How to Get a Free Wheelchair in Australia (2026)

Updated August 2026 | 10 min read

How to Get a Free Wheelchair Through the NDIS in Australia

NDIS participants can get a wheelchair at zero out-of-pocket cost. Here's exactly how it works, what's covered, and how long it takes.

Nobody talks about this, but if you're on the NDIS and you need a wheelchair, you can get one without spending a single dollar of your own money.

Not a loaner. Not some second-hand chair from a charity bin. A brand-new wheelchair, yours to keep. If it's in your plan, it may be claimable for self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants. Manual wheelchairs in our range start from $234. 99.

We wrote this guide because most of the information out there is either buried in government jargon or so vague it's useless. We're going to give you the actual steps, actual prices, and actual timelines. Plain English, no runaround.

How Is It "Free"?

Okay, someone is paying for it. But that someone isn't you. The NDIS picks up the tab using funding that's already sitting in your plan.

How the money flows depends on how your plan is managed:

Self-managed (about 30% of participants): You buy the wheelchair yourself, then claim reimbursement through the NDIS portal. The money lands back in your bank account within a few business days. What you pay out of pocket: nothing.

Plan-managed (about 45%): Your plan manager pays the supplier directly on your behalf. You never see an invoice, you never transfer a cent. What you pay: nothing.

NDIA-managed (about 25%): The NDIA pays a registered provider directly. You have less choice of where to shop, but you still pay nothing.

The bottom line: if your NDIS plan includes wheelchair funding under Capital Supports, the wheelchair costs you zero dollars. That's why people call it "free," because for the participant, it genuinely is.

Who Qualifies for NDIS Wheelchair Funding

You need to tick a few boxes. Most of them are about being on the NDIS in the first place:

  • You're between 9 and 65 years old (under 9 is handled through early childhood partners, over 65 goes through Aged Care or DVA)
  • You're an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa
  • You have a permanent and significant disability that affects your mobility
  • A wheelchair would help you achieve your NDIS plan goals
  • The wheelchair is "reasonable and necessary" (more on this below)

Already an NDIS participant? You're most of the way there. Check your plan for Capital Supports funding under Assistive Technology. If it's allocated, you're funded and ready to go.

Not on the NDIS yet? You'll need to apply for NDIS access first. The process takes around 21 days. Call 1800 800 110 if you need help getting started.

We've put together a step-by-step guide to applying for NDIS wheelchair support that covers the full process.

The 6-Step Process to Get Your Wheelchair

Here's what happens from start to finish. No surprises, no hidden steps.

Step 1: Check your NDIS plan

Open your NDIS plan and look under Capital Supports. You need funding allocated for Assistive Technology (registration group 0105 covers Personal Mobility Equipment). If the money is there, you're good.

If assistive technology funding isn't in your current plan, it's not the end of the road. Talk to your Local Area Coordinator or Support Coordinator about adding it at your next plan review, or request a plan reassessment if your mobility needs have changed.

Step 2: Get an OT assessment (if you need one)

For wheelchairs that cost more than $1,500, you'll typically need an assessment from an Occupational Therapist. They'll measure you up, assess your mobility, and write a report recommending the right type of chair.

For wheelchairs under $1,500 (that covers most standard manual wheelchairs), you can often skip this step entirely. These count as "low-cost AT" and the process is much simpler.

Step 3: Choose your wheelchair

Based on what your OT recommends (or your own research for low-cost items), pick the chair that fits your life. Think about where you'll use it most, whether you need to fold it into a car, your weight and seat size, and whether you want manual or powered.

Step 4: Get a quote

Your supplier puts together a formal quote. We include all the NDIS details on ours automatically: product specs, pricing, your name and NDIS number, and the relevant support category. If you're plan-managed, we can send the quote straight to your plan manager.

Step 5: Purchase and delivery

Self-managed? Buy directly from us and we ship it to your door. Plan-managed? We send the invoice to your plan manager, they pay us, and we ship. Either way, we deliver Australia-wide with flat-rate shipping, including regional and remote areas.

Step 6: Claim your reimbursement (self-managed only)

If you're self-managed, log into the myNDIS portal or use the myNDIS app. Upload your invoice, select Capital Supports as the category, and submit. Money typically hits your account within 2 to 5 business days.

Popular wheelchairs from our store

What Types of Wheelchairs Does the NDIS Cover?

The short answer: pretty much all of them. Manual, powered, sport, heavy-duty, tilt-in-space, paediatric. If it's a wheelchair and it's clinically justified for your situation, the NDIS will fund it.

Here's what the price ranges actually look like:

Type Price range OT assessment?
Basic manual wheelchair $240 - $600 Usually not needed
Lightweight manual $500 - $900 Usually not needed
Ultra-lightweight / rigid $1,200 - $2,500 Yes
Heavy-duty (bariatric) $500 - $1,200 Depends on cost
Wheelchair cushion $50 - $400 Usually not needed
Accessories (bags, trays, etc.) $20 - $200 No

The NDIS can also cover wheelchair repairs and maintenance (tyre changes, brake fixes), spare parts, and eventually a replacement when your chair reaches end of life. This sits under Support Category 15.

How Long Does the Whole Thing Take?

Depends on whether you need an OT assessment or not.

