What makes AT high cost
The NDIA uses the cost of each item to decide how much evidence it needs. Anything over $15,000 per item is high cost. These items are usually complex: they need an individual assessment to make sure they are right for you, specialised knowledge or tools to set up, and they may be custom made.
Below $15,000 the rules are lighter. Mid cost AT, from $1,500 to $15,000, needs written evidence from an advisor but no quote.
What the NDIA needs from you
- An assessment from a qualified assistive technology assessor that shows what item you need. It should be recent, for example from the past 2 years
- A quote for the item. The NDIA generally needs at least one, and may ask for a second if the price is higher than expected
Who can be an assessor
Assessors are usually allied health professionals with the right skills and experience for the type of AT, such as an occupational therapist for seating and wheelchairs, a physiotherapist for mobility equipment or a speech pathologist for communication devices. Assessments for high cost items can only be done by an assessor, not just any advisor.
The NDIA publishes assessment templates for different kinds of AT, and assessors often use them. The assessment is usually paid from the improved daily living skills part of your Capacity Building budget, which since 1 October 2026 is reduced by 10% when a plan is created, reassessed or renewed.
What a good quote includes
Quotes help the NDIA put the right amount of funding in your plan, so make sure yours covers the whole job, not just the item:
- The item and any custom parts or accessories
- Delivery
- Set up and fitting
- Training for you and the people who support you to use it safely
Sending it to the NDIA
Bring your evidence to your next planning meeting or check in, or send assessments and quotes to the NDIA by email at enquiries@ndis.gov.au. If you need the item before your next reassessment, ask whether it can be added through a plan variation once the NDIA has your assessment and quote.
Capital funding for AT is not affected by the October 2026 funding reset. Customised and wearable technology is also on the list of protected supports.
Tips to avoid delays
- Trial the equipment first where you can, and record how the trial went
- Make sure the assessment links the item to your disability, your goals and your daily life
- Check the quote matches the assessor's recommendations exactly
- Ask your supplier about lead times, servicing and repairs before you commit
- Keep copies of everything you send and the date you sent it