Can I buy an iPad or tablet with my NDIS plan?

This is general information only, not advice about your individual plan.

Why tablets usually aren't NDIS supports

The NDIS view is that smart devices and computers are general household items — most Australian homes already have one, and most people use them. Because of that, a tablet is normally seen as an everyday item, not an NDIS support.

That can stay true even when your disability means a tablet genuinely helps you. When deciding, the NDIS looks at whether the device is needed because of your disability support needs, whether it is reasonable and necessary, whether it is value for money, and whether it should be funded by the NDIS rather than another system or as an ordinary living cost. The NDIA may also consider whether an ordinary household device, existing technology, school responsibility, mainstream service, or a lower-cost option could meet the same need.

A point that surprises people: a therapist's recommendation on its own is generally not enough. In the NDIS's own published examples, a request for an iPad backed by a therapist's letter was declined, because the device was still considered an everyday item the household would reasonably have anyway.

The limited situations where a tablet may be considered

There are narrow exceptions. A tablet may be considered where it stops being an ordinary everyday device and becomes genuinely disability-specific. For example:

• As a communication or AAC device — where a participant needs a dedicated tablet and communication app to meet disability-related communication needs, an appropriate professional has assessed it, and the device needs to be available for that participant rather than shared as an ordinary household item.
• For accessibility or communication needs — where the device and app are required to meet specific accessibility or communication needs, and the evidence shows why this is different from ordinary everyday technology use.

Even then, the NDIA weighs it against the funding criteria — including whether it is reasonable and necessary, value for money, the most appropriate option, and genuinely needed because of disability rather than for general or educational use (schoolwork, for example, is generally the school's responsibility, not the NDIS's).

The replacement-support pathway (since 3 October 2024)

Since 3 October 2024, some things that are not ordinary NDIS supports may be considered through the replacement-support pathway. This can include tablets, smartphones, smart watches and apps for accessibility or communication purposes in specific circumstances.

A replacement support is not extra funding. It replaces an existing NDIS support in your plan. It generally needs to help you the same or more than the support it replaces, meet the same disability-related need, and cost the same or less.

The important rule is simple: you must apply and receive written approval before using NDIS funds to buy it. Buying first and asking later is the mistake to avoid.

What evidence would I need?

If you think your situation fits one of the exceptions, the evidence should show why the device is needed because of your disability support needs — not just because it is useful or convenient.

For an ordinary assistive technology request, this may include professional advice explaining why the device and apps are needed, what alternatives were considered, why the option is safe and effective, and how it relates to your plan goals.

For a replacement-support application, the NDIA may not require a new assessment or report, but you still need to explain what existing NDIS support the tablet would replace, how it would help you the same or more, and why it is the same or better value.

The mistake people make most

Buying the iPad first — on the strength of a therapist's app recommendation — and assuming it will be claimable. As the NDIS's own examples show, that recommendation alone often isn't enough, and an everyday device bought without the right approval may not be claimable. If a tablet is part of your plan, confirm it before you spend.

Before you buy: run the check

A tablet is exactly the kind of “check carefully first” item our before-you-buy guide is built for. Run through the before-you-buy check before spending any plan funds.

Common questions

When to seek advice

Talk to your support coordinator, plan manager, allied health professional, AT advisor or the NDIA before buying if: you're relying on a therapist's app recommendation, you think your situation fits the communication-device or accessibility exception, or you're considering the replacement-support pathway. Getting this confirmed in writing first is what protects your funding.

Where LowCost AT fits

We can help with the buying step once you've confirmed a device is right for your plan — clear product information and tax invoices for self-, plan- and NDIA-managed purchases. We can't decide whether a tablet is claimable for your circumstances; that's between you, your plan and the NDIA.

This article is general information only and is not legal, financial, clinical, plan-management or individual NDIS advice. NDIS rules and guidance can change, and individual plans differ. Check your current plan, the latest NDIA guidance, or speak with your support coordinator, plan manager, allied health professional, AT advisor or the NDIA before purchasing if you are unsure.