Highgate Healthcare is a registered NDIS provider.

NDIS FAQs

What is a NDIS Participant?

If you are a NDIS Participant, you have met the access requirements and will have an individual NDIS plan that will contain funding to help you live an ordinary life.
There are three options to manage your NDIS funding:

  • Self-Managed : You manage your own funds
  • Agency Managed: The NDIA manages your funds
  • Plan Managed: Your budget is managed by a Plan Manager.
What does NDIS Self-Managed mean?

Self-management is when you manage your NDIS funding. It gives you the flexibility and choice to decide what support you buy to pursue your plan goals.

What does NDIS Agency-Managed mean?

If your funding is Agency-managed, the NDIA pays your providers and keeps track of your spending and records. This means you don’t have to manage the money yourself.

When your plan is managed by the NDIA:

  • You can choose from NDIS registered providers.
  • Your providers will claim payments directly from your funding.
  • You cannot use providers who are not registered.
  • The NDIA will manage your bookkeeping and records of your spending.


What does NDIS Plan-Managed mean?

A plan manager will pay providers for support delivered. A plan manager will help you monitor your funds and provide financial reporting. If you use a registered plan manager, they will pay your providers and manage your financial records.

Does NDIS cover repair or service for my assistive technology?

Replacing & Repairing Assistive Technology through NDIS

Your NDIS plan should also include funding to help you maintain and, if necessary, repair your AT. For more information, talk to our team 1300 350 350.

What are my options when there’s no money left in my budget?

Additional features and other funding sources

Participants may choose to use personal funds or alternative funding sources to buy additional features, or access additional services which may not fall under reasonable and necessary supports in their NDIS plan.

If you’ve been approved for a particular item, such as a fabric-upholstered lift chair, but prefer a premium option like leather, you can pay the difference to upgrade. The NDIS will cover the cost of the approved item, and you cover the extra amount for the upgrade.

If you require the same or similar assistive technology at home and in another setting (such as at work or school), speak with your NDIS Planner, Local Area Coordinator (LAC), or Support Coordinator. They can help you explore appropriate supports across multiple environments.

Understanding Assistive Technology (AT) complexity levels

Like many types of technology, assistive technology (AT) can range from very simple to highly complex, and sometimes, you might need support to find the right solution for your needs.

The NDIS uses four levels to describe how complex your assistive technology (AT) needs are. The table below explains each level to help you understand, find, and access the right AT for your needs.

COMPLEXITY LEVEL DESCRIPTION AND EXAMPLES IS AN ASSESSMENT REQUIRED BEFORE I CAN ACCESS NDIS FUNDS? WHERE CAN I BUY THIS AT?
LEVEL 1 – SIMPLE, LOW-RISK AT Simple, low risk products and services that are easy to buy and need no or very little assistance to set up and use. Examples: Non-slip bathmat, Large print labels, Doorbells. Not required: These are the everyday AT items that you can easily access and test out that don't cost much or require support. You can choose to buy these from everyday suppliers. Examples: Your local store (hardware, pharmacy etc.); or Suppliers you find on the internet.
LEVEL 2 – STANDARD AT AT you can buy easily "off the shelf", test and trial before making a final choice. However, you might need help to set up. Examples: Bath seat, Hand rails, Ramp. May be required: Depending on availability and your individual circumstance, you may require an assessment. You can typically find this type of AT from an AT supplier.
LEVEL 3 – SPECIALISED AT SOLUTIONS Similar to Level 2 AT, but requires modification or is tailored to suit your needs. Examples: Desktop electronic magnification, Pressure mattresses. Required: You will require experienced professional support to help identify and set up (and, in some cases train) before you can most effectively use it. You should work with your AT assessor to identify suitable supplier/s from which you are able to source the most appropriate AT solution for your needs.
LEVEL 4 – COMPLEX AT SOLUTIONS Custom made AT which is specially made or configured for you. Examples: myoelectric prosthetic, cochlear, implant speech processors. Required: You will require specialist and/or ongoing support (including specialised training) to identify, buy and use. You should work with your AT assessor to identify suitable supplier/s from which you are able to source the most appropriate AT solution for your needs. In some cases the NDIA may indicate which providers are suitable.

Other risks associated with your disability or the environment where you need to use your AT, may make selecting and setting up the right AT more complex.

Your planner will let you know if you need to submit an AT assessment and quote to the NDIA before the support can be added to your plan. In some cases, your plan may also include specific details about the type of AT and which providers you can use, to help manage any risks.

If your plan includes AT, you’ll have at least $500 in your Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living budget to get independent advice about your AT needs. You can ask your planner for more details.