16/10/2025
Thanks Nikki and Action Occupational Therapy for clarifying an extremely confusing situation 😵💫
🔍 Clearing up confusion about “low-cost AT / capacity building” in the upcoming NDIS Price Guide
Did you know that in the current NDIS pricing framework, there are three ways assistive technology (AT) can be billed from a participant’s plan?
· Core
· Capacity Building
· Capital
In recent days, we’ve seen quite a bit of distress over the announcement that the new price guide (effective 24/11/2025) is removing the ability to claim low cost AT to support Capacity Building line item. Many are interpreting this as meaning participants will lose access to low-cost AT altogether.
But here’s the reality:
This change will not alter how we currently claim low-cost AT in practice.
Here’s a brief history and clarification:
· In 2020, in response to COVID-19 and the rise of telehealth, the NDIS introduced a mechanism allowing devices to be claimed under Capacity Building to support ongoing access to therapy.
· That practice has since remained in the price guide, under the name Low Cost AT to support Capacity Building Support Delivery.
· Since October 3, 2024, transitional rules have effectively prevented new device claims from that line, with devices now needing to be funded as “replacement supports”.
So while the name “Low Cost AT to support Capacity Building Support Delivery” is being removed, the actual pathways for claiming low-cost assistive technology remain intact via Core and Capital as we do now (and in exactly the same way).
The unfortunate side effect is understandable confusion and concern from participants and providers who aren’t aware of the technical history behind the rules.
🔖 For reference: we've attached a screenshot from pages 100–101 of the current price guide (published 16/06/25) showing exactly what is slated for removal.
Let’s make sure participants and providers alike go into this transition with confidence and clarity.