Does the NDIS cover a weighted blanket?
Often yes, as low-cost assistive technology, if a therapist links a weighted blanket to your disability. Here's how to get one funded.
Often yes. A weighted blanket can be funded as low-cost assistive technology (AT) when a therapist, usually an occupational therapist, recommends it to meet a disability-related need such as sensory regulation, anxiety or sleep. It is not funded as a general comfort item, so the recommendation and the link to your disability are what make the difference.
The short answer
How the NDIS decides
What's covered and what isn't
How to ask and what evidence helps
The realistic wrap-up
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an OT assessment for a weighted blanket?
You don't always need a full assessment, but you do need evidence it's disability-related. A short recommendation from an OT or therapist is usually enough, because a weighted blanket is treated as low-cost assistive technology rather than complex, high-cost AT.
Which part of my plan pays for a weighted blanket?
It's normally claimed as low-cost AT from your Core budget (often the Consumables area) or from Capacity Building, depending on how your plan is set up. Your plan manager or support coordinator can confirm which budget to use.
Can I just buy a weighted blanket and claim it back?
Only if it meets the reasonable and necessary rules and is genuinely disability-related. To be safe, get the therapist recommendation first and keep your receipt, so you can show the purchase was a funded support and not a general comfort item.