Many Australians living with disability or reduced mobility want to know one thing: does the NDIS cover a rollator? The short answer is yes. Rollators can be funded under the NDIS as Assistive Technology. But the process involves a few steps, and the right approach depends on your individual plan. This guide walks you through exactly what is covered, which rollators qualify, and how to claim.
Key Takeaways
- Rollators fall under the NDIS Assistive Technology (AT) support category.
- Basic models (under $1,500) sit in the low-cost AT tier and are simpler to access.
- An Occupational Therapist (OT) assessment is recommended and often required for higher-cost models.
- Claiming works differently depending on whether your plan is self-managed, plan-managed, or NDIA-managed.
- DVA and the Support at Home program are alternatives for those not on the NDIS.
Does the NDIS Cover Rollators?
Yes. Rollators (also called wheeled walkers or four-wheel walkers) are covered under the NDIS as Assistive Technology. AT is one of the three main support categories in the NDIS, alongside Core Supports and Capacity Building.
The NDIS Assistive Technology category is split into tiers based on cost and complexity. Rollators generally fall into one of two tiers:
| AT Tier | Typical Cost | What It Means for You |
|---|---|---|
| Low-cost AT | Under $1,500 | Simpler to access; often no formal AT report needed for basic models |
| Higher-cost AT | $1,500 and above | Requires an OT assessment and AT report before the NDIA will approve funding |
For a rollator to be funded, the NDIS must be satisfied that it is "reasonable and necessary." That means it is directly related to your disability, will help you achieve your goals, and represents value for money. We recommend speaking with your NDIS planner or OT about how this applies to your individual circumstances.
What Does "Reasonable and Necessary" Mean?
The NDIS uses this standard to decide whether a support is funded. For a rollator, it typically means the item helps you move around safely and independently in ways that are directly connected to your disability. A GP letter or OT recommendation can strengthen your case significantly.
Which Rollators Qualify?
Most standard rollators will qualify under the NDIS low-cost AT tier, provided they meet your functional needs. The NDIS does not fund items primarily for comfort or convenience. The rollator needs to be the right tool for your specific situation.
Standard Rollators (Low-Cost AT)
Four-wheel rollators with a seat, brakes, and a storage bag typically fall under the low-cost AT tier. These are the most common models and the most straightforward to access through your NDIS plan. Browse our rollator range at Mobility Shop Direct to see models that commonly fall within this tier.
Heavy-Duty and Specialised Rollators
Bariatric rollators, narrow-frame rollators for tight spaces, or models with specialised features (such as forearm supports) may exceed the low-cost threshold. These still qualify for NDIS funding, but they will require an OT assessment and an AT report before the NDIA approves the spend.
What the NDIS Will Not Fund
The NDIS will not cover a rollator if it is not linked to your disability, if a less expensive option meets your needs equally well, or if it is primarily for general use by anyone in your household. Your OT plays a key role in making the case for the specific model that is right for you.
The Role of an OT Assessment
An Occupational Therapist (OT) is the professional best placed to assess your mobility needs and recommend the right rollator. For NDIS funding, an OT can:
- Assess your functional mobility and identify the right type of rollator
- Write an AT report that justifies the specific model to the NDIA
- Recommend a trial period so you can test the rollator before purchase
- Help you understand how to use NDIS funding for AT within your plan budget
Do You Always Need an OT Assessment?
For low-cost AT (under $1,500), you may be able to purchase a rollator without a formal AT report if your plan includes AT funding and the item is clearly reasonable and necessary. For higher-cost or specialised models, an OT report is required. When in doubt, we recommend speaking with your NDIS planner or OT. Getting the assessment right the first time saves delays later.
Finding an OT for an NDIS AT Assessment
You can find a registered NDIS OT through the NDIS provider finder. OT assessment costs can often be funded from your Capacity Building budget.
How to Claim: Step by Step
Here is how the claiming process works for most NDIS participants wanting a rollator.
- Check your plan: Log in to the myNDIS portal or contact your plan manager. Confirm you have AT funding included in your current plan. It appears under "Assistive Technology" in your support budget.
- Get an OT assessment (if required): For higher-cost models or if your plan manager requests it, book an OT assessment. The OT will assess your needs and write an AT report recommending a specific rollator.
- Choose your rollator: Work with your OT or browse our rollator range to find the right fit for your needs and NDIS budget.
- Get a quote: Request a formal quote from the supplier. Your plan manager or support coordinator may need this to process the claim.
- Submit the claim or purchase: Depending on your plan management type (see below), either your plan manager claims the funds, you purchase and submit a reimbursement claim, or the provider claims directly through the NDIS portal.
- Receive your rollator: Once the claim is processed and payment confirmed, your rollator is ordered and delivered. We offer free metro delivery across Australia on most orders.
Self-Managed vs Plan-Managed
How you claim depends on how your NDIS plan is managed. There are three options.
| Plan Type | How You Buy | What You Need |
|---|---|---|
| Self-managed | Pay upfront, then claim reimbursement via myNDIS portal | Invoice/receipt, supporting OT documentation if required |
| Plan-managed | Your plan manager pays the supplier directly from your AT budget | Quote sent to plan manager; OT report if required |
| NDIA-managed (agency-managed) | Purchase through a registered NDIS provider only | Provider claims directly; OT report required for higher-cost AT |
Self-Managing Your NDIS AT Budget
If you are self-managing, you have the most flexibility. You can purchase from any supplier, registered or not. Pay upfront, then submit a claim through the myNDIS portal with your invoice. Keep all receipts and documentation. For rollators above the low-cost threshold, have your OT report ready before you purchase.
Using a Plan Manager for Rollator Funding
Plan managers make the process simpler for most people. You choose the rollator, get a quote, and your plan manager handles the payment directly with the supplier. They will let you know if additional documentation (like an OT report) is needed before they can process the claim.
Other Funding Options
Not everyone who needs a rollator is on the NDIS. Here are the main alternatives for Australians who do not have an active NDIS plan.
DVA Funding for Rollators
Australian war veterans and their dependants may be eligible for a rollator through the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA). DVA can fund a wide range of mobility aids. Contact DVA directly or speak with a DVA-accredited OT to find out what you are entitled to.
Support at Home Program
From July 2025, the Support at Home program replaced the old Home Care Package (HCP) system. If you receive in-home aged care support through Support at Home, you may be able to use your budget to fund a rollator as an assistive technology item. Speak with your Support at Home provider to confirm eligibility under your current plan.
Purchasing Privately
If you are not eligible for funded support, purchasing privately is always an option. Our rollator range includes options across a wide price range, with free metro delivery and our best-price guarantee. We also offer a no-fuss returns policy. If the fit is not right, you are not stuck with the wrong rollator.
Ready to Find the Right Rollator?
Getting NDIS funding for a rollator is very achievable when you understand the process. Check your plan for AT funding, connect with an OT if you need one, and choose a rollator that genuinely fits your needs and lifestyle. We understand it can feel like a lot of steps. That is why we are here to help at every stage.
Browse our full range of rollators and find the right fit for you:
View All Rollators at Mobility Shop Direct
If you have questions about NDIS funding or need help choosing the right model, we recommend speaking with your NDIS planner or OT. And feel free to reach out to our team as well. We are here to make this easier for you and your family.