NDIS Funding Guide 2026 – Mobility & Continence Aids
NDIS Funding Guide 2026 — Mobility & Continence Aids
Everything you need to know about using your NDIS plan to fund mobility equipment, assistive technology and continence supplies — in plain English.
Budget categories, cost tiers, evidence requirements and the claiming process, based on official NDIS guidance and explained by our pharmacist-led team in Picton NSW.
Request a Quote Book a Free TrialThe NDIS in a Nutshell — Who It's For & What It Funds
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funds supports for Australians with a permanent and significant disability (you must be under 65 when you apply). Funding is built around your goals and what the NDIS calls "reasonable and necessary" supports — including assistive technology like mobility scooters, wheelchairs and walkers, and consumables like continence products. The NDIS doesn't fund things more appropriately covered by other systems (like the health or education systems), or ordinary living costs everyone has.
The Three NDIS Budget Categories — Where Equipment Funding Sits
Your most flexible budget. Consumables covers continence products (pads, pull-ups, catheters, bed protection) and low-cost assistive technology under $1,500 — like walking sticks and shower stools.
Funds specific higher-cost equipment — mobility scooters, power wheelchairs, lift chairs, beds, pressure care — plus home modifications like rails. Capital funding is stated: it can only be spent on the item it was approved for.
Funds therapies and services that build independence. If you have AT in your plan, it includes at least $500 under Improved Daily Living to get independent advice about your AT needs.
"Reasonable & Necessary" — The Test Every Support Must Pass
Before the NDIS funds any support, it must tick all of these boxes:
- It relates to your disability — not a general household or lifestyle item everyone would buy.
- It helps you pursue the goals in your plan and take part in work, study and community life.
- It represents value for money compared with other ways of achieving the same outcome.
- It's likely to be effective and beneficial for you, based on evidence and good practice.
- It takes into account informal supports from family, carers and the community.
- It isn't something more appropriately funded by another service system (health, education, aged care).
Assistive Technology Cost Tiers — What You Need at Each Level
| Tier | Price range | What the NDIS needs | Typical items |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low cost | Under $1,500 per item | No quote or approval for low-risk items — buy from your Core budget, as long as it's reasonable & necessary. | Walking sticks, shower stools, over-toilet aids, many standard rollators |
| Mid cost | $1,500 – $15,000 per item | No quote required — but you need evidence including a cost estimate, and written advice from an AT advisor (e.g. an OT). Funded from Capital – AT. | Most mobility scooters, power wheelchairs, lift & recline chairs, adjustable beds |
| High cost | Over $15,000 per item | Both an assessment by a professional AT advisor and a quote, then NDIA approval before purchase. | Complex power wheelchairs, ceiling hoists, custom seating systems |
Risk matters as much as price
The NDIS also classes AT as low risk (unlikely to cause harm, available in retail stores, easy to use safely) or higher risk (complex, requires professional setup or training — like a power wheelchair). If the AT you're considering is higher risk, the NDIS requires you to get AT advice before purchasing — whatever it costs. We can connect you with local OTs and arrange the paperwork.
Evidence, Assessments & Trials — Getting It Right First Time
Allied health practitioners (OTs, physios), continence nurses, rehabilitation engineers and AT mentors. For continence products, a continence assessment may be recommended for higher-level needs.
The NDIS supports trials, short-term rental and 'trial to buy' arrangements — especially where your needs may change. We offer free trials at our Picton showroom or in your own home.
If you have AT in your plan, at least $500 sits in Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living so you can get independent advice about your AT requirements.
Continence & Consumables Funding — The Essentials
Continence products — pads, pull-up pants, briefs, catheters and drainage products, and washable or disposable bed protection — are funded from your Core – Consumables budget when they relate to your disability. For children under five, continence products are generally not funded unless the child's needs are significantly greater than others their age because of their disability. If you're not NDIS-eligible, the Commonwealth Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS) may help instead — our pharmacists can point you in the right direction, and our Pharmacist Incontinence Recommender helps you find the right product first time.
