NDIS Funding

Can I Use NDIS Funding to Buy from SensoryTent.com.au?

At SensoryTent.com.au, we understand how important the right sensory tools are for supporting children and individuals with additional needs. Our products—including sensory tents, blackout bed tents, and cubby houses—have been funded under the NDIS in the past. However, recent updates to NDIS guidelines have made approval more complex and require stricter evidence.

We Are Not a Registered NDIS Provider

Please note: SensoryTent.com.au is not a registered NDIS provider. However, if you are a self-managed or plan-managed participant, you may still be able to purchase from us using your NDIS funds—depending on your individual plan, goals, and the type of support you’re claiming.

What Has Changed?

NDIS now requires much stricter evidence that any funded item meets all reasonable and necessary criteria, including:

It must be directly related to the participant’s disability.

It must help the participant pursue specific goals outlined in their plan.

It must support participation in everyday activities like social outings, learning, or self-care.

It must represent value for money compared to other options.

It must be supported by professional advice or evidence that it’s effective for someone with similar needs.

What You’ll Likely Need

To increase the chances of your purchase being approved under your plan, we strongly recommend the following:

A written recommendation or report from a qualified allied health professional (e.g. occupational therapist, psychologist, or speech pathologist)

A clear explanation of how the product supports the participant’s disability and NDIS goals

We encourage you to consult with your plan manager, support coordinator, or therapist before placing your order if you intend to use NDIS funding.

Payment Options

We offer two convenient options for a hassle-free experience:

For Self-Managed Participants:

Option 1: Immediate Payment

Complete your order via credit/debit card or any other payment method available.
Receive a receipt immediately upon payment.
Simply submit your payment request on the NDIS portal.

Option 2: Pay Later

Select the “By Invoice” option at checkout.
We’ll email an invoice to the address you provide. We do not claim funds directly from NDIS.
You can claim through NDIS and transfer funds to us once received.
Notify us of payment, and your order will be dispatched promptly.

For Plan-Managed Participants:

SensoryTent.com.au makes it easy for plan-managed participants. Follow these simple steps:

Select your desired products and proceed to checkout.
Choose the “By Invoice” payment method.
Receive an invoice in your order confirmation email.
Forward the invoice to your plan manager for payment.
Once payment is received, we’ll dispatch your order and provide tracking details.

NOTES ON NDIS FUNDING:

Our products are not on a formal NDIS approved list
Items like blackout tents or bed tents may be approved with sufficient supporting documentation. Sensory tents may be eligible for NDIS funding as low-cost Assistive Technology (AT) if they are considered reasonable and necessary and directly related to the participant’s disability. Funding is more likely to be approved when the tent supports sensory regulation, helps manage sensory processing challenges, promotes emotional well-being, or improves sleep quality. A supporting letter or assessment from a qualified occupational therapist, psychologist, or other allied health professional may be required to justify the item’s relevance and benefit to the participant’s disability-related needs.
Most general sensory products are now less likely to be approved unless they meet specific disability-related criteria. Sensory tents are not automatically funded by the NDIS. Approval depends on how well the item aligns with the participant’s individual needs and NDIS plan goals. We recommend speaking with your plan manager, support coordinator, or NDIS planner before making a purchase.
We do not claim funds directly from the NDIS
We can only provide standard purchase documents (invoices and receipts)

Important NDIS Considerations:

If you’re unsure whether our products meet NDIS criteria in your case, we encourage you to discuss it with your provider or therapist before purchasing. You’re also welcome to contact us if you’d like to understand more about the ordering process for NDIS participants.