of your core budget, and for low-risk items you don’t need to send the NDIS a quote or ask for approval before you buy, as long as you have funds available.

Key Points:

• Low-cost assistive technology (AT) for the NDIS is an item valued under $1500 such as equipment, devices, or systems that help people with disabilities perform tasks they find difficult or impossible due to their disability.
• Some NDIS low cost AT can be claimed under your Core-Consumables budget, but it depends on your plan, goals, and what the item is designed to support.
• To be fundable, low cost assistive technology must be disability-related, evidence-based, recommended by an allied health professional, and clearly linked to your NDIS plan goals.
• AIIM Choices’ NDIS plan management services can help you determine what’s claimable and guide you through the process before making a purchase. If in doubt, talk your plan manager at AIIM Choices

Summary:

Low-cost assistive technology can make daily life easier, safer, and more independent for NDIS participants. Knowing what can be funded through your NDIS consumables budget can feel uncertain. Some items may be approved as NDIS low cost AT, as long as they link to your plan goals and are recommended by an allied health professional. With support from a caring and experienced NDIS plan manager like AIIM Choices, you can understand what’s claimable and feel confident using your funds wisely.

Outline:

1. Introduction
2. Can I Use My Consumables Budget for Low-Cost AT?
3. What Makes Something Fundable?
4. Which Items aren’t Covered by the NDIS?
5. How AIIM Choices Plan managers Can Help You
6. FAQs

Assistive technology can make daily life safer, easier, and more enjoyable for NDIS participants. From mobility options to modified equipment, these supports can help you stay independent, build confidence, and reach your personal goals.

For many people, a big part of accessing assistive technology comes down to understanding what can be funded through the NDIS, especially when it comes to low-cost items.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how your NDIS consumables budget may be used for low cost assistive technology, what the NDIS looks for, and how a supportive NDIS plan manager like AIIM Choices can help you make informed decisions with confidence.

Can I Use My Consumables Budget for Low-Cost AT?

The short answer is: sometimes.

You may be wondering if items like walking aids or supports for daily routines are covered by the NDIS. In many cases, low cost assistive technology NDIS items can be purchased using your Core-Consumables budget. 

It’s tricky. It depends on your goals, your needs, and how the item supports your daily life.

Think of it like this:

• If the item helps with your disability support needs
• And it clearly connects to a goal in your NDIS plan

Then it may be funded as NDIS low cost AT.

What Makes An Item Fundable?

To be funded under your NDIS consumables budget as low-cost assistive technology, the item should:

• Clearly relate to your disability needs
• Support daily living, safety, or participation
• Be recommended by your allied health professional (like an Occupational Therapist)
• Be effective and value for money
• Be the right item for your needs (not just the most popular one)
• Connect directly to a goal in your plan

Your therapist or allied health professional can provide a letter explaining how an item helps you in daily life. This can strengthen your request and make the connection to your goals clearer.

It’s important to remember that even with a letter, the NDIS still decides based on their guidelines.

Which Items aren’t Covered by the NDIS?

There are some items the NDIS will not cover, even if they seem helpful.

Examples of items that are not funded include:

• Standard household items or appliances
• Everyday groceries and cleaning products
• General computers, gaming consoles, and accessories
• Standard toys, sports balls, or recreation equipment
• Typical clothing or shoes
• Standard indoor or outdoor play equipment

Sometimes items feel “sensory”, but if they are commonly purchased by most households, they may still fall under the no-list.

Your NDIS plan manager can help you understand what fits the NDIS rules before you buy. If you are unsure, checking first can prevent disappointment later. We recommend you to have it confirmed in writing by your plan manager, this will ensure reimbursement.

How AIIM Choices Plan Managers Can Help You

Choosing the right low-cost assistive technology is easier when you have the right support by your side. At AIIM Choices Plan Managers, we provide NDIS plan management services designed to help you make informed decisions and feel confident using your funds.

Things to do:

• Connect with your Occupational Therapist or allied health team to explain how the item helps
• Request a recommendation letter that clearly links the item to your goals
• Check if the item is likely to be claimable before you purchase

As your plan manager, we’re here to guide you, answer questions, and help you get the most out of your funding. If you’d like friendly guidance and a clear understanding of what you can claim, we’re only a call or message away.

Are you ready to feel confident with your NDIS funding and make the most of your plan? Get in touch with us today and discover how our caring plan management team can support you on your NDIS journey.

FAQs

What is low-cost assistive technology in the NDIS?
Low-cost AT is any item under $1,500 that is an NDIS support. It can usually be bought from a store or online because it doesn’t need to be custom-made or modified, and you generally don’t need advice or set-up support to start using it safely.

Which part of my plan pays for low-cost AT?
Your core budget, under ‘consumables’. Let the NDIS know what types of low-cost AT you might need so they can be included in your plan. If you don’t have enough consumables funding, you can choose to use your core supports funding flexibly. If there’s no flexible funding available, the NDIS can discuss other options with you, which might include a plan variation.

Do I need a quote or NDIS approval to buy low-cost AT?
Not for low-cost, low-risk items. If you have funds in your consumables budget and the item costs less than $1,500, you don’t need to give the NDIS quotes, evidence or assessments, or ask for approval before you buy. The item must still relate to your disability, help you work towards your goals, be something the NDIS can fund, be safe for you to use, and be supported by evidence, such as a recommendation from your allied health professional. For higher-risk items, you’ll need advice to make sure they’re safe for you.

What are some examples of low-cost AT?
The NDIS lists walking sticks, four-wheeled walkers, short portable ramps, screen magnifiers, text-to-voice apps, shower chairs, hand showers, handrails, incontinence alarms, modified eating utensils, talking kitchen scales and adjustable-height chairs.

How do I pay for low-cost AT if I’m plan-managed?
You can buy from any supplier. Send the invoice and any required documentation to your plan manager, who handles the payment.