How to Claim Washlet Funding Through NDIS and My Aged Care

A helpful guide to accessing government-funded hygiene support at home.

Modern bathroom technology is redefining what’s possible: bringing greater comfort, independence, and dignity into the home. At Austpek Bathrooms, we’ve seen firsthand how the right assistive products can make a meaningful difference in daily life. 

As more households explore innovative solutions like washlets and bidet systems, there’s growing recognition of the funding support available through government programs such as the NDIS and My Aged Care. These initiatives can help ease financial pressure, making it more attainable to build a bathroom that truly supports your changing needs.

Why Washlets and Bidets Matter for Health & Independence

Regaining control over personal hygiene can be life-changing for older adults facing mobility or joint limitations. Age-related conditions such as arthritis, reduced mobility, and incontinence make traditional toileting both physically demanding and emotionally distressing. Reaching to wipe can be painful, risky, or even impossible without assistance, leading many to rely on caregivers for intimate hygiene tasks. 

Washlets offer a dignified, clinically supported solution, restoring autonomy in toileting routines, reducing physical strain, and minimising the need for hands-on assistance in one of the most personal aspects of daily living.

It also addresses functional needs: supporting perineal hygiene, preventing skin breakdown, enhancing emotional wellbeing, and reducing caregiver burden - making them an essential part of accessible, age-friendly home design.

Government Support Options in Australia

Washlets are recognised as essential assistive technologies - particularly for individuals with mobility limitations and chronic health conditions. In Australia, several government programs may provide financial support for the purchase and installation of washlets when they are deemed necessary for maintaining personal care, independence, and safety at home. 

These funding pathways can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs, making it more affordable to access and install a washlet at home. 

As a proudly Australian-owned business, Austpek Bathrooms accepts and supports purchases made through NDIS, My Aged Care, and other approved funding programs. Our team is here to help guide you through the process, from product selection to quote preparation and product delivery.

Here are the government support options you can try:

1. NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme)

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is Australia’s primary government-funded program for individuals under the age of 65 living with permanent and significant disabilities. It is designed to provide personalised support that helps participants achieve greater independence, improved wellbeing, and increased participation in everyday activities - including personal care and hygiene.

Who is it for?

NDIS is available to Australian residents who:

• Are aged under 65 at the time of application

• Have a permanent disability that significantly affects their ability to take part in everyday activities

• Require support and services to live more independently

Eligible participants must register with the NDIS and undergo a formal assessment to determine the level and types of support required.

What does it cover?

The NDIS funds “reasonable and necessary” supports that are directly related to a participant’s disability and their individual goals. This may include:

• Assistive technology, such as washlets or bidet toilet systems, when they are deemed essential for daily hygiene

• Home modifications to improve bathroom accessibility and safety

• Occupational therapy assessments to support funding recommendations

Washlets can be classified as low-risk assistive technology, particularly when they reduce the need for carer assistance and support independent toileting.

Note: An occupational therapist (OT) must assess and recommend the washlet as a necessary support. The OT’s report plays a crucial role in justifying the inclusion of the product in your NDIS plan.

2. My Aged Care (for 65+ or Indigenous Australians aged 50+)

My Aged Care is the Australian Government’s central entry point for accessing aged care services, including home support and modifications that can help older adults remain independent, safe, and comfortable in their own homes. For those who experience difficulty with daily personal care tasks, such as toileting and hygiene, My Aged Care may provide funding assistance for products like washlets when recommended through formal assessment.

Who is it for?

You may be eligible for support through My Aged Care if you are:

• 65 years or older, or

• 50 years or older if you are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, and

• Are experiencing challenges with everyday activities that impact your ability to live independently

Support is granted based on an individual needs assessment, which determines the level and type of care required. This typically involves an in-person assessment by a Regional Assessment Service (RAS) or an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT/ACAS in VIC).

What does it cover?

My Aged Care offers two key funding pathways:

1. Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)

The CHSP provides entry-level support for older Australians who need a little help with daily living. Under this program, you may receive:

• Basic home modifications, including the installation of assistive technologies like washlets or bidet systems, if they are recommended as necessary

• Personal care services, including assistance with toileting, bathing, and hygiene

Note: CHSP services are limited in scope and typically intended for short-term or low-complexity needs. Co-contributions may apply based on income.

2. Home Care Packages (HCP)

Home Care Packages provide longer-term, more comprehensive support for those with greater or ongoing care needs. Packages are available in four levels, each with a different amount of annual funding:

• Level 1: Basic care needs

• Level 2: Low-level care

• Level 3: Intermediate care

• Level 4: High-level care

Within a Home Care Package, funds can be allocated towards:

• Assistive technology purchases, including washlets, if justified by an occupational therapist

• Home modifications to improve safety and accessibility in the bathroom

• Personal care services provided by qualified support workers

Note: HCPs offer more flexibility and choice in how funding is spent, especially when supported by professional assessments and clear care goals.

3. Support at Home Program (Launching July 2025)

The Support at Home Program is an upcoming government initiative that will replace both the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) and Home Care Packages (HCP) from July 2025. It is designed to simplify aged care services and provide more flexible, needs-based funding to help older Australians remain living safely and independently in their own homes.

