NDIS Occupational Therapy Funding Guide
NDIS Funding for Occupational Therapy
Learn how to access and maximise your NDIS occupational therapy funding. Astrad Allied Health delivers mobile OT services across QLD, NSW, VIC and TAS to help you use your funded hours effectively.
What Does NDIS Occupational Therapy Funding Cover?
Occupational therapy falls under the Capacity Building category of your plan, specifically Improved Daily Living. This funding supports assessments, therapy sessions, home modifications, assistive technology recommendations and detailed reports. Your OT funding is designed to help you build skills, increase independence and participate more fully in daily life.
Therapy Sessions
Home Modifications
Assistive Technology
How Your Funding Works
Capacity Building Budget
Your occupational therapy funding sits within Capacity Building, specifically the Improved Daily Living support category. This covers therapy that helps you develop skills and work towards greater independence in everyday activities.
Plan Management Options
You can access OT through three management types: agency-managed (NDIA manages payments), plan-managed (a plan manager handles invoices) or self-managed (you pay providers directly and claim reimbursement). Each option offers different levels of flexibility.
Transparent Pricing
Astrad charges in line with the current NDIS Price Guide for occupational therapy services. Rates may vary for after-hours, weekend or public holiday appointments. Your Astrad therapist can help you understand how many sessions your budget supports.
Service Bookings
Once your plan is active, you can book occupational therapy sessions directly with Astrad. We help you set up a service agreement and schedule regular appointments to make the most of your funded hours.
Why Choose Astrad for Your NDIS OT Funding
Making the Most of Your Occupational Therapy Funding
Astrad delivers occupational therapy directly to your home, school or community setting across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania. Mobile therapy means your sessions take place in the environment where you need support most, helping you build practical skills in context.
All Astrad occupational therapists are qualified and experienced across a range of conditions including autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, sensory processing difficulties, developmental delay and cerebral palsy.
Many participants do not use all of their funded therapy hours before their plan review. Astrad helps you track your spending, schedule sessions consistently and make sure your occupational therapy funding is used effectively throughout your plan period.
From functional capacity assessments and home assessments to assistive technology evaluations, Astrad provides the detailed reports you need for plan reviews and equipment requests. These assessments are a key part of demonstrating ongoing need for OT support.
Your occupational therapist works with you and your support network to set meaningful, measurable goals aligned with your plan. Whether you are working on daily living skills, sensory regulation, fine motor development or community participation, therapy is designed around what matters to you.
When your plan review approaches, your Astrad OT prepares progress reports and updated recommendations. These documents help demonstrate the value of continued occupational therapy funding and can support requests for increased hours if your needs have changed.
How to Access NDIS Occupational Therapy Funding
Getting started with NDIS funded occupational therapy through Astrad is straightforward. Follow these three steps to begin accessing your funded hours.
- 1
Check Your Plan
Review your plan to confirm you have Capacity Building funding under Improved Daily Living. If you are unsure whether your plan includes occupational therapy, your support coordinator or plan manager can help you check. You do not need a GP referral to access OT under the scheme.
- 2
Contact Astrad
Call us on (07) 3477 9366 or book online. We will discuss your goals, confirm your funding details and match you with a qualified occupational therapist in your area. We service QLD, NSW, VIC and TAS.
- 3
Begin Your Sessions
Once your service agreement is in place, your therapist visits you at home, school or in the community. Sessions are scheduled at times that suit you, and we provide regular progress updates to help you stay on track with your goals and funding.
Conditions We Support Through NDIS OT Funding
Occupational Therapy for a Range of Conditions
Astrad occupational therapists work with participants across a wide range of conditions. Your funded OT hours can be used for assessment, therapy and support related to any of the following.
Autism Spectrum Disorder & ADHD
Our therapists support children and adults with ASD and ADHD through sensory strategies, daily routine structuring, social skills development and self-regulation techniques. Learn more about our OT for autism spectrum disorder and OT for ADHD services.
Sensory Processing & Developmental Delay
For participants experiencing sensory processing difficulties or developmental delay, OT focuses on building foundational skills for learning, play and self-care. Explore our OT for sensory processing disorder and OT for developmental delay pages.
Cerebral Palsy & Physical Conditions
Occupational therapy for cerebral palsy and other physical conditions addresses mobility, fine motor skills, equipment needs and home modifications. Visit our OT for cerebral palsy page or learn about home assessments and assistive technology assessments.
Understanding NDIS Occupational Therapy Funding
If you or someone you support is an NDIS participant, understanding how occupational therapy funding works can help you get the most from your plan. Occupational therapy (OT) is one of the most commonly funded therapies under the National Disability Insurance Scheme. This guide explains what OT funding covers, how to access it and how Astrad Allied Health can help you use your funded hours effectively.
Where Does Occupational Therapy Sit in Your NDIS Plan?
