Does the NDIS pay for occupational therapy?

To access NDIS-funded occupational therapy, your child must first be NDIS-eligible, which means they have a permanent and significant disability that affects their ability to participate in everyday activities. You'll need to apply to the NDIS and go through an access request process. Once you have an approved plan, occupational therapy can be included if it directly supports one of your plan goals—for example, improving self-care skills, managing school participation, or developing independence at home.

When your NDIS plan is being developed, you and your planner will discuss what occupational therapy support your child needs. Be specific about the areas where your child struggles: getting dressed, managing mealtimes, handwriting, social participation, or sensory regulation. This helps ensure occupational therapy is written into your plan with a clear budget allocation.

To confirm whether occupational therapy is covered in your child's plan, check your approved plan document or contact your NDIS Local Area Coordinator. If occupational therapy isn't currently included, you can request a plan review to add it if your child's needs have changed.

It's important to note that the NDIS is separate from Medicare. While the NDIS covers occupational therapy as part of disability support, Medicare's Better Access scheme and Chronic Disease Management Plans may also fund psychology or allied health services—your GP can advise on this. Some families use a combination of both.

If you're waiting for an NDIS decision or plan approval, your child may still access occupational therapy through Medicare, private payment, or state-based early intervention services (in some states). Once your NDIS plan is active, you can transition to NDIS-funded services.

Next steps: if you haven't applied to the NDIS yet, visit ndis.gov.au or call 1800 800 110. If you already have a plan, speak with your planner about adding or adjusting occupational therapy support.