We make decisions about including vehicle modifications in your plan based on the cost of the item. We need different evidence from you to help us decide if the vehicle modifications meet the NDIS funding criteria, depending on the cost of the item.
We put the cost of vehicle modifications into 3 assistive technology categories:
- low cost assistive technology: under $1,500 per item
- mid cost assistive technology: $1,500 to $15,000 per item
- high cost assistive technology: over $15,000 per item.
We generally fund the basic level of vehicle modifications you need based on your disability support needs. We can’t fund non-standard equipment or extra items that don’t meet the NDIS funding criteria.
You can also pay extra from your own money if you want:
- a particular brand or model of an item
- special features not related to your disability support needs, like an extra car seat for family and friends
- a particular design.
Learn more about low cost, mid cost and high cost assistive technology in How do you get vehicle modifications in your plan?
Low cost assistive technology
If you need low cost assistive technology for your vehicle, you need to talk with your occupational therapist about what you need. Low cost assistive technology for your car or vehicle is generally an item that is:
- under $1,500
- available to buy immediately
- authorised for use in a motor vehicle.
Learn more about funding for low cost assistive technology.
Do you need help to transfer in and out of a vehicle?
You may need a piece of equipment that’s low cost and available to buy immediately to help with vehicle transfer. Usually, this type of equipment only needs minor adjustments or general training. This could include things like basic transfer equipment such as a:
- handy bar car handle
- swivel disc
- car transfer pad.
If you only need low cost standard equipment, you won’t need to get an assessment and quotes. However, you need to talk with your occupational therapist about any type of equipment you need related to transport.
If the equipment meets the NDIS funding criteria, we’ll include funding for the equipment in your plan.
You can talk to your my NDIS contact or support coordinator for more information.
Example
Leanne is having difficulty getting in and out of the driver’s seat. She contacts her occupational therapist who suggests a turning seat cushion and a handy bar.
The occupational therapist explains how to use these items and tests them with Leanne. The equipment makes it easy for Leanne to get in and out of the driver’s seat, so she buys the items using her low cost consumables budget. Getting these items means Leanne doesn’t need to modify her vehicle, so she doesn’t have to get an engineering certificate.
Mid cost assistive technology
If you need a vehicle modification that costs between $1,500 and $15,000, you’ll need to talk with your occupational therapist about what you need. You may not need an itemised quote, but it’s useful to give it to us if you have one. You always need to get advice and evidence for mid cost assistive technology. Refer to the evidence requirements in How can you get mid cost assistive technology in your plan?
You can also refer to our factsheet Understanding assistive technology evidence, advice, assessments and quotes .
High cost assistive technology
For modifications over $15,000 you’ll need to give us an itemised quote. Sometimes we might need a second quote to compare provider costs for similar modifications or to check the items are value for money. The quote will need to tell us how much it will cost for the new modifications or to transfer existing modifications to your vehicle.
You’ll need to follow the evidence requirements in How can you get high cost assistive technology in your plan? You can also refer to our factsheet Understanding assistive technology evidence, advice, assessments and quotes .
For vehicles with existing modifications, we need evidence the modified vehicle will be safe and appropriate for you.
If the vehicle is currently registered in your state or territory, you can give us a copy of the current registration certificate and the engineering certificate or authorisation report for the modifications. The report from the licensed vehicle modifier may also include this information.
Will you be driving the vehicle?
If you’re going to be driving the vehicle, we need to know you have a suitable driver’s licence. If you don’t have a licence yet, we’ll need to know it’s likely you’re able to get one. This means you’ll need to get a:
- GP to assess your ability using the national Assessing Fitness to Drive medical standards. This isn’t generally funded by the NDIS
- driver trained occupational therapist or your state or territory licensing authority to do a driving assessment with you. We may be able to fund this assessment, including a driving instructor for the on-road part.