How to Get an Electric Wheelchair Through the NDIS

Yes, the NDIS can fund an electric wheelchair, and for eligible Australians, it can cover the full cost. The path to getting there involves a few clear steps, but if you qualify, it's well worth the effort.

Here's a plain-English guide to how NDIS power wheelchair funding works, who's eligible, and what to do first.

Key takeaways

• NDIS participants under 65 with a permanent mobility-related disability can apply for a funded power chair
• Most power chairs require an OT assessment: the NDIS won't approve a chair without clinical justification
• The process has four main steps: plan, assess, quote, and approve

In this article

• Can the NDIS fund an electric wheelchair?
  • Who qualifies for NDIS-funded mobility equipment
  • Low-cost AT versus complex assistive technology
• The step-by-step funding process
  • Step 1: get assistive technology included in your plan
  • Step 2: complete an occupational therapist assessment
  • Step 3: choose a chair and submit quotes
• What to know before you start

Can the NDIS fund an electric wheelchair?

The good news is yes. Electric wheelchairs (commonly called power chairs) fall under assistive technology in the NDIS, and eligible participants can have the full cost covered through their plan.

Who qualifies for NDIS-funded mobility equipment

To receive NDIS funding for a power wheelchair, you generally need to meet all of the following:

• You are an NDIS participant (under 65 at the time you entered the scheme)
• You have a permanent and significant disability that affects your ability to walk or move around independently
• A power wheelchair is considered reasonable and necessary to support your daily life goals
• The need for a funded chair is related to your disability, not a general ageing or lifestyle need

Conditions commonly supported include multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, motor neurone disease, and some progressive neurological conditions. An occupational therapist's report is central to demonstrating that need.

Low-cost AT versus complex assistive technology

The NDIS divides assistive technology into two broad categories, and where your chair lands affects how it's approved.

Low-cost or basic AT: simpler chairs under approximately $1,500 may be approved without a formal AT report in some circumstances, funded under Core Supports.

Complex AT: most electric wheelchairs and all customised power chairs are classified as complex AT. They require a formal occupational therapist assessment and written AT report before the NDIS will approve funding. This applies to almost every chair over $2,500.

The step-by-step funding process

The path forward is clear. It just takes some time. Most participants move from first conversation to approved chair in 8 to 16 weeks, depending on OT wait times and NDIS processing.

Step 1: get assistive technology included in your plan

Start by speaking with your NDIS planner, Local Area Coordinator (LAC), or support coordinator. Ask for assistive technology to be included in your next plan review, and explain that you need a power wheelchair assessment.

If AT funding isn't in your current plan, you'll need a plan variation or a plan review before you can go further. Your LAC can help initiate that process.

Step 2: complete an occupational therapist assessment

This is the most important step. An NDIS-registered OT will assess your functional mobility, your environment (home, work, community), and your daily goals. They'll recommend the right type and configuration of power chair, and write a formal AT report.

The OT assessment is typically funded through your Capacity Building budget under Assistive Technology assessment. If you don't yet have an OT, ask your LAC to refer you to one, or contact your nearest NDIS-registered AT specialist.

Step 3: choose a chair and submit quotes

Once you have your OT report, you'll need quotes from a registered AT provider. We're a registered NDIS provider and can supply a formal quote for any chair that matches your OT's specifications.

Your support coordinator or plan manager submits the OT report and quotes to the NDIA. Processing typically takes two to six weeks. Once approved, you purchase the chair through your plan manager (if plan-managed) or directly (if self-managed).

What to know before you start

A few things that catch people by surprise:

• Don't buy before you're approved. Purchasing a chair before NDIS approval means the NDIS will almost never reimburse the cost. Wait for written approval first.
• Your OT chooses the category, not the brand. The OT recommends what type of chair you need. You can then work with your provider to choose a specific model that fits within that category and budget.
• Plan management matters. Agency-managed participants must purchase from registered NDIS providers only. Plan-managed and self-managed participants have more flexibility.
• Complex chairs take longer. If your OT recommends a customised seating system or specialised drive controls, allow extra time for an AT Advisor review through the NDIA.

We're happy to work directly with your OT and plan manager to make the process as smooth as possible. View our electric wheelchair range or read our buying guide to understand which chair types suit different needs. Then get in touch and we'll take it from there.