Yes, an over bed table can be funded under the NDIS as Assistive Technology (AT). Whether it happens smoothly depends on how your plan is set up and whether your need is documented. This guide explains what you need to know and what steps to take.
Key takeaways
- Over bed tables qualify as AT under the NDIS when there is a documented functional need.
- They typically fall under the Daily Activities support category or the Assistive Products for Personal Care and Protection category.
- Most over bed tables cost under $1,500, so they are treated as low-cost AT and do not require a formal AT assessment.
- How you purchase depends on whether you are self-managed, plan-managed, or NDIA-managed.
- We can provide a quote for your support coordinator or plan manager.
In this article
- Can the NDIS fund an over bed table?
- How to get your over bed table funded
- Ready to find the right over bed table?
Can the NDIS fund an over bed table?
In most cases, yes. An over bed table is considered Assistive Technology because it directly supports your ability to eat, read, work, or complete daily tasks from bed or a chair. The NDIS will fund it when your plan includes a relevant support need and the item is considered reasonable and necessary for your goals.
Which NDIS support category covers it?
Over bed tables typically fall under one of two support categories:
- Assistive Technology (AT) for Daily Living — this is the most common pathway for bedroom aids like over bed tables, which help with eating, personal care, or daily activities at home.
- Assistive Products for Personal Care and Protection — used when the table directly supports personal care tasks, such as eating after surgery or managing medication safely in bed.
Your plan manager or support coordinator will know which category fits your plan. If you are unsure, the NDIS Price Guide and AT Support Catalogue list over bed tables under code 05_225703541_0103_1_1 (Bed Furniture: Over-Bed Table or Support).
When does your plan need to document it?
The NDIS will only fund an over bed table when your functional need is documented. This usually means one of the following situations applies to you:
- You are recovering from surgery (such as a hip or knee replacement) and have limited mobility in bed.
- You have a chronic illness or disability that limits your ability to sit at a table or move freely around your home.
- Your occupational therapist (OT) has identified a need for a stable surface to support your daily activities.
If this need is not yet in your plan, you can request a plan review or raise it with your support coordinator. It does not have to wait until your next scheduled review if your circumstances have changed.
How to get your over bed table funded
The process depends on how your NDIS plan is managed and how much the over bed table costs. Here is what you need to know before you purchase.
Self-managed, plan-managed, or NDIA-managed: what changes?
| Plan type | How to purchase |
|---|---|
| Self-managed | You purchase directly from any supplier, then claim the cost through the NDIS myplace portal. You are not required to use a registered NDIS provider. |
| Plan-managed | Your plan manager pays the invoice on your behalf. You choose the supplier; your plan manager handles the claim. You can use registered or unregistered providers. |
| NDIA-managed (Agency-managed) | You must use a registered NDIS provider. The provider invoices the NDIA directly. Check that the supplier is registered before purchasing. |
We recommend confirming your plan management type with your support coordinator before placing an order, if you are unsure which category applies to you.
Low-cost AT vs higher-cost items
The NDIS draws a distinction between low-cost and higher-cost Assistive Technology. Most standard over bed tables fall well under the $1,500 low-cost AT threshold, which means:
- You do not need a formal AT assessment from an occupational therapist.
- You can purchase directly from your AT budget without a lengthy approval process.
- A quote from the supplier is usually sufficient documentation.
If you are looking at a specialised or powered over bed table that exceeds $1,500, your plan manager will need a formal AT quote and, depending on the amount, an OT recommendation. We are happy to discuss available options with you.
Getting a quote for your support coordinator
If your support coordinator or plan manager needs a formal quote, we can provide one. A good quote for NDIS purposes includes the item name, product code, price (including GST), and supplier details. Contact us at our contact page and we will prepare the documentation your coordinator needs.
We work with NDIS participants across Australia and understand what support coordinators and plan managers need to process a claim smoothly.
Ready to find the right over bed table?
Once your funding is confirmed, the next step is choosing the right table for your situation. Our range includes height-adjustable, tilting, and wheeled models to suit different needs and bed heights.
Browse our full range at mobilityshopdirect.com.au/collections/over-bed-tables. If you have questions about which model fits your needs or your NDIS plan, get in touch. We are here to help.
We recommend speaking with your occupational therapist or support coordinator about NDIS eligibility and documentation requirements specific to your plan. We can help with quotes and product selection once you are ready to purchase.