NDIS Assistive Technology in 2026: Low, Mid and High-Cost Equipment Explained in Plain English

The NDIS funds assistive technology (AT) across three broad cost tiers — low, mid and high — each with different approval requirements, price limits and levels of therapist involvement. Under the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits 2025–26, low-cost AT (under approximately $1,500) can often be self-managed with minimal documentation, while higher-cost items such as power wheelchairs require an occupational therapist (OT) assessment and a formal AT report before the NDIA will approve funding. Knowing which tier your equipment falls into is the fastest way to avoid a denied claim.

How the NDIS Defines AT Cost Tiers

The NDIS does not use a single official label of "low, mid, high" in its support catalogue, but the Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits 2025–26 create clear practical distinctions based on item complexity, risk to the participant, and the evidence required.

Low-cost AT generally covers items under approximately $1,500 that carry low risk of harm if incorrectly selected. Examples include quad canes, basic shower stools, non-adjustable grab rails, reaching aids and simple bed rails. These can typically be purchased directly from a registered AT provider and claimed under the Assistive Technology — Low Cost support category without a prior OT report, though a therapist recommendation is still best practice (NDIS assistive technology guidance).

Mid-cost AT broadly covers items in the $1,500–$5,000 range, including basic manual wheelchairs, lightweight rollators, portable ramps and standard bathroom commodes. These usually require a therapist recommendation and a product-specific quote, but may not need a full formal AT report depending on the participant's plan type and how the item is framed in their NDIS plan.

High-cost AT covers items above approximately $5,000 and includes power wheelchairs, mobility scooters, complex seating systems, ceiling hoists and customised prosthetics. An OT or physiotherapist must complete a formal AT assessment, produce a detailed report linking the equipment to the participant's functional goals, and confirm the item meets the NDIS "reasonable and necessary" criteria. Without this, claims at this tier are routinely denied.

Why AT Claims Get Denied — and How to Avoid It

The most common reason for a denied AT claim is insufficient evidence that lower-cost or lower-complexity alternatives have been trialled first. The NDIA expects participants to demonstrate a progression of need, consistent with its reasonable and necessary funding framework.

For a power wheelchair approval, for example, a strong AT report would typically document: the participant's diagnosis and functional limitations, evidence that a manual wheelchair or scooter was considered and why it is unsuitable, trial of the specific recommended device, and a clear link between the chair's features and the participant's daily living goals — such as independent movement within the home or community access.

A quote from the AT supplier must also fall within or reference the relevant NDIS price limit. For complex power wheelchairs in 2025–26, price limits vary by classification code, so matching the product's AT code to the correct support catalogue line is essential. Submitting a quote under the wrong AT code is a frequent and easily avoidable cause of delays.

A Simple Path by Equipment Type

"I need a basic walker or shower stool" — Low-cost AT pathway. Purchase through a registered AT provider, claim under low-cost AT supports. An OT recommendation strengthens the claim but is not always mandatory for self-managed or plan-managed participants.

"I need a manual wheelchair" — Mid-cost pathway. Obtain a therapist recommendation and a supplier quote matched to the correct AT support code. Confirm the item and price fall within your AT budget allocation before ordering.

"I need a power wheelchair or mobility scooter" — High-cost pathway. Engage an OT early. The OT conducts a functional assessment, documents trial outcomes, writes the AT report, and co-signs the AT quote. Approval is required before purchase; buying first and claiming later is not supported at this tier.

"My AT has broken down urgently" — The NDIA provides a pathway for urgent AT repairs under an existing plan. Participants should contact the NDIS directly or work with their support coordinator to access interim or replacement equipment. Registered AT repairers can be engaged and claimed under the AT maintenance support line.

How a Mobility Equipment Specialist Can Help

Providers such as Auswaycare supply AT products across all three cost tiers — from basic bathroom aids and walking frames through to manual and power wheelchairs and mobility scooters — and can assist participants and therapists in matching specific products to the correct NDIS AT support codes and 2025–26 price limits. This includes providing compliant quotes that reference the relevant classification codes, supplying trial equipment for OT assessments, and helping care teams frame product specifications in language that aligns with "reasonable and necessary" criteria.

Working with specialists in home modifications and accessibility solutions can also help ensure that assistive technology integrates safely with the home environment, particularly for bathroom modifications and mobility access upgrades.