For wheelchairs under $1,500 (low-cost AT):

Skip the OT assessment. Browse, buy, get it delivered. Total time: 1 to 2 weeks including shipping.

For wheelchairs over $1,500 (mid-cost AT):

  • Booking the OT: 1 to 3 weeks
  • Assessment and report writing: 1 to 2 weeks
  • NDIS review (if applicable): 1 to 3 weeks
  • Ordering and delivery: 3 to 10 business days
  • Total: roughly 4 to 8 weeks

Ways to speed it up: Book your OT early (they fill up fast). Have your NDIS plan number and budget details ready before your first appointment. Choose a supplier that ships quickly. We dispatch most orders within 1 to 2 business days.

OT Assessments: When You Need One (and When You Don't)

There's a magic number: $1,500.

Below $1,500, the NDIS classifies the item as "low-cost assistive technology." You can generally purchase it with minimal paperwork. No formal OT assessment, no formal quote submission. Self-managed participants just buy it and claim. Plan-managed participants just buy it and send the invoice to their plan manager.

Above $1,500, you're in "mid-cost AT" territory and you'll need a written recommendation from an allied health professional. For most wheelchair purchases, that means an OT. But here's something a lot of people get wrong: for mid-cost AT ($1,500 to $15,000), you don't always need a full blown formal assessment. A letter or detailed email from your OT recommending the specific item can be enough.

Full formal assessments with comprehensive reports are reserved for high-cost AT (over $15,000). Most wheelchair purchases won't hit that threshold.

What happens during an OT wheelchair assessment

It's not a test. Your OT is working with you, not judging you. Typically they'll:

  • Chat about your daily routine and where you'll use the wheelchair most
  • Assess your physical capabilities: strength, balance, sitting position, how you transfer
  • Measure you for the right seat width, depth, and height
  • Let you trial different chairs if they have demo stock
  • Write a report recommending a specific type of wheelchair with a supplier quote

The whole thing usually takes one to two appointments of about an hour each. Most people find it straightforward once they know what to expect. We've got a detailed guide on OT wheelchair assessments if you want the full rundown.

Self-Managed vs Plan-Managed: Which Is Easier for Buying a Wheelchair?

Both let you buy from any supplier, including online stores like ours. The difference is how the money moves.

Self-managed Plan-managed
Who pays the supplier? You pay, then get reimbursed Plan manager pays directly
Upfront cost to you Yes (refunded in 2-5 days) Zero
Paperwork You submit the claim Plan manager handles it
Choice of supplier Anyone with an ABN Anyone with an ABN
Speed Buy instantly May wait for plan manager approval

If you're plan-managed, here's our suggestion: give us your plan manager's details when you order. We'll send the invoice directly to them. You don't have to coordinate anything except choosing the wheelchair and waiting for delivery.

If you're self-managed, buy directly from our store and claim the reimbursement through the myNDIS portal. Our invoices include everything the portal needs.

NDIA-managed (agency-managed)? You'll need to buy from a provider registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. Mobility Concierge is not a registered NDIS provider, so we can't supply NDIA-managed plans. Our items may be claimable for self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants.

More wheelchairs NDIS participants are buying

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I actually get a wheelchair completely free through the NDIS?
Yes. If you're an NDIS participant with Capital Supports funding for Assistive Technology, the wheelchair is fully funded. Self-managed participants pay upfront and get reimbursed within a few business days. Plan-managed participants never pay a cent. The net cost to you is zero either way.
What if I'm not on the NDIS yet?
You can apply for NDIS access or ring 1800 800 110. The access request takes about 21 days. You'll need evidence of a permanent disability that significantly affects your daily functioning.
Can I pick any wheelchair I want?
Within reason. The wheelchair has to be "reasonable and necessary" for your situation, so the chair needs to match your actual needs. If your OT recommends a specific type and explains why, that recommendation carries a lot of weight.
Do I have to buy from a registered NDIS provider?
Only if you're NDIA-managed (roughly 25% of participants). If you're self-managed or plan-managed, you can buy from any supplier with an ABN. That covers about 75% of all NDIS participants.
Are repairs and replacement parts covered too?
Yes. Wheelchair maintenance, repairs and spare parts can be funded under Support Category 15 (Assistive Technology maintenance and repairs). That covers tyre changes, brake repairs, upholstery and regular servicing.
Can I get a second wheelchair?
Potentially. If your OT can show that two chairs are reasonable and necessary (for example, a lightweight folding chair for car travel as well as your everyday chair), both may be considered. Your OT needs to explain this in the assessment report.
What about people over 65?
The NDIS is for people under 65 when they first apply. If you're 65 or older, wheelchair funding is available through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), Home Care Packages, or the DVA Rehabilitation Appliances Program for veterans. Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422. We've written a separate guide for over-65 wheelchair funding.
What's the first thing I should do?
Check your NDIS plan for Capital Supports funding under Assistive Technology. If the funding is there, browse our wheelchair range and pick what suits you. If you need help, get in touch and we'll walk you through it.

Ready to get your wheelchair?

We show NDIS eligibility on every product. We invoice your plan manager directly. We ship Australia-wide.

Real prices, real support, real humans on the other end.

This guide is for general information only and does not constitute financial or medical advice. For specific questions about your NDIS plan, contact the NDIS on 1800 800 110 or visit ndis.gov.au. Prices are accurate as of August 2026 and may change.

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