A client needs a piece of equipment recommended after assessment, and their support coordinator wants to know upfront whether it can be purchased straight away or whether it'll need a formal quote and assessment first.
Under $1,500: Low Cost AT
$1,500–$14,999: Mid Cost AT
$15,000+: High Cost AT
NDIS Assistive Technology is categorised by cost tier, with increasing assessment and quoting requirements as cost rises, reflecting the greater complexity and risk of higher-cost equipment.
1 What this calculator does
Classifies an assistive technology item into its NDIS funding cost category (Low, Mid or High Cost AT) based on price, and outlines the typical approval pathway and documentation requirements for that category. Helps allied health professionals and support coordinators set realistic expectations before submitting a funding request.
2 Formula & professional reasoning
Item cost < $1,500 -> Low Cost AT
Item cost $1,500 - $14,999 -> Mid Cost AT
Item cost >= $15,000 -> High Cost AT
The NDIS categorises Assistive Technology funding requests by cost tier because the risk, complexity and permanence of higher-cost equipment generally warrants more rigorous assessment. Low Cost AT (under $1,500) can typically be purchased with minimal formal process since the financial risk and complexity is low. Mid Cost AT usually requires at least a quote and sometimes a therapist recommendation. High Cost AT (over $15,000) — such as complex wheelchairs, vehicle modifications or communication devices — requires a comprehensive occupational therapy or equivalent assessment, detailed written recommendation, and typically two comparative quotes, reflecting the higher stakes and cost to the Scheme.
3 Worked examples
⚠️ Illustrative example only — not clinical or professional instruction.
$85 < $1,500 -> Low Cost AT$1,500 <= $3,200 < $15,000 -> Mid Cost AT$18,500 >= $15,000 -> High Cost AT4 Sanity check
5 Common errors
| Error | Cause | Consequence | Fix |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assuming all AT under $15,000 needs the same process | Treating a $2,000 item and a $14,000 item identically since both are 'Mid Cost' | Under- or over-preparing documentation relative to actual NDIA expectations, which can scale within the Mid Cost band too | Check current NDIA guidance for the specific item type, as documentation expectations can vary even within a cost category |
| Not accounting for GST or delivery/setup costs in the total | Quoting only the base equipment price when the funding request needs the all-in cost | Category classification (and therefore process) may be based on an artificially low figure | Use the full landed cost including GST, delivery, setup and any required accessories when classifying the funding category |
| Submitting a request without a therapist assessment for complex items | Assuming a quote alone is sufficient for Mid or High Cost AT | Funding request likely to be delayed or rejected pending proper clinical justification | Engage the relevant allied health professional (OT, speech pathologist, etc.) for a formal assessment and written recommendation before submitting Mid or High Cost AT requests |
| Treating this tool's category as a funding guarantee | Assuming classification into a category means the item will definitely be funded | This tool only estimates the funding pathway/category — it does not determine whether an item will actually be approved as reasonable and necessary | Confirm actual funding eligibility and requirements directly with the NDIA, plan manager or support coordinator |
6 Reference & regulatory links
7 Professional workflow
Common tools used alongside this one: