What Are Podiatry and Foot Care Supports?
Podiatry and foot care supports are designed to help manage conditions affecting your feet, ankles, and legs. These supports can include:
An assessment and development of a podiatry care plan.
Foot orthotics or shoe inserts to improve posture and movement.
Help with foot care tasks such as toenail cutting or callus removal.
Support using specific shoe supports or performing foot exercises.
If your disability impacts your ability to manage foot care independently, the NDIS may fund a podiatrist or support worker to help.
📖 Related Reading: NDIS Disability-Related Health Supports
NDIS and the Health System: Who Funds What?
Not all podiatry services are funded by the NDIS. Some supports are available through Medicare or mainstream health services, which are open to all Australians.
Medicare may cover podiatry under a Chronic Disease Management Plan.
Community health services can provide general foot care, whether or not you have a disability.
The NDIS works alongside these systems — it doesn’t replace them. If your podiatry needs are disability-related and meet the NDIS funding criteria, they can be included in your plan.
🔗 Learn more: Medicare Benefits Schedule – Allied Health Services
NDIS Funding Criteria for Podiatry Supports
The NDIS can only fund podiatry and foot care supports if:
They are directly related to your disability.
They help you participate in daily activities.
They meet the reasonable and necessary criteria.
You’ll need evidence from a qualified professional, such as a podiatrist, to demonstrate the need for support.
📌 Tip: Keep copies of your podiatry care plan, assessments, and reports — these may be required during your plan review.
Types of Podiatry and Foot Care Supports the NDIS May Fund
If the supports meet NDIS criteria, your plan may include:
Podiatrist services: assessments, care plans, toenail cutting, callus removal, and ongoing reviews.
Assistive technology: orthoses, custom-made orthotics, and medical-grade footwear.
Support workers: help with foot exercises or using supports (not clinical tasks like toenail cutting).
For assistive technology, you’ll need to show:
It will reduce the need for other supports.
It will help you be more independent.
It is an NDIS-approved support.
Examples of Funded Supports
| Support Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Podiatrist Services | Initial assessment, care plan, toenail cutting, callus removal, reassessments |
| Assistive Technology | Braces, splints, medical-grade footwear, heel lifts, rocker soles, toe skates |
| Support Worker Assistance | Helping with foot exercises, using orthotics |
What’s Not Funded?
The NDIS cannot fund:
General health services available to everyone through Medicare or community health.
Supports not related to your disability.
Services that do not meet the funding criteria.
How to Get Podiatry Supports in Your Plan
Talk to your doctor or allied health professional.
Collect evidence (podiatry reports, care plans, assessments).
Work with your my NDIS contact, support coordinator, or recovery coach to request the support.
Ensure the supports are reasonable and necessary under the NDIS Act.
If approved, your plan will outline how and when you can use your funding for podiatry and foot care.
📖 Related Guide: How the NDIS Decides What to Fund
If Your Request is Declined
If the NDIS decides not to fund your podiatry and foot care supports:
You’ll receive written reasons for the decision.
You can request an internal review within 3 months.
🔗 Learn more: NDIS – Reviewing a Decision
Final Thoughts
Podiatry and foot care supports under the NDIS can make a significant difference in your mobility, comfort, and independence. By understanding the criteria, process, and evidence requirements, you can improve your chances of having these supports funded in your plan.
At Complete Money Management, we help participants navigate the NDIS system, prepare funding requests, and manage their plans effectively.