Consumables - Footwear and Orthotics

The NDIS may fund footwear and orthotic supports when they are directly related to a participant’s disability and meet the reasonable and necessary criteria outlined in the NDIS Act. These supports are typically considered under the Assistive Technology (AT) Budget or Core Supports, depending on individual needs and assessments.

The following information is to provide you with examples of what the NDIS may fund. It’s important to note that this is only a guide to assist you make an informed decision. Only your My NDIS Contact, an NDIS Delegate, or the explicit written information in a current NDIS plan serves as the source of truth. The NDIS considers requests based on whether the support is related to your disability and whether it meets the NDIS Reasonable and Necessary Guidelines.

What is Covered by the NDIS?

NDIS-Funded Footwear and Orthotics (Partcipant Evidence Required)

• ⚠️Specialised footwear: 
  • Footwear that is adapted, modified, specialised or orthopaedic.
  • This includes shoes that need to be specially designed or altered due to a participant’s disability.
  • Funding requires evidence from a qualified health professional, such as a podiatrist or therapist, detailing the necessity related to the participant's disability.

Note: These supports require written support from a qualified allied health professional to ensure they align with the participant’s needs such as a Podiatrist. You may be asked to provide confirmation that these supports are related to your disability as recognised by the NDIS. 

NDIS-Funded Footwear and Orthotics (Requires NDIS Approval)

• ⚠️Customised Footwear:
  • Footwear that is custom-made.
  • This includes shoes that need to be specially designed or altered due to a participant’s disability.
  • This support requires professional assessment and specification due to the higher risk of the support.  
• ⚠️Custom Orthotics:
  • Design, manufacture, and fitting of customised functional orthotics that assist with mobility, posture, and functional capacity.
  • These supports may include osseo-integrated devices or external products.
  • Must be recommended by a qualified healthcare professional such as a podiatrist, orthotist, or prosthetist.
  • This support requires professional assessment and specification due to the higher risk of the support.  
• ⚠️ Maintenance and Repairs:
  • The NDIS may cover maintenance, spare parts, and consumable items specific to the approved orthotic or footwear support.
  • Specialised footwear: Funding requires evidence from a qualified health professional, such as a podiatrist or therapist, detailing the necessity related to the participant's disability.

Note: IF the support is explicitly written into the NDIS plan, this can be approved. Otherwise, these supports require written NDIS approval and will often involve an assessment from a qualified allied health professional to ensure they align with the participant’s needs. This should be submitted directly to the NDIS. 

What is Not Funded by the NDIS?

Certain footwear items are considered everyday living expenses and are not funded by the NDIS, including:

• ❌ Standard (non-modified and non-adaptive) footwear such as regular shoes or sneakers that do not have disability-specific modifications.
• ❌ Fashion or aesthetic footwear without a direct link to functional disability support.

These items are deemed day-to-day costs that individuals would incur regardless of disability.

Key Considerations for Approval

To determine if footwear or orthotic supports are likely to be funded, consider the following:

✅ Is the item directly related to the participant's disability?
✅ Does it assist the participant to pursue their goals, objectives, or aspirations?
✅ Does it represent value for money and is it the least expensive yet suitable option?
✅ Is the support effective and beneficial according to current good practice?

Related NDIS Resources

• NDIS Pricing Arrangements
• Supports Funded and Not Funded by NDIS
• Assistive Technology Product Risk Table
• What does the NDIS fund?

How to Request Footwear or Orthotic Supports

1. Consult a healthcare professional such as a podiatrist, orthotist, or physiotherapist.
2. Obtain a formal assessment and written recommendation linking the support to your disability needs.
3. Submit the recommendation along with your NDIS Plan review or discuss it with your My NDIS Contact or support coordinator.

Participant Responsibilities

NDIS participants play a key role in managing their supports responsibly. Here’s what participants need to know:

👉 If you're unsure whether a support is claimable, speak with your Plan Manager or Support Coordinator.