Occupational therapy falls under the Capacity Building budget category, specifically within Improved Daily Living. This is separate from your Core Supports budget. Your Capacity Building funding may cover:
- Functional capacity assessments and standardised testing
- Individual and group therapy sessions
- Home assessment and modification recommendations
- Assistive technology assessments and equipment trials
- Report writing for plan reviews and equipment requests
NDIS Occupational Therapy Funding Rates
The NDIS Price Guide sets maximum hourly rates for occupational therapy services, updated each financial year. Rates vary depending on the day and time of service delivery. Your Astrad therapist can explain current pricing and help you estimate how many sessions your budget supports.
Plan Management Options for OT Services
How you manage your plan affects which providers you can access:
- Agency-managed: The NDIA pays registered providers directly on your behalf
- Plan-managed: A plan manager processes invoices, giving you access to both registered and non-registered providers
- Self-managed: You pay providers directly and claim reimbursement, offering maximum flexibility
Astrad Allied Health accepts all three plan management types, so we can work with participants regardless of how their plan is managed.
What Occupational Therapy Can Address With Your Funding
Your NDIS occupational therapy funding can be used for a wide range of supports. Astrad occupational therapists work with children and adults across conditions including:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD): sensory strategies, social skills, daily routine support
- ADHD: self-regulation, executive functioning, organisational skills
- Sensory processing disorder: sensory diets, environmental modifications
- Developmental delay: fine motor skills, play skills, school readiness
- Cerebral palsy: mobility support, adaptive equipment, daily living skills
How to Maximise Your Occupational Therapy Funding
Many participants do not use all of their funded therapy hours before their plan review. Here are practical steps to get the most value from your OT funding:
- Book sessions early: Contact your OT provider as soon as your plan starts to secure regular appointment times
- Set clear goals: Work with your therapist to define specific, measurable goals aligned with your plan
- Schedule consistently: Regular sessions help maintain momentum and demonstrate engagement for your next review
- Prepare for reviews: Ask your OT to prepare a progress report before your plan review to support continued funding
Accessing OT Through Astrad Allied Health
Astrad Allied Health delivers mobile occupational therapy across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania. Our qualified therapists come to your home, school, workplace or community setting, so therapy happens where you need it most.
You can contact Astrad directly to access occupational therapy through your plan. Call (07) 3477 9366 or book an appointment online. We will confirm your funding details, discuss your goals and match you with a therapist in your area.
Individual results vary based on your unique circumstances and goals. Assessment findings do not guarantee a particular outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions About NDIS OT Funding
What NDIS budget category covers occupational therapy?
Occupational therapy is funded under Capacity Building, specifically the Improved Daily Living support category. This budget covers assessments, therapy sessions, home modifications, assistive technology evaluations and report writing. It is separate from your Core Supports budget.
How much does NDIS occupational therapy cost per hour?
The standard weekday rate for occupational therapy under the 2025-26 NDIS Price Guide is $193.99 per hour. Rates are higher for after-hours, weekend and public holiday appointments. A typical Capacity Building budget for OT ranges from $2,000 to $10,000 depending on your assessed needs.
Do I need a GP referral to access NDIS funded occupational therapy?
No. You do not need a GP referral to access occupational therapy through your NDIS plan. As long as your plan includes Capacity Building funding under Improved Daily Living, you can contact an OT provider like Astrad Allied Health directly and book sessions.
What is the difference between agency-managed, plan-managed and self-managed for OT?
Agency-managed means the NDIA pays registered providers directly. Plan-managed means a plan manager handles your invoices and you can use both registered and non-registered providers. Self-managed means you pay providers yourself and claim reimbursement, giving you maximum flexibility in choosing providers.
What conditions can NDIS funded occupational therapy help with?
NDIS funded occupational therapy can support participants with a wide range of conditions including autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, sensory processing difficulties, developmental delay, cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury and physical disabilities. Your OT works with you on goals related to daily living, independence and community participation.
How can I make sure I use all my NDIS occupational therapy funding?
Book sessions early in your plan period, schedule regular fortnightly or weekly appointments, and track your spending with your plan manager or support coordinator. Ask your occupational therapist for a progress report before your plan review to demonstrate how therapy has supported your goals and why continued funding is needed.
Start Using Your NDIS Occupational Therapy Funding Today
Astrad Allied Health makes it easy to access your funded occupational therapy hours. Our mobile OT services come to you across QLD, NSW, VIC and TAS. Call (07) 3477 9366 or book online to get started.
Our Services
Astrad Allied Health offers a comprehensive range of services, including:
Mobile Occupational Therapy
Registered occupational therapists providing support for daily living skills, independence and participation in work, school and community activities.
Mobility Equipment Assessment
Assessment and recommendations for mobility equipment and assistive technology to support participation in daily activities across your environment.
Speech Pathology Services
Registered speech pathologists helping with communication, swallowing and language development across Queensland, NSW, Victoria and Tasmania.
Home Assessment & Modifications
Professional home evaluations identifying modifications and equipment recommendations to improve safety, accessibility and independence.
Assistive Technology Assessment
Recommendations for assistive technology solutions like communication devices, computer access & adaptive equipment to support daily participation.
Comprehensive Therapy
Complete allied health support including ongoing therapy sessions, rehabilitation programs and personalised interventions to address all your therapy needs.
