If you're on an NDIS plan and looking at mobility aids, you probably already know what you need. What most people want is clarity on how the funding actually works: which category it comes under, whether you need an assessment first, and how the invoice gets handled without a pile of back-and-forth.
This is that guide. Specific, plain, no filler.
What mobility aids are covered by NDIS?
The NDIS funds mobility aids that help you move around more independently because of your disability. The range is broad. Here's what's commonly covered:
- Walking aids — four-wheel rollators, three-wheel rollators, standard walking frames, forearm walkers, quad canes, standard walking sticks.
- Bathroom aids — shower chairs with arms, shower stools, raised toilet seats, toilet safety frames, over-toilet frames, bath transfer boards.
- Daily living aids — reachers and grabbers, dressing aids, long-handled tools that reduce the need for bending or assistance.
The guiding principle: the product needs to be connected to your disability and help you do something more independently. If it does that, it's generally coverable under your plan.
Complex powered equipment (power wheelchairs, mobility scooters, specialised seating) typically falls under Assistive Technology and requires a separate assessment. This guide covers everyday mobility aids.
Which NDIS funding category covers mobility aids?
Most everyday mobility aids (walkers, rollators, shower chairs, toilet frames, reachers) fall under Consumables, Category 03.
The relevant line item for personal mobility aids is 03_120000911_0105_1_1. Your plan manager will know this. It's worth knowing it exists so you can confirm your supplier is using it correctly on your invoice.
NDIS products are charged at the standard list price. No discounts apply to NDIS orders. The invoice price must match the support catalogue rate, or your plan manager will need to query it, which creates delays you don't need.
Self-managed, plan-managed, or agency-managed?
How you access funding depends on how your plan is managed.
Self-managed: You order the product, pay at checkout, and receive a tax-compliant invoice. You submit that invoice to NDIS for reimbursement. The money comes back to you, usually within a week or two if the claim is in order.
Plan-managed: You give the supplier your plan manager's email address. A compliant NDIS invoice goes directly to your plan manager. You don't pay anything upfront and you don't need to chase anyone. Your plan manager processes it from their end and pays the supplier. You receive your product.
Agency-managed (NDIA-managed): This requires the supplier to be a registered NDIS provider. Not all suppliers are. If a supplier isn't registered and you're agency-managed, they can't invoice the NDIA directly. Confirm registration status before you order.
Not sure which type you have? Check your NDIS plan document. It states your plan management type clearly under the funding section.
Do you need an OT assessment?
For most everyday consumable mobility aids (walkers, rollators, shower chairs, toilet frames) no assessment is required. These are considered low-risk assistive technology and can be purchased directly.
For higher-complexity items (customised wheelchairs, complex seating, standing frames) an OT or physio assessment is required before NDIS will fund them. The assessment confirms the item is appropriate for your specific situation.
If you're unsure whether your item requires an assessment, your plan manager or support coordinator can confirm quickly. A reputable supplier should also be able to tell you.
How to order and how the invoice gets sorted
For plan-managed participants at SteadWell, the process works like this:
- Find the product you need.
- At checkout, select NDIS Plan Managed as your payment method.
- Enter your plan manager's email address in the order notes.
- That's it.
A compliant NDIS invoice is sent directly to your plan manager, with every required field included: your NDIS number, support category, line item, GST status, item description, unit price, and total. Your plan manager processes it from their end.
For self-managed participants: order and pay normally, and you'll receive a compliant invoice to submit to NDIS yourself.
If anything comes up (a question about your specific plan, whether a product sits under Consumables or Assistive Technology, or anything about the invoice) a real person will get back to you within 4 business hours.
A note on GST
Most mobility aids used by people with a disability (walkers, rollators, shower chairs with arms, toilet safety frames, raised toilet seats) are GST-free in Australia under Schedule 3 of the GST Act. The price you see is the price you pay, with no GST added on top.
Some daily living aids may be taxable. If GST status matters for your plan, the product listing or your plan manager can confirm before you order.
Browse the NDIS-eligible range and order directly. Or use the guided quiz if you'd like a recommendation first.
