Can I buy this with my NDIS plan? A plain-English check before you buy assistive technology

Before you buy · plain-English guide

A simple check to run before you spend a dollar of your plan — whether this is your first NDIS purchase or you have bought assistive technology many times before.

Based on current NDIA guidanceLast updated June 2026Plain-English, by the LowCost AT team

It helps. It is clearly disability-related. Someone may have even recommended it. So you can use your NDIS funding to buy it — right?

Not always. “It helps” and “NDIS funding can pay for it” are two different things, and the gap between them is where a lot of well-meaning purchases come unstuck. This is general information only, not advice about your individual plan.

The quick answer

NDIS funding may be used for an item where it is an NDIS support (or an approved replacement support), where it is reasonable and necessary for your disability support needs, where it fits your plan and budget, and where any evidence, advice, quote or approval has been sorted out first. Being under $1,500 can make a purchase simpler — but low-cost does not automatically mean claimable.

Helpful, an NDIS support, or claimable from your plan?

Separating three ideas that often get blurred together clears up most of the confusion.

1 · Helpful

It may genuinely assist you — but on its own that is not enough.

2 · An NDIS support

It fits the NDIS rules and the lists of what funding can be used for.

3 · Claimable for you

It also fits your plan, budget and disability needs, with any evidence in place.

And one more layer: even where an item is an NDIS support, it still needs to be reasonable and necessary for your disability support needs — not simply useful, preferred or convenient.

Your Before-You-Buy checklist

Tick each one as you go. If you can tick all eight with confidence, you are in good shape to buy — if not, that is your signal to check or seek advice first.

The short version: Purpose · Plan · Support status · Cost · Risk · Evidence · Funding management · Records.

A quick word on replacement supports

This is where everyday technology trips people up. Some things are ordinary NDIS supports; some are not; and some non-NDIS supports may be considered as a replacement support — but only with written approval before you use NDIS funds.

Many tablets, smartphones and smart watches sit in this “check carefully first” zone. They may be useful, but they are generally treated as everyday items, not ordinary NDIS supports.

The mistake people make most

Assuming anything under $1,500 is automatically claimable. Being under $1,500 can make a purchase simpler, but the item still needs to:

  • be an NDIS support (or approved replacement support),
  • relate to your disability support needs,
  • be reasonable and necessary,
  • fit your plan and budget, and
  • be safe for how you will use it.

Common questions

Can I buy a tablet, iPad, smartphone or smart watch with NDIS funding?
Generally these are everyday technology items and are not usually ordinary NDIS supports. In limited circumstances they may be considered through the replacement-support pathway — but written approval is needed before you use NDIS funds. Do not assume; check first.
Do I need a quote for low-cost AT under $1,500?
Often no — for low-risk, familiar low-cost AT where you have suitable funds available. But higher-risk items may still need advice regardless of price, and you should keep records either way.
What evidence might I need?
It depends on the item, its cost and its risk. Evidence may include previous use, a trial, an allied health or AT advisor recommendation, and a short written explanation of why the item is needed, why it is safe, why it is good value, and how it relates to your disability support needs.
Where can I buy if I am self-, plan- or NDIA-managed?
Self-managed participants generally have the most supplier choice; plan-managed can usually use registered or unregistered providers subject to their plan manager; NDIA-managed generally need registered providers. In all cases the item still has to meet NDIS rules and fit the plan.
What changed from 3 October 2024?
NDIS funding can generally only be used for things that meet the definition of an NDIS support, the NDIS introduced lists of what is and is not an NDIS support, and a replacement-support pathway exists for some non-NDIS supports with prior written approval.

When to seek advice

It is worth getting advice before you buy if it is your first time buying this kind of item, the item is higher-risk, it costs more than $1,500, it is everyday technology, you are unsure whether it is an NDIS support, your plan does not clearly include the support, or you are not sure which budget applies. Good people to ask: the NDIA, your plan manager, your support coordinator, an allied health professional, or an assistive technology advisor.

Where LowCost AT fits

Our role is to make the purchasing step cleaner once you have checked an item is suitable for your plan — clear product information, supplier details and tax invoices for self-, plan- and NDIA-managed purchases. We do not approve funding or decide whether an item is claimable for your circumstances, and we are not a substitute for the NDIA, your plan manager or clinical advice.

Still not sure? Talk to our Australian team
We can help you understand the buying process — no pressure, no funding decisions, just plain-English help.
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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.