Accessing the right continence and urology products can make a meaningful difference to a person’s comfort, independence and dignity — especially when living with disability, chronic conditions, or age-related challenges. In Australia, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) may provide funding for continence and urology supports when they are disability-related and meet the NDIS criteria.
If you’re still learning about continence conditions, it may help to understand the different types of incontinence and how they can impact everyday life, health and confidence.
This guide explains how NDIS continence funding works, who may be eligible, and the steps involved in applying for supports.
Understanding NDIS Continence & Urology Supplies Funding
The NDIS funds supports that are considered reasonable and necessary to help participants manage the impacts of disability and participate in daily life. Continence supports may be funded when they directly relate to disability needs and support wellbeing, independence and community participation.
Depending on your plan, continence and urology supports may include:
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disposable or reusable continence aids (pads, liners, disposable briefs)
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bed and chair protection
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catheter, drainage and urology supplies
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assessment and training supports recommended by qualified clinicians
It’s important to note that the NDIS is not designed to replace mainstream health services. Funding decisions are based on disability-related functional impacts, and the evidence provided during planning and review.
Who Is Eligible for NDIS Funding?
To access continence and urology funding through the NDIS, you must be an NDIS participant and your continence needs must be related to the impacts of your disability.
Eligibility and funding decisions are typically assessed against whether the supports are:
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directly related to disability needs
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likely to be effective and beneficial
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value for money
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aligned with the participant’s goals and functional requirements
If continence issues are linked to a permanent disability and affect daily living (for example, requiring regular continence aids, toileting assistance, or urology equipment), these supports may be considered for inclusion in the plan.
Step-by-Step Guide to Accessing Funding
Step 1 – Check Your Eligibility for Continence-Related Funding
If you already have an NDIS plan, review it to see whether continence supports are included under Core Supports (often linked to daily living needs) or under Assistive Technology categories. If continence supports are not included, you may need to request them at your next plan review or planning meeting.
If you’re new to the scheme, you’ll need to first meet the NDIS access requirements, then discuss continence needs during your initial planning process.
Step 2 – Gather Evidence and Provider Information
Strong evidence is one of the most important parts of securing continence funding. Your documentation should clearly explain how continence needs are disability-related and how they impact daily life.
Useful evidence may include:
- a continence assessment from a continence nurse or qualified clinician
- letters or reports from a GP, specialist or allied health professional
- recommendations outlining products required and expected usage
- quotes from suppliers for the products being requested
The evidence should describe why the supports are required, how they will reduce risk (such as skin breakdown or infections), and how they will help you participate more confidently in everyday life.
Step 3 – Understand the Types of Funded Supports and Products
NDIS funding may cover a range of continence and urology items, depending on assessed need and what is included in the plan. This may include:
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disposable continence products (pads, liners, disposable pants/briefs)
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reusable continence aids
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protective bedding and furniture covers
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catheter and drainage supplies, where required
Choosing the right product type matters, especially when it comes to comfort, absorbency, fit and lifestyle. If you’re unsure where to start, AMH Community’s guide on how to choose incontinence products provides practical tips on selecting options based on your needs.
You can also browse a range of Incontinence products that may suit participants depending on their plan inclusions and funding arrangements.
Step 4 – Plan Your NDIS Continence Goals and Supports
Continence needs should be linked to goals within your NDIS plan. This helps justify the support request and shows how it improves daily functioning and quality of life.
Examples of continence-related goals may include:
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improving comfort, hygiene and personal care independence
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reducing health complications and hospital admissions
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supporting participation in work, education or social activities
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maintaining dignity and confidence outside the home
In planning meetings, it helps to explain the practical impacts of continence needs — such as the frequency of product use, the support required for changing, and the barriers continence issues create in everyday life.
Step 5 – Apply for and Access Your Funding
Once your plan includes continence and urology supports, you can begin accessing the products in line with your funding type:
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Self-managed plans: you can purchase products directly and claim costs
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Plan-managed plans: your plan manager pays invoices from providers
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NDIA-managed plans: purchases may need to be made through registered providers
Keep invoices and records of your purchases, especially if you anticipate a review or change in needs. If your continence needs increase over time, updated evidence can support a plan review request.
If you want guidance in navigating this process, AMH Community provides support as an NDIS provider, helping participants understand funding pathways and access suitable products.
Tips for Maximising Your NDIS Funding
To make the most of your plan and reduce delays:
- prepare early: bring evidence and quotes to planning meetings
- be specific: outline product types, quantities and expected monthly usage
- link supports to goals: show how products improve independence and participation
- keep documentation current: updated assessments help during plan reviews
- track changes: if needs change, request a plan review with supporting evidence
Conclusion
Understanding NDIS processes makes it easier to access the right continence and urology supports—helping participants maintain comfort, confidence and dignity. With clear evidence, defined goals and the right products, you can create a plan that supports everyday independence and quality of life.
Learn more about NDIS here
Download the NDIS Service Agreement Form here
Sources
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National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) – Continence Supports Guide
https://www.ndis.gov.au/media/7806/download -
Continence Health Australia – NDIS and Incontinence Information
https://www.continence.org.au/get-help/financial-assistance/national-disability-insurance-scheme -
Australian Government – Department of Health and Aged Care – Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS)
https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/continence-aids-payment-scheme-caps