Who is it for?

The Support at Home Program will be available to:

• Australians aged 65 and over, or

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 and over

• Who need assistance with daily living tasks to remain at home

• And who are not already receiving residential aged care

As with current programs, eligibility will be determined through a formal assessment process via My Aged Care, ensuring that support is matched to each individual’s level of need.

What will it cover?

The new program will provide tiered funding, with amounts tailored to the individual’s support needs. While full details are still being finalised, the Australian Government has confirmed that:

• Up to $15,000 per year will be available for home modifications, including bathroom safety upgrades

• This may include the purchase and installation of assistive technologies such as washlets or bidet toilet systems, when clinically justified

• Funding may also cover personal care services, assistive equipment, allied health support, and other home-based services

Note: Like current programs, approval for products like washlets will likely require a recommendation from a qualified health professional, such as an occupational therapist.

Why it matters

If you are not yet receiving support through CHSP or a Home Care Package, the Support at Home Program presents a strong long-term opportunity. It is designed to be more responsive to individual needs, reduce wait times, and offer greater flexibility in how funds can be used, including for high-impact bathroom upgrades that promote safety and independence.

To prepare, you can:

• Register with My Aged Care early to begin the eligibility and assessment process

• Consult with an occupational therapist to discuss your current and future care needs

• Stay informed as the government releases further details on funding tiers and covered services in the lead-up to July 2025

How to Get Started

If you or someone you care for is experiencing difficulty with toileting due to a disability, age-related decline, or a chronic health condition, there may be government funding available to help cover the cost of a washlet or bidet. Whether you’re applying through the NDIS, My Aged Care, or preparing for the Support at Home Program, here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:

Step 1: Book an Assessment

To access funding, you must first undergo a formal needs-based assessment, which determines your eligibility and the types of support you require.

For NDIS Participants:

• If you’re already an NDIS participant, speak with your Support Coordinator or directly with an Occupational Therapist (OT) to begin the assistive technology request process.

• If you’re not yet registered with the NDIS, visit ndis.gov.au or call 1800 800 110 to check your eligibility and start your access request.

• You’ll need to demonstrate that your disability is permanent and significantly affects your daily living.

For My Aged Care (CHSP, HCP, and Support at Home):

• Call My Aged Care at 1800 200 422 or apply online at myagedcare.gov.au.

• After you register, you’ll be scheduled for an in-home assessment by one of the following:

  • The assessor will evaluate your daily living challenges and discuss support that may help - this is the time to raise any hygiene concerns.

• Regional Assessment Service (RAS) for CHSP (entry-level support)

• Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) for HCP (higher-level care) or Support at Home

Step 2: Ask Your Occupational Therapist to Recommend a Washlet

To receive funding for a washlet, you’ll typically need a written recommendation from an Occupational Therapist (OT).

• The OT will assess your functional needs, such as difficulty reaching, maintaining hygiene, or the need to reduce physical strain, and determine whether a washlet qualifies as an essential support.

• The OT must provide a clinical justification report, outlining how the washlet addresses your specific needs.

• For NDIS, this will be part of your Assistive Technology (AT) request.

• For My Aged Care, the report supports your care plan and funding allocation.

Note: This step is crucial, without professional justification, washlets are unlikely to be approved for funding.

Step 3: Choose Your Washlet

Once a washlet has been recommended, you can begin looking at suitable options.

At Austpek Bathrooms, we stock a wide range of TOTO Washlets, known globally for their reliability, hygiene features, and accessibility-focused designs.

Some models include:

• Self-cleaning nozzles

• Heated seats

• Automatic lids and flushing

• Warm-air dryers

• Remote-control functionality

These features are especially beneficial for individuals with arthritis, limited mobility, or who require hands-free support.

Step 4: Submit Your Report and Quote for Approval

Once your washlet is selected:

• Your Occupational Therapist will submit their clinical report along with the quote from Austpek Bathrooms.

  • Your NDIS Plan Manager or Support Coordinator, if applying through NDIS

  • Your Home Care Package Provider or Case Manager, if applying through My Aged Care

• This documentation is sent to:

They will include the product and installation cost as part of your approved supports under:

• Assistive Technology (NDIS)

• Home Modifications or Personal Care Equipment (My Aged Care)

If approved, the funding will be released and used to cover all or part of your washlet purchase and installation.

Note: Be sure to confirm whether the program covers full or partial costs, and whether any co-contribution is required.

At Austpek Bathrooms, we understand the importance of maintaining independence, dignity, and comfort, especially when it comes to personal care. We proudly support individuals navigating the NDIS, My Aged Care, and other government funding programs by offering a wide range of high-quality TOTO Washlets designed with accessibility and hygiene in mind.

Once your funding application is approved, our team is here to help you every step of the way, from selecting the most suitable model to ensuring it meets your specific needs and bathroom setup. We’re committed to making the process as smooth and supportive as possible.

If you’re ready to explore your options, browse our TOTO Washlet collection or reach out to us, we’re here to help you make the right choice for your care and comfort.