Step 1: Know when it may need to be replaced
Assistive technology may need replacing when:
- it doesn’t work anymore, or keeps breaking down
- it’s not cost effective to repair or can’t be repaired
- it’s dangerous to keep using
- it’s no longer the right size, such as when a child has outgrown the item.
Step 2: Check your plan
Funding for replacements can be included in your plan
Funding for assistive technology replacements can be included in your NDIS plan. This is usually part of your capital supports budget, under ‘assistive technology’. You can tell us at your plan meeting if you think you will need to replace an assistive technology item in your next plan.
Funding may also be included to rent an item if you need to wait for a replacement. We generally only replace items we’ve previously funded or were funded by another scheme.
If you don’t have available funds to pay for the replacement
We’ll help fund it as soon as possible if you need to replace your assistive technology and don’t have funding in your NDIS plan for a replacement.
Let us know you need funding for a replacement by:
- talking to your my NDIS contact
- calling us on 1800 800 110.
We’ll work with you to change your plan to include funding for the replacement.
Step 3: Gather evidence
Before we can replace your assistive technology, we need to see evidence. The types of evidence you might be asked to show include:
An invoice or receipt
A tax invoice, receipt or report from a repairer stating the item’s condition and why it needs to be replaced rather than repaired.
Documentation from an advisor
We also need a letter or short report showing that you still need the item and don’t expect this to change in the next 12 months.
An assessment, if the assistive technology costs more than $15,000
If the item costs more than $15,000, we’ll also need an assessment from an assistive technology assessor. You’ll also need to give us a quote.
Step 4: Buy your replacement and make a claim
Buy your replacement
If your plan has a specific description of the assistive technology, then you need to buy a replacement that matches that description. For example, your plan may say you need a certain type of wheelchair.
This is known as a ‘stated support’ in your plan. An assistive technology assessor can help you make sure the replacement meets your needs.
Make a claim
If you’re NDIA-managed
Talk to your provider to confirm there are enough funds available in your plan and tell them a replacement is needed. You will need to make the purchase from a registered provider.
If you’re plan-managed
Contact your plan manager to confirm there are enough funds available and tell them a replacement is needed. Once you’ve found a replacement, send the invoice to your plan manager. Your plan manager will pay for the replacement and claim against your plan.
If you’re self-managed
Pay for the replacement directly and then claim against your plan.
Step 5: Manage your old assistive technology
If we’ve funded a replacement for your old assistive technology, you can keep the old item.
You can choose to:
- give or sell the item to someone else
- return it to your provider
- trade it in.
We won’t typically pay for any repairs to your old item if you choose to keep it.