How to use your NDIS funding to buy mobility equipment

#how-to-use-ndis-funding-to-buy-mobility-equipment

If you're on the NDIS and need a wheelchair, scooter, or other mobility aid, you might be wondering how the funding actually works in practice. What's covered? Who do you buy from? How do you pay?

The good news is it's simpler than it sounds — and you don't have to figure it out alone. This guide walks you through the whole process in plain English, so you can get the equipment you need without the headache.

What the NDIS can fund for mobility equipment

The NDIS funds mobility aids under a category called Assistive Technology (AT). This covers a wide range of equipment designed to help you live more independently, including:

• Manual and powered wheelchairs
• Electric mobility scooters
• Walking frames and rollators
• Lift recliner chairs
• Bathroom safety aids (grab rails, shower chairs, commodes)
• Beds and pressure care products
• Daily living aids

The key rule is that the equipment must be reasonable and necessary — meaning it relates to your disability, helps you achieve your goals, and represents value for money.

For lower-cost items (generally under $1,500), you can often purchase directly from a registered supplier without needing a formal assessment. For higher-cost or complex equipment, your plan may require a recommendation from an occupational therapist (OT) first.

Understanding your NDIS plan type

How you purchase equipment depends on how your NDIS plan is managed. There are three types:

Agency-managed (NDIA-managed)

Your funding is managed directly by the NDIA. You can only purchase from registered NDIS providers — so make sure any supplier you use is registered before you buy.

Plan-managed

A plan manager handles your funding on your behalf. You have more flexibility here and can often purchase from both registered and some non-registered providers. Your plan manager pays the invoice directly.

Self-managed

You manage your own funding. You have the most flexibility — you can shop around, pay upfront, and then claim reimbursement through the myplace portal.

Not sure which type you have? Check your NDIS plan document or call the NDIS on 1800 800 110.

Step-by-step: how to buy mobility equipment with your NDIS plan

Step 1: Check your plan has Assistive Technology funding

Log into your myplace portal (my.ndis.gov.au) and look at your plan budget. You're looking for funding under "Assistive Technology" or "Capital Supports." If you're not sure what you're looking at, your support coordinator or plan manager can help you read it.

Step 2: Decide what equipment you need

Think about what's making daily life harder. Is it getting around the house? Getting in and out of a chair? Showering safely? Being clear on the problem helps you find the right solution.

If you're unsure what type of equipment suits your needs, it's worth speaking with an occupational therapist. They can assess your situation and recommend specific products — which also helps if your plan requires a formal quote or AT report.

Step 3: Choose a registered NDIS supplier

For agency-managed plans especially, you need to buy from a registered NDIS provider. This is a supplier who has been approved by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission to provide assistive technology.

Direct Mobility is a registered NDIS supplier serving Melbourne and the western suburbs — including Melton, Deer Park, Caroline Springs, and Sunshine. You can browse the full range online and request a quote directly from the website.

Step 4: Get a quote

Most NDIS purchases require a quote before the funding is released or approved — especially for higher-cost items. A good supplier will provide a clear, itemised quote you can submit to your plan manager or support coordinator.

When requesting a quote, include:

• The specific product (name and model)
• The price
• How it relates to your disability and goals

Step 5: Get approval and place your order

• Agency-managed: Your support coordinator or the NDIA will approve the purchase from your plan budget before you order.
• Plan-managed: Send the quote to your plan manager. They'll confirm the funding is available and pay the supplier directly once you're ready to purchase.
• Self-managed: You can go ahead and purchase, then submit the invoice through the myplace portal to claim reimbursement.

Step 6: Receive your equipment

Once approved, your supplier processes the order. Direct Mobility offers same-day delivery across Melbourne — so if you're in the western suburbs and need equipment urgently (after a hospital discharge, for example), you won't be waiting days or weeks.

What if I'm not sure what's in my plan?

This is one of the most common questions — and it's completely understandable. NDIS plans can be confusing, especially if you're new to the scheme or your plan has recently been reviewed.

Here's who can help:

• Your support coordinator — if you have one, they're there to help you navigate your plan and connect with providers
• Your plan manager — if plan-managed, they can tell you exactly what's available in each budget category
• The NDIS directly — call 1800 800 110 or visit ndis.gov.au
• Your supplier — a good registered provider will be familiar with the process and can help you understand what documentation you need

At Direct Mobility, we work with customers and their support coordinators regularly. If you're not sure whether a product is covered or how to get the quote process started, just reach out — we're happy to help you work through it.

Tips to make the process smoother

Start with low-cost items if you're new to NDIS. Smaller purchases (under $1,500) typically have less paperwork and can be a good way to get familiar with the process.

Keep your invoices and receipts. Whether you're self-managed or plan-managed, good record-keeping makes everything easier at plan review time.

Don't wait until you're desperate. NDIS approvals can take time, especially for higher-cost equipment. If you need something urgently and can't wait, ask your supplier about hire options as a short-term solution while your funding is processed.

Ask about trials. Some suppliers — including Direct Mobility — offer free home trials on select products. This is especially useful for higher-cost items like powered wheelchairs or lift recliners, where getting the right fit matters.

Review your plan regularly. If your needs change, you can request a plan review. Don't assume you're stuck with what's in your current plan.

What about Home Care Packages?

If you're a senior receiving aged care support through a Home Care Package, you may also be able to use your package funding to purchase mobility aids and bathroom safety equipment. The process is similar — speak with your package coordinator, get a quote from a registered supplier, and they'll arrange payment.

Direct Mobility works with Home Care Package recipients across Melbourne. If you're not sure what your package covers, your coordinator is the best first call.

Ready to get started?

You don't need to have everything figured out before you reach out. Whether you know exactly what you need or you're just starting to explore your options, Direct Mobility is here to help.

Browse our full range of NDIS-approved mobility aids — from wheelchairs and electric scooters to bathroom safety equipment and lift recliners — at directmobility.com.au. You can request a quote online, and we'll take it from there.

Same-day delivery available across Melbourne's western suburbs. NDIS registered. No fuss.