“Quote” is one of the most over-worried words in NDIS assistive technology — mostly because people confuse a formal supplier quote with the evidence the NDIS actually asks for.
Short answer: usually no — a formal supplier quote is generally only required when the AT is high-cost, meaning over $15,000. This is general information only, not advice about your individual plan.
A formal supplier quote is generally only required for high-cost assistive technology over $15,000. Low-cost, low-risk AT under $1,500 usually needs no quote, no assessment and no NDIA approval before you buy, as long as the right funding is available and the item meets NDIS rules. Mid-cost AT from $1,500 to $15,000 does not need a formal quote, but it does need written evidence from an AT advisor, including an estimate of the cost.
The rule, by cost tier
What you need depends almost entirely on the price of the item:
- Under $1,500 — low-cost AT. Low-cost, low-risk AT under $1,500 generally needs no quote, no assessment and no NDIA approval before you buy — but it still needs to be an NDIS support, disability-related, safe, value for money and connected to your plan.
- $1,500 to $15,000 — mid-cost AT. No formal supplier quote, but it does need written evidence from an AT advisor — including what you need, why it is best value, how it supports your goals, and an estimate of the cost.
- Over $15,000 — high-cost AT. A quote is required (and it should include delivery, installation and any training costs), along with an AT assessment, before purchase.
Quote vs cost estimate vs evidence — the bit people get wrong
These three get muddled constantly, so here's the plain difference:
- A quote is a formal supplier document confirming the price. The NDIS only requires one for high-cost AT (over $15,000).
- A cost estimate is a rough price for the item — often part of the evidence for mid-cost AT. It's not the same as a formal quote.
- Evidence is the broader information showing the item is suitable, safe and disability-related — e.g. an AT advisor's written advice.
So if someone says “you'll need a quote” for a $400 item, they almost certainly mean keep a record or get a cost estimate — not a formal high-cost quote.
Which applies to you?
Match your item to its price tier:
For low-risk, familiar items, you can generally buy directly if you have the right funding available and the item meets NDIS rules — keep the invoice and any supporting notes. No quote, assessment or NDIA approval.
Get written AT advisor evidence before purchase, and check whether the right funding is already in your plan or whether the evidence needs to go to the NDIA first. No formal quote.
Get a formal quote (delivery, installation and training included) and an AT assessment, and have it approved before you buy.
Even where the NDIS doesn't require a formal quote, your plan manager or the NDIA may still ask for an invoice or cost estimate to process a payment. That's an administrative step, not the high-cost quote rule — and it's easily met with a clear invoice.
Price isn't the only factor
Cost decides the quote rule, but risk can still raise the bar. Some lower-cost items are higher-risk — for example equipment affecting posture, transfers, pressure care or communication setup — and may need advice before purchase even under $1,500. Low-cost doesn't automatically mean low-risk.
The mistake people make most
Delaying a simple, low-cost purchase because someone mentioned “a quote.” For most low- and mid-cost AT there's no formal quote — at most a cost estimate and some written advice. Equally, the opposite mistake: buying a high-cost item without the required quote and assessment, which can leave the cost unclaimable.
Before you buy: run the check
Quote or no quote, the safest first step is the same check every time. Run through the before-you-buy check before spending any plan funds.
Common questions
Do I need a quote for low-cost AT under $1,500?
Do I need a quote for mid-cost AT ($1,500–$15,000)?
When does the NDIS actually require a quote?
What's the difference between a quote and a cost estimate?
My plan manager asked for a quote for a cheap item — why?
When to seek advice
Talk to your support coordinator, plan manager, allied health professional or an AT advisor before buying if the item is over $1,500, is higher-risk, or you're unsure what evidence applies. For anything over $15,000, get the quote and assessment sorted first.
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.
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