Repairs, Maintenance & Replacement
Plans that include AT usually also include funding for repairs and maintenance to keep equipment safe and working. Replacement is considered when equipment no longer meets your needs or is beyond economical repair — in many cases a like-for-like replacement doesn't need a full new assessment. Check Our Guideline – Assistive Technology or ask us and we'll help you work out the fastest pathway.
How Your Plan Is Managed — Three Ways to Pay
Add items to your cart and request a quote — we send the NDIS-formatted invoice to your plan manager and deliver once it's processed.
Purchase online or by phone; we supply a detailed invoice and receipt for your NDIS reimbursement claim.
You must use a registered provider — Connect Mobility is registered (4050 144 759). We support PACE and PRODA service bookings. See the full ordering steps →
Getting Equipment Funded — Step by Step
- Check your plan. Confirm which budget the item sits in (Core consumables, or Capital – AT) and how your plan is managed. Your plan manager or support coordinator can help — so can we.
- Get advice if needed. Mid-cost, high-cost or higher-risk AT needs written advice from an AT advisor such as an OT. We work with local OTs across Sydney, Macarthur, Wollondilly and the Illawarra.
- Trial the equipment — free. At our Picton showroom or in your home. Trying before committing is exactly what the NDIS wants to see for mobility equipment.
- Get your quote same day. We issue NDIS-formatted quotes and cost estimates your plan manager, support coordinator or the NDIA can action immediately.
- Order per your management type. Plan managed, self managed or NDIA managed — we handle the paperwork either way.
- Delivery, setup & follow-up. We deliver, assemble and hand over, with pharmacist follow-up and servicing available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy from any provider I like?
If you're self managed or plan managed, yes — you can choose any provider. If you're NDIA (agency) managed, you must use a registered NDIS provider. Connect Mobility is registered (4050 144 759), so all three groups can buy from us.
Do I need an OT assessment for a mobility scooter?
Usually yes in some form: most scooters are mid-cost AT ($1,500–$15,000), which needs written AT advice and evidence — though not a formal quote round. A small number of low-cost, low-risk scooters under $1,500 can be purchased from Core funding. We'll tell you which applies before you commit.
Do I pay GST on NDIS purchases?
Most supports supplied to NDIS participants under a plan are GST-free where the requirements are met. Our quotes show this clearly.
What happens to unspent funds?
Funding doesn't carry over when your plan ends or is replaced. Newer (PACE) plans also release funding in periods — commonly every 3 months; unspent funds within your plan roll into the next period, but not past the end of the plan. Budget your consumables accordingly — our monthly continence delivery makes this easy.
How long does approval take?
Low-cost items: immediate — no approval needed. Mid-cost: as fast as your evidence is ready (we issue quotes and cost estimates same day). High-cost: the NDIA must approve first, which can take weeks — we help you submit a complete pack to avoid back-and-forth.
Should I rent or buy?
If your needs are stable, buying is usually better value. If your needs are changing (e.g. progressive conditions, post-surgery recovery), the NDIS supports short-term rental and trial-to-buy — ask us what's available for the item you need.
What if my plan doesn't cover what I need?
Options include requesting a plan variation or reassessment with supporting evidence, using the low-cost AT pathway, CAPS (for continence, if eligible), or private purchase. Our team will talk you through it honestly.
Is Connect Mobility's advice free?
Yes — product advice, trials and quotes are free. You only pay for the equipment (or your plan does). We're a pharmacist-owned local business, not a call centre.
Official NDIS Sources
- NDIS — Assistive technology explained (cost tiers, risk categories, evidence requirements)
- Our Guidelines — Assistive Technology (the NDIA's detailed operational guideline)
- NDIS — Using your funding (budget categories and what you can spend on)
- NDIS — Creating your plan (reasonable & necessary criteria)
- NDIS — Pricing and payments (current price limits)
- NDIS — Eligibility requirements
Ready to put your plan to work?
Free trials, same-day NDIS quotes and honest pharmacist advice. Shop 25/9 Margaret St, Picton NSW 2571.
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