Can You Use NDIS Funding for Second-Hand Assistive Technology?

Why the Question Matters

For many NDIS participants, the cost of brand-new assistive technology (AT) can be a barrier to taking full advantage of their plan. The idea of buying a gently used wheelchair, communication device, or home-modification tool is appealing – it seems cheaper, greener, and often just as functional. But the NDIS is a complex funding system with strict rules around what can be purchased, who can supply it, and how it must be justified. This post untangles those rules, explains the key concepts of the value for money principle and reasonable and necessary (R&N) criteria, and shows you exactly what second-hand AT is fundable under the 2025 NDIS framework.

The Core NDIS Principles That Govern Second-Hand AT

Value for Money

The NDIS places the value for money (VfM) principle at the heart of every purchase decision. Whether the item is brand-new or second-hand, the provider must demonstrate that the price paid is the best possible outcome for the participant's needs and goals. For second-hand AT this means:

• Providing a clear cost comparison with a new equivalent.
• Showing that the used item still meets the required safety and performance standards.
• Ensuring any refurbishment or warranty costs are included in the total price.

Reasonable and Necessary (R&N)

Every AT claim must also satisfy the reasonable and necessary test. The item must be:

1. Related to the participant's disability.
2. Likely to improve functional capacity, independence, or community participation.
3. Not something the participant could obtain at a lower cost or via other funding sources.

When a second-hand device is proposed, the participant's support coordinator or provider must document how the used item still meets these three criteria.

The Assistive Technology List and the Role of OT/AT Advisors

The NDIS publishes an Assistive Technology (AT) List that categorises equipment into three risk tiers:

• Low-risk AT – items such as basic walking aids or simple communication apps.
• Medium-risk AT – devices that require some customisation, like height-adjustable desks.
• High-risk AT – equipment where safety is paramount, for example power-driven wheelchairs or respiratory support devices.

For any medium- or high-risk AT, the NDIS requires an assessment by a qualified Occupational Therapist (OT) or AT Advisor. The practitioner must sign off that the specific device – new or second-hand – is appropriate, safe, and aligns with the participant's goals.

Funding Streams: Participant-Owned vs Plan-Managed

Understanding who holds the money influences whether a second-hand purchase is possible:

• Participant-Owned Funding – The participant receives the funds directly and can source AT from any registered supplier, including private resale markets, as long as the purchase complies with NDIS rules.
• Plan-Managed Funding – A plan manager handles the payments. The plan manager can only pay registered providers listed on the NDIS Supplier Register. This means a second-hand supplier must be a registered NDIS supplier to receive payment.

Support coordinators should verify the funding type before pursuing a second-hand deal, because a mismatch can lead to rejected claims and delayed payments.

Low-Risk vs High-Risk AT Classifications

Low-Risk AT

Items classified as low-risk are generally easier to purchase second-hand. The NDIS does not require a formal OT/AT Advisor assessment, but the provider must still meet the VfM and R&N tests. Examples include:

• Manual walkers and crutches.
• Basic tablets with pre-installed communication apps.
• Simple hearing amplifiers.

Medium- and High-Risk AT

For anything that could affect safety or requires custom fitting, a registered OT/AT Advisor must assess the used device. The assessment must address:

1. Current condition of the equipment (no structural damage, battery health, etc.).
2. Compliance with Australian Standards (e.g., AS/NZS 3691 for wheelchairs).
3. Any required refurbishment, warranty, or service plans.

If the assessment finds the device unsuitable, the NDIS will deem it non-fundable, even if the price is low.

Supplier Registration Requirements for Second-Hand AT

Only suppliers listed on the NDIS Registered Supplier List can receive direct payments from the NDIS (including plan-managed funds). To become registered, a supplier must:

• Hold a valid ABN and meet the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission standards.
• Demonstrate the ability to provide appropriate after-sales service, especially for high-risk devices.
• Maintain clear documentation of product provenance, refurbishment processes, and compliance certificates.

Many second-hand dealers operate outside this register. In those cases, the participant can still purchase the item using participant-owned funding, but they must arrange private payment and then claim reimbursement (subject to receipt verification and the VfM test).

What Is Fundable and What Isn't – A Quick Reference

• Fundable: Second-hand low-risk AT purchased from a registered supplier or through participant-owned funds, with clear evidence of VfM and R&N compliance.
• Fundable with OT/AT Advisor sign-off: Medium- or high-risk second-hand AT that passes a formal assessment and is supplied by a registered provider.
• Not Fundable: Used AT that lacks safety certification, shows visible wear that compromises function, or has been modified beyond the original specification without a qualified assessment.
• Not Fundable Under Plan-Managed Funding: Any second-hand supplier not on the NDIS register, unless the participant switches to participant-owned funding for that purchase.

Real-World Scenarios

Scenario 1 – Sarah's Gently Used Power Wheelchair

Sarah, a 32-year-old with cerebral palsy, needed a power wheelchair. Her support coordinator identified a second-hand model listed on a registered dealer's website for AUD 3,800 (new price AUD 7,500). The dealer provided a full service history, a new battery warranty, and a compliance certificate. Sarah's OT completed an assessment confirming the chair met all safety standards and would meet her mobility goals. Because the purchase was made through her plan-managed funding, the dealer's registration allowed a direct payment. The claim was approved, saving Sarah and the NDIS over AUD 3,600.

Scenario 2 – Tom's Unregistered Second-Hand Tablet

Tom, a 57-year-old with vision impairment, wanted a tablet with a specialised screen-reader app. He found a used tablet from a private seller for AUD 250. The seller was not an NDIS-registered supplier. Tom's support coordinator advised using participant-owned funding, paying the seller directly, and then submitting a receipt for reimbursement. An OT confirmed the tablet met the functional requirement. The claim was approved, but Tom had to handle the payment himself and keep detailed receipts to satisfy VfM.

Scenario 3 – Maya's Refurbished Hearing Aid

Maya, a 19-year-old with unilateral hearing loss, needed a high-quality digital hearing aid. A second-hand dealer offered a refurbished unit for AUD 1,200, but the dealer was not on the NDIS register. Because hearing aids are classified as medium-risk, an OT assessment was required. The OT noted that the device lacked a current warranty and could not verify the calibration history. Under plan-managed funding, the purchase was rejected. Maya's support coordinator switched her to participant-owned funding, obtained a registered supplier who could provide a certified refurbished unit, and the claim was approved.

Key Take-aways for Participants and Support Coordinators

• Always confirm the risk classification of the AT before considering a second-hand purchase.
• Check whether the supplier is on the NDIS Registered Supplier List if plan-managed funding is being used.
• Secure a written OT/AT Advisor assessment for medium- and high-risk devices, even when they are pre-owned.
• Document the value for money comparison – include new-item quotes, refurbishment costs, and any warranties.
• Understand the difference between participant-owned and plan-managed funding streams, and choose the one that best fits the supplier's status.

Ready to Explore Second-Hand Assistive Technology?

If you're a participant or a support coordinator looking to stretch NDIS dollars without compromising safety or quality, the right second-hand AT can be a game-changer. Our team at Assistive Team Australia specialises in navigating the NDIS's complex rules, vetting registered suppliers, and preparing the documentation you need for a smooth claim.

Start your journey today – visit our dedicated page for vetted second-hand options and personalised guidance: /second-hand-assistive-technology