What the funding covers
Assistive technology only helps if it works. The NDIS can fund the ongoing costs of keeping your disability related equipment safe and in good order, including:
- Regular servicing, such as an annual wheelchair or hoist service
- Minor repairs and wear and tear, such as tyres, castors, batteries, cushions and upholstery
- Major repairs to wheeled mobility equipment
- Repairs to prostheses and orthoses, hearing and vision aids, communication devices, electric beds and bathing and toileting equipment
- Repairs to vehicle modifications
- After hours repairs for mobility and personal care equipment where you cannot safely wait
- Renting a replacement while your equipment is being repaired
Where it sits in your plan
Plans made in the NDIA's PACE system have a separate Capital category for this: category 19, Assistive Technology Maintenance, Repair and Rental. Older plans usually include repair funding in the Assistive Technology budget, category 05.
The NDIA uses its own guide to work out how much annual repair and maintenance funding to include, based on the equipment you have. It is usually stated, which means it can only be used for repairs, maintenance and rental of your assistive technology. Funding is often only included if you or your therapist ask for it, so raise it at your planning meeting or reassessment.
What to do when something breaks
- Check the warranty first. New equipment is often covered by the supplier for repairs
- Contact the supplier or a repairer who services your type of equipment and ask for a quote or an estimate
- Check your plan has repair funding left, in your portal or with your plan manager
- For a larger repair, the NDIA may need a quote before it is paid. Ask the repairer and your plan manager what is needed
- If you cannot manage without the item, ask the repairer about a loan or rental while it is fixed
- Keep records of every repair. They help show when an item is wearing out
Repair or replace?
When an item keeps breaking, no longer fits you, or would cost more to repair than it is worth, replacement may be better value. Replacing an item is a new assistive technology request, so you will need evidence from an assistive technology advisor, and for items over $15,000 an assessment and quote.
Ask your therapist to note the item's age, condition and repair history in their evidence. That makes the case for replacement clearer.
Who can do the work
If your plan is self managed or plan managed, you can use any suitable repairer, registered or not. If it is agency managed, you need a registered provider. For complex or powered equipment, use a technician trained on that brand, as the wrong repair can make equipment unsafe or void a warranty.
The 2026 funding reset
Repairs and maintenance are not affected by the October 2026 funding reset. Personal mobility equipment, home and vehicle modifications and other Capital supports are outside the two groups the reset reduces.