A Short Guide to NDIS Consumables

Your National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) consumables budget may seem straightforward. But it can get complicated when you’re trying to differentiate between everyday items that qualify as consumables, and everyday items that do not.

What are NDIS consumables?

Consumables are low-cost, low-risk items that help you manage your disability-related needs in daily life. In terms of funding, consumables fall under your Core Supports budget.

Consumable items must be under $1,500. These are the kinds of items you might buy from a supermarket, hardware store, pharmacy, or even online. Any more specialised support items will most likely fall under Assistive Technology (Capital Supports).

As with all things NDIS, there are rules around what does and does not count as a consumable. For example:

• General groceries would not count as a consumable because this is a cost everyone must pay rather than a specific item for a person’s disability support.
• Nutritional supplements may be funded, if PEG feeding is included in your plan and the supplements are related to managing the impact of your disability.

NDIS Consumables categories

Consumables funding as outlined in the Assistive Technology, Home Modifications and Consumables Code Guide is separated into three categories:

1. Continence related equipment.
2. Equipment for eating and drinking.
3. Disability-related health equipment and consumables. 

These are more indicative of what consumables might cover rather than an exhaustive, item-by-item list of what is or isn’t allowed. Your consumables budget is flexible and the supports you may be able to access are varied, so you can choose options that work for you.

What can I claim as consumables under NDIS?

What you personally can purchase as consumables will depend on your NDIS budget and what is in your plan. If you have consumables as part of Core Supports funding in your plan, any purchases for this category must be directly related to your disability support needs.

For example, here is a list of commonly purchased consumables:

• Catheters
• Continence products, such as pads, pants, and mattress protectors
• Food preparation products and aids
• Bottle openers, knob turners, grab bars and other low cost dexterity or mobility aids
• Home enteral nutrition (HEN) equipment
• Interpreting and translating services (Auslan or signed English training; telephone or video interpreting)
• Modified eating aids
• Nutritional supplements
• Personal care and safety products
• Specialised footwear or orthotics
• Specialised mattresses and pillows

As long as your purchases remain compliant to guidelines for both NDIS price arrangements and what is ‘reasonable and necessary’ under the NDIS, you can enjoy a lot of flexibility and choice with consumables.

This means that once you have been allocated an NDIS consumables budget, you have the control to spend it how you think best.

Related: What is Choice and Control under the NDIS?

Can I buy nappies with NDIS consumables funding?

As with all consumables, the NDIS will not fund day-to-day expenses and items. In most cases this excludes nappies as they are an item any Australian family with young children would typically pay for. However, depending on age, disability, or delay in development, there are some exceptions if your child has higher needs than children of a similar age.

Note: Children under 9 are supported under the NDIS Early Childhood Approach. Services, support and advice specific to the ECA can be accessed by contacting an early childhood partner or your local area coordinator.

What can I not claim as consumables?

You cannot claim any items that are unrelated to supporting your disability as NDIS consumables.

Items like toiletries, general food and groceries, prescription medications, gym memberships and entertainment subscriptions… general life items that everyone must pay for will not be funded by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).

Depending on the item’s risk and value, you may need to provide a quote or further documentation to have it funded by the NDIA. To buy higher risk low cost AT, you’ll need written advice from an assistive technology assessor even if the item is under $1,500.

How do I buy consumables using NDIS funding?

You can purchase from both registered and non-registered sources for consumables, but if you are agency managed (the NDIA directly manages your plan), you may only purchase from registered NDIS providers.

If you are self managed or plan managed, you can purchase your consumables from unregistered providers (including general retail stores like supermarkets or chemists, if they stock the item). In most cases you will pay the retailer directly for these small items. 

You will need to keep thorough records of everything you purchase in case of an audit later on. Keeping careful track will also help make sure your consumables funding can last the lifetime of your plan.

If you are unsure about whether something counts as a consumable, you can check with your plan manager first. Part of managing your plan is ensuring all your supports are compliant with your NDIS plan prior to submitting any invoicing. 

It’s easy and quick to ask NDSP for advice on NDIS funding from your provider – that’s what we’re here for!

Your plan, your way with NDSP Plan Managers

NDSP is a registered NDIS provider. We’re here to support you on your NDIS journey by managing the financial aspects of your plan, so you get to focus on doing what you enjoy and achieving your goals. Our online Nappa portal makes it even easier by taking all the best parts of plan management and putting it at your fingertips.

Plan Management is a great middle ground between the total control of self-management, and the hands-off ease of agency management. You still have control over how your funds are spent, but you don’t have to do all the admin – we’ve got you covered for invoice management, budget tracking, record keeping, and general financial administration of your NDIS plan.

To learn more or to get started, contact NDSP today and find out how we can best support you.