Many NDIS participants and families know that sensory products may be eligible for funding under their plan — but the process of actually making a purchase can feel uncertain, particularly for those who are new to self-managing or working with a plan manager for the first time.
This guide removes that uncertainty. It walks you through the entire process, step by step, from checking whether a product is eligible through to receiving your tax invoice and submitting your claim or forwarding to your plan manager.
CC's Sensory Play is not a registered NDIS provider. This guide is for self-managed and plan-managed participants only. If you are agency-managed, please check with your NDIS coordinator before purchasing from unregistered providers.
Before you begin: understanding your plan
Every NDIS plan is individual. What is funded, and under which categories, depends on your child's disability-related needs, their functional goals, and the decisions made during their planning meeting. Before purchasing any sensory product using NDIS funding, it is essential to understand two things:
- Which support categories are funded in your plan. Sensory products most commonly fall under Core Supports — Consumables or Assistive Technology (Low Cost). Check your plan document or ask your plan manager to confirm which categories are available to you.
- Whether the specific product aligns with your plan goals. NDIS funding must be used for items that are reasonable and necessary and directly related to your child's disability support needs. A sensory play tray purchased to support tactile regulation and fine motor development is a different proposition from one purchased purely for recreational play.
Your plan manager or support coordinator is your first point of contact for both of these questions. They know your plan and can advise on eligibility before you spend.
Step 1 — Confirm eligibility with your plan manager
Contact your plan manager or support coordinator and describe the product you intend to purchase. Share the product name, its intended purpose, and how it relates to your child's disability-related needs and plan goals.
Useful information to have ready:
- The product name and URL from CC's Sensory Play
- The approximate cost
- A brief description of how the product supports your child's specific needs — for example, tactile regulation, fine motor development, sensory processing support
- The NDIS support category you believe applies — Core Supports Consumables or Assistive Technology Low Cost
If your plan manager confirms the purchase is appropriate, you are ready to proceed. If they are unsure, they may request additional information or suggest an alternative funding approach.
Step 2 — Browse and select your products
Visit ccssensoryplay.com and browse our collections. All products are curated by Cintia Lemm, an early childhood educator with over 22 years of experience working with young children — including children with a wide range of developmental needs and disabilities.
Collections that are most commonly relevant to NDIS participants include:
- Sensory Play Trays — for tactile exploration, sensory regulation and fine motor development
- Sensory Essentials — kinetic sand, tactile materials and fine motor tools
- Little Scientists — discovery and science kits for focus and early STEM learning
- Buddy Plush Toys — soft companions for emotional regulation and comfort
If you are unsure which product best suits your child's needs, contact us before ordering. We are happy to help with product information based on what you share about your child.
Step 3 — Add to cart and proceed to checkout
Add your selected products to your cart and proceed to checkout as normal. At the checkout, you will find an order notes field — use this to let us know the following:
- That you are an NDIS participant
- Whether you are self-managed or plan-managed
- Any specific invoice details required by your plan manager, such as an ABN reference or participant number if your plan manager requires it
This information ensures we can issue your tax invoice correctly and include everything your plan manager or the NDIS portal will need.
Step 4 — Receive your tax invoice
Once your order is confirmed, CC's Sensory Play will issue a proper tax invoice. This invoice includes:
- CC's Sensory Play ABN
- Itemised list of products purchased
- Total amount including GST
- Date of purchase
- All details required for NDIS reimbursement or plan manager payment
If you need any additional information on your invoice, contact us at contact@ccssensoryplay.com and we will update it accordingly.
Step 5 — Submit your claim or forward to your plan manager
What happens next depends on how your NDIS funding is managed.
If you are self-managed
You pay for your order at checkout using your own funds, then use the tax invoice to submit a reimbursement claim through the myNDIS portal at my.ndis.gov.au. Log in to your account, navigate to your plan, and follow the prompts to submit a payment request. Upload your CC's Sensory Play invoice as supporting documentation.
Reimbursements are typically processed within a few business days, though processing times can vary. Keep a copy of your invoice and your claim submission for your records.
If you are plan-managed
Forward your CC's Sensory Play tax invoice to your Plan Manager. They will arrange payment on your behalf, drawing from your funded support budget. You do not need to pay out of pocket — your Plan Manager handles the payment directly once they receive the invoice.
Let your Plan Manager know in advance that you are purchasing from an unregistered provider, as some organisations have internal approval processes. Most plan managers are experienced with unregistered provider purchases and will process the invoice without difficulty once eligibility has been confirmed.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to pay upfront if I am plan-managed?
This depends on your Plan Manager's process. Some plan managers pay suppliers directly and do not require you to pay upfront. Others may ask you to pay and then reimburse you. Clarify this with your Plan Manager before placing your order.
Can I purchase multiple products in one order?
Yes. You can add multiple products to your cart and we will issue a single itemised tax invoice covering everything in your order. If you need separate invoices for different funding categories, let us know in your order notes.
What if my plan manager says the product is not eligible?
If a specific product is not approved under your current plan, your plan manager may be able to suggest an alternative funding approach, or the product may become eligible at your next plan review when you can raise it as a specific support need. We cannot override plan manager decisions or provide clinical justification letters.
Can I contact CC's Sensory Play for product information to share with my plan manager?
Yes. We are happy to provide product descriptions, intended developmental benefits, and any other factual information that might help your plan manager assess eligibility. Contact us and we will respond as promptly as we can.
Important reminders
- CC's Sensory Play does not guarantee approval of any product under your NDIS plan. Eligibility is determined by the NDIA and your individual plan.
- Always confirm eligibility with your plan manager or support coordinator before purchasing.
- Agency-managed participants should check with their NDIS coordinator before purchasing from unregistered providers.
- Keep copies of all invoices and claim submissions for your records.
For a full overview of how NDIS works at CC's Sensory Play, including which products may be eligible and how our invoice process works, visit our NDIS information page →