Can I use NDIS funding for sensory play products?

Educator-curated sensory play tray eligible for NDIS funding under Core Supports and Assistive Technology — CC's Sensory Play Australia

One of the most common questions we receive at CC's Sensory Play is whether NDIS funding can be used to purchase sensory play products. The short answer is: for many participants, yes — but eligibility depends on your individual plan, your child's disability-related needs, and the funding categories available to you.

This article explains how NDIS funding works in relation to sensory play products, which funding categories are most commonly relevant, and how to purchase from CC's Sensory Play as a self-managed or plan-managed participant.

It is not legal or financial advice, and it is not a guarantee of approval. Every NDIS plan is individual. Always check with your plan manager or support coordinator before purchasing.

What is the NDIS?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme is an Australian Government programme that provides funding and support to people with permanent and significant disability. It is designed to help participants live more independently, participate in their community, and work toward their individual goals.

NDIS funding is allocated across different support categories, and what can be purchased depends on which categories are funded in a participant's individual plan. This is why eligibility varies from person to person — two children with the same diagnosis may have very different plans depending on their goals, functional needs, and the decisions made during their planning meetings.

Can sensory play products be funded by the NDIS?

Sensory play products can be eligible for NDIS funding when they are directly related to a participant's disability support needs and align with their funded support categories. The two categories most commonly relevant to sensory play materials are:

Core Supports — Consumables

This category covers everyday items that support a participant's daily living needs. Sensory materials such as kinetic sand, sensory bins, tactile tools and similar consumable items may fall under this category when they directly support a child's sensory regulation, daily living skills, or participation in activities relevant to their plan goals.

Assistive Technology — Low Cost

This category covers low-cost assistive technology items — generally those under $1,500 — that help a participant engage in daily activities, improve their independence, or support their development. Sensory play trays, fine motor tools, and similar purposeful items may be eligible under this category depending on the participant's plan and needs.

Your plan manager or support coordinator is the right person to confirm which category applies to a specific product for your child's situation.

Who can purchase from CC's Sensory Play using NDIS funding?

CC's Sensory Play is not a registered NDIS provider. This means that agency-managed (NDIA-managed) participants, whose funding is managed directly by the NDIA, are generally unable to purchase from unregistered providers. If you are agency-managed, please check with your NDIS coordinator before purchasing.

However, self-managed and plan-managed participants can purchase from unregistered providers like CC's Sensory Play.

Self-managed participants

If you manage your own NDIS funding, you can purchase directly from CC's Sensory Play, pay for your order, and use our tax invoice to submit a reimbursement claim through the myNDIS portal. You are responsible for ensuring the purchase aligns with your plan goals and funding categories.

Plan-managed participants

If your funding is managed by a registered Plan Manager, you can purchase from us and forward our tax invoice to your Plan Manager, who will arrange payment on your behalf. Let your Plan Manager know in advance that you intend to purchase from an unregistered provider, as some may have internal processes to follow.

What sensory play products may be eligible?

Many of the products available at CC's Sensory Play may be relevant to NDIS participants, particularly those that support sensory regulation, tactile development, fine motor skills, and daily living. Some examples include:

Eligibility for any specific product depends on your child's individual plan, their disability-related needs, and the discretion of your plan manager or support coordinator. We are happy to provide product descriptions and information to assist with this process — contact us if you need support.

How to place an NDIS order at CC's Sensory Play

  1. Check with your plan manager or support coordinator first. Confirm that the product you intend to purchase aligns with your plan goals and funded categories before ordering.
  2. Browse and add to cart. Select the products you need from our store.
  3. Leave a note at checkout. Let us know you are an NDIS participant and whether you are self-managed or plan-managed.
  4. Receive your tax invoice. We will confirm your order and issue a proper tax invoice with all details required for your claim or plan manager.
  5. Submit or forward your invoice. Self-managed participants submit via myNDIS. Plan-managed participants forward to their Plan Manager.

Important reminders

  • CC's Sensory Play does not guarantee that any product will be approved under your NDIS plan. Eligibility is determined by the NDIA and your individual plan.
  • Always check with your plan manager or support coordinator before purchasing.
  • We provide tax invoices that meet NDIS requirements, but we cannot provide letters of support or clinical justification.
  • Agency-managed participants should check with their coordinator before purchasing from unregistered providers.

Questions?

If you have questions about a specific product and its suitability for NDIS purposes, we are happy to help with product information. Contact us and we will do our best to assist.

For a full overview of how NDIS works at CC's Sensory Play, visit our NDIS information page →

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