Can I Use NDIS Funding for Physiotherapy?

Yes. Physiotherapy is a recognised NDIS support, and for many families it is the main way ongoing therapy is funded. Where it sits in a plan, and how much is available, depends on your child's goals and assessed needs rather than a fixed entitlement.

Where physiotherapy sits in a plan

Therapy supports such as physiotherapy are usually funded from the Capacity Building budget, under Improved Daily Living. Capacity Building funding is tied to the goals written into the plan, so goals that mention movement, independence, participation at childcare or school, and daily activities are what make therapy fundable.

The early childhood approach

Younger children are supported through the NDIS early childhood approach rather than the general pathway. It covers children under six with developmental delay, where no diagnosis is required, and children under nine with disability. The upper age limit was raised from seven to nine in 2025.

Families work with a funded Early Childhood Partner organisation, which can provide information, connect you with community and mainstream services such as playgroups and childcare, arrange some early supports directly, and help you request access to the NDIS if longer-term funding is likely to be needed. You do not need a diagnosis to make first contact.

How to get started

• Contact an NDIS Early Childhood Partner in your area, or call the NDIS, and describe your concerns about your child's development.
• Gather supporting information: reports from your GP, paediatrician, child health nurse, physiotherapist or childcare centre.
• Think about goals in everyday language: joining in at daycare, walking to the car safely, keeping up at the playground, dressing independently.
• If a plan is approved, choose your providers and set up a service agreement.
• If your child is not eligible, ask the partner about mainstream and community supports, and consider a GP chronic condition management plan or private health extras cover instead.

How plans are managed, and why it matters

• Agency managed. The NDIA pays registered providers directly, and providers must charge at or below the NDIS price limit.
• Plan managed. A plan manager pays invoices on your behalf, you can use registered and unregistered providers, and price limits generally apply.
• Self managed. You pay providers and claim back. You have the most flexibility over who you use and what you pay, along with more administration.

What physiotherapy can include under a plan

Assessment, direct therapy sessions, home and childcare-based sessions, equipment prescription and trials, reports and applications for assistive technology, and collaboration with educators and other therapists. Providers may also charge for travel and for some non-face-to-face work such as report writing, within the rules set out in the NDIS pricing arrangements. Ask your provider to explain what will be charged before you sign a service agreement.

A reassuring takeaway

If you are wondering whether your child would qualify, the early childhood approach is designed so that you can ask without a diagnosis and without a referral. The worst outcome of a phone call is a conversation about other supports.

NDIS rules, age limits and pricing change. Confirm current details on ndis.gov.au before making decisions.

Sources and further reading

NDIS --- Guide to the early childhood approach

NDIS --- 2025-26 pricing arrangements and price limits release

NDIS --- Pricing arrangements and price limits

Suggested closing call to action

Still unsure about something you have noticed? A GP, child health nurse or paediatric physiotherapist can help you decide whether your child would benefit from an individual assessment. Contact PHYSITEK to ask about a paediatric physiotherapy visit.