Capital Supports budget: Assistive Technology, Maintenance, Repair and Rental

Key information

• Capital Supports have been restructured under PACE, creating four distinct categories. 

• Assistive Technology Maintenance, Repair & Rental is designed to cover ongoing needs such as servicing, repairs, short-term rental, trials, and flexible equipment packages. 

• Participants need to actively request this support in their plan, and because it is stated, funds must be used strictly for the specified purpose. 

 

PACE is the new National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) computer system. It has changed, in some instances, how funding categories are structured and used. This is to better reflect the ongoing needs of NDIS participants and expand the scope of funding. 

Capital Supports is an example of this. These have now been split into four: 

• Assistive Technology 

• Assistive Technology, Maintenance, Repair and Rental 

• Home Modifications 

• Specialist Disability Accommodation 

 

The evolution of Assistive Technology under PACE 

Pre-PACE, you may have been familiar with assistive technology specifically funding the purchase of devices such as wheelchairs, communication aids, approved vehicle modifications, prosthetics – technology to help you overcome barriers to participation socially, at work or in the community. 

Now, there are two AT-related categories: 

Category	What it covers	Examples
Assistive Technology (AT)	Funding to buy equipment that helps you with daily life, work, or participating in the community.	• Buying a wheelchair  • Getting a communication device • Vehicle modifications (like hand controls)
AT Maintenance, Repair & Rental	Funding to keep your equipment working well, or to rent/try equipment when needed.	• Replacing a wheelchair battery  • Paying for servicing or repairs • Hiring a hoist while yours is being fixed  • Short-term trial of equipment to see if it suits you

This change provides greater transparency and flexibility by separating ongoing costs like repairs and maintenance from one-time technology purchases. It also helps ensure that funding is being used for the intended purpose, by making that purpose more clearly defined. 

Related: NDIS PACE Plan 101: Everything You Need to Know 

What is AT Maintenance, Repair and Rental? 

This category helps make sure your AT keeps working well, minimising breakdowns and other issues. If you have reasonable and necessary mid or high-cost AT, you don’t need an assessment to have maintenance, repair and rental included in your plan. The category covers: 

Short-term rental or trial of AT 

These supports allow you to try supports out, to see if they’re right for you. This is generally part of a high cost AT assessment, to make sure the type of support is suitable for your needs. 

Repair and maintenance 

For the assistive technology you’re currently using, the NDIS will provide funding in your Capital Supports budget for repairs and maintenance. This is specifically for mid- or high-cost repairs or services that will cost over $1,500. You may also need to provide a quote. 

Small or minor repairs costing under $1,500 can be covered by low-cost AT (Core Supports: Consumables). 

Note: Any warranty repair (including Australian Consumer Law warranties) should be taken up with the supplier or manufacturer. If your item is under warranty, the repair won’t be considered a reasonable and necessary support for the NDIS to cover. 

Flexible equipment packages 

This support is for situations where a participant’s needs are changing (sometimes rapidly) – for example, adaptable support for participants with muscular dystrophies. 

These packages offer options for the most appropriate AT, with a range of sizes or features to suit changing needs, so you have access to the support you need at the right time – without having to do multiple transactions. They’re made in consultation with your care team (such as therapists, family) to make sure you have access to what you need. 

How to request AT Maintenance, Repair & Rental support in your NDIS plan 

You don’t have to be assessed for this support to be included if you are regularly using approved AT – but you will need to request it at your review or planning meeting, particularly if you’re anticipating needing rental support during your current plan. 

What to do when your AT needs fixing? 

By keeping up with regular servicing, you can prolong the life of your AT and reduce the need for fix ups. If your AT does need to be repaired, follow these steps: 

1. Contact your repair provider 

If you’ve purchased your AT, you should contact your preferred provider. If you’re renting or leasing the AT, the provider will likely handle the repairs themselves. 

Not sure who to contact? Try starting with registered providers – be sure to check out their reviews as well where available. You can also ask your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or support coordinator for help or call the NDIS Contact Centre. 

2. Get a quote (if required for higher costs)  

If your repair is going to cost over $1,500, you will need to supply a quote to the NDIA before they can accept any payment request for the job. You can check if you need this with your NDIS planner, or with the NDIS Contact Centre. 

3. Have your AT repaired 

This should be the easy part! Your provider will make the repairs. If you need, you can ask if they can supply you with a loan AT support while yours is being fixed up. 

What to do if your AT needs replacing? 

If your assistive technology is: 

• Constantly breaking down, or doesn’t work anymore 

• Dangerous to continue using 

• Broken beyond repair 

• For children – if the child has outgrown the assistive technology 

 

The NDIA will help fund a replacement as soon as possible. However, the agency will generally only replace items that are in your NDIS plan – items they know you are using regularly and have used recently.  

Staying on top of AT Maintenance, Repairs and Rentals 

The changes to Capital Supports under PACE allow you to better access, maintain and trial AT – especially if you have evolving needs. It’s still a good idea to make a backup plan for what you’ll do in case of equipment breakdown, including: 

• Who you can call if you can’t get in touch with the repairer 

• A list of the friends or family who can help you when you need it 
• How you can access loan equipment while yours is being repaired 

Because this category is a stated support, you can only use the funds as specified in your plan. This means you need to know how much is left, and exactly what it’s earmarked for – so you can request a plan change if you need to. 

Partnering with NDSP keeps your funds at the forefront 

We’re big on transparency. NDSP clients can see a live view of their budgets at any time day or night, with 24/7 access via our user-friendly Nappa Portal. This gives you complete visibility over your plan, what has been spent so far, and what remains in this funding period.  

If you prefer an in-person discussion about your plan’s financials, we can do that too. Our friendly team is available 8am – 5pm Monday to Friday (ACT), with a 75 second average response time on our free-call number 1800 63 63 77.  

Our national support network means we can empower NDIS participants across Australia though comprehensive plan management services – we take care of the financial admin like invoicing, budget tracking and record keeping, so you can put your time and energy into more of what’s important to you.  

Why not contact NDSP today and find out more about plan management with us – and see if we’re the right choice for you!