Yes, the NDIS can fund a sheepskin mattress topper in the right circumstances. It is one of the less-known funding options, and a lot of participants miss out simply because they never ask. This guide walks through which support categories apply, how to request it through your plan, and what to do if the NDIS is not an option for you.
Which NDIS Support Categories Apply
A sheepskin mattress topper can fall under two NDIS support categories, depending on how it is used and how your plan is structured.
Consumables (Core Supports)
This is the most common pathway. Consumables covers everyday items used to manage a disability, including pressure care products. A sheepskin mattress topper used for pressure injury prevention or comfort management can sit here. It is generally the simpler claim because Consumables budgets tend to be more flexible.
Assistive Technology (Low Cost)
If your plan includes an Assistive Technology budget, a sheepskin overlay may qualify as a low-cost AT item. This pathway is more likely if an occupational therapist (OT) has recommended the topper as part of a pressure care or positioning plan. Low-cost AT items typically sit under $1,500, and a sheepskin bed topper overlay usually falls well within that range.
What the NDIS considers "reasonable and necessary"
For any item to be funded, it must meet the NDIS "reasonable and necessary" criteria. That means the item needs to relate directly to your disability, provide value for money, and be something your planner or Support Coordinator can justify in the plan review. A written recommendation from your OT or GP makes this significantly easier to demonstrate.
| Support category | When it applies | Plan management types |
|---|---|---|
| Consumables (Core Supports) | Everyday pressure care or comfort management | Self-managed, plan-managed |
| Assistive Technology (Low Cost AT) | OT has recommended it as part of a care plan | Self-managed, plan-managed, agency-managed (with AT line item) |
How to Request Funding Through Your NDIS Plan
The process is straightforward once you know the steps. Here is what to do.
Step 1: Get a recommendation in writing
Ask your OT, GP, or specialist to provide a written recommendation that links the sheepskin mattress topper to your disability-related needs. The recommendation should state what condition it is addressing (for example, pressure injury risk, skin integrity, positioning) and why this type of product is appropriate.
Step 2: Talk to your Support Coordinator or planner
Share the recommendation with your Support Coordinator or NDIS planner at your next plan review (or before, if you have a current plan that already includes Consumables or AT budgets). Ask whether the item can be funded under your existing plan, or whether it needs to be added at your next review.
Step 3: Request a quote
You will need a supplier quote to include in your plan documentation. We can provide a quote for the Sheepskin Bed Topper Overlay on request. Just get in touch and let us know you need an NDIS quote.
What documentation is typically needed
- Written OT or GP recommendation linking the product to your disability
- Supplier invoice or quote (we can provide this)
- Your NDIS participant number
- Your plan start and end dates
- Confirmation of the relevant budget line in your plan (Consumables or AT)
If you are self-managed, you can purchase the topper and submit the invoice to the NDIS portal yourself. If you are plan-managed, your plan manager handles payment once they receive the invoice from us.
If You Are Not on the NDIS
The NDIS is available to Australians under 65 with a permanent disability. If you do not qualify, or if you are over 65, there are other funding pathways worth exploring.
Home Care Packages (My Aged Care)
If you are on a Home Care Package (Level 1 through 4), your package funds can be used for equipment and aids that support your independence at home. A sheepskin mattress topper used for pressure care or comfort can qualify as an assistive product under your package. Speak with your Home Care Package provider and ask whether it can be included. You may need a recommendation from your care coordinator or OT.
DVA funding for veterans
Veterans and war widows covered by the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) may be eligible for funding through the DVA Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP). The RAP covers aids and appliances that assist with a service-related condition. If pressure care or skin integrity is a concern related to your service, it is worth contacting DVA directly on 1800 555 254 or visiting dva.gov.au to ask about RAP entitlements.
Private health insurance
Some extras cover policies include therapeutic aids or pressure care items. Check your policy schedule or call your fund directly. Coverage varies considerably between funds and policy levels, so it is worth a quick call to confirm.
Buying privately
If funding is not available through your current plan, the Sheepskin Bed Topper Overlay is available to purchase directly. Many families find that the comfort and pressure relief it provides is well worth the cost. You can also read more about sheepskin mattress toppers for older adults to help you make the decision.
Buying Through Mobility Shop Direct as an NDIS Participant
We are not registered with the NDIS as a provider, which means agency-managed participants cannot purchase directly through us. But if you are self-managed or plan-managed, we can help.
- Self-managed: Purchase the topper, pay at checkout, and claim the invoice through the NDIS myplace portal.
- Plan-managed: We send the invoice to your plan manager. Let us know at checkout or via email and we will handle it from there.
To request a formal NDIS quote or an invoice for your records, get in touch and we will send one through promptly. We are here to help you get the right product funded the right way.
- A sheepskin mattress topper can be funded under NDIS Consumables or Assistive Technology (Low Cost AT).
- A written OT or GP recommendation is the most important step. It links the item to your disability and makes the claim straightforward.
- Self-managed and plan-managed participants can purchase through us. Agency-managed participants need a registered provider.
- Not on the NDIS? Home Care Packages and DVA's RAP program are worth exploring. We can provide quotes for either pathway.
Have questions about your specific plan or funding situation? Read our NDIS FAQ or give us a call. We are here to help you work it out.