The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) offers a range of supports for NDIS participants, designed to help improve functional capacity, social and community participation and overall quality of life One important part of your plan is NDIS consumables, which support the day-to-day lives of many participants.
Let’s dive into what consumables are, what they can include, and how to use this part of your funding with confidence.
What are NDIS consumables?
NDIS consumables are everyday items that support people to manage disability‑related needs and live more comfortable, safe and independent lives. Items may be single‑use and need regular replacement, while others may be simple, reusable items or equipment (often referred to as low‑cost assistive technology). The category is quite broad, covering items you may purchase from everyday retailers (such as pharmacies, supermarkets or even online).
For an item to be funded it must be an NDIS support, directly related to your disability, and meet the NDIS ‘reasonable and necessary’ criteria. The category may also include low-cost assistive technology (typically under $1,500 per item), though funding depends on your NDIS plan and available flexible Core Supports funding.
What products are supported by NDIS consumables?
The NDIS consumables budget is designed to provide flexibility. The goal of these NDIS supports is to cater to the diverse needs of Consumables are part of your Core Supports budget. The current NDIA code guide structure for Consumables (Support Category 03) generally groups consumables into three sub-categories:
- Continence-related equipment
- Equipment for eating and drinking – Home enteral nutrition (HEN)
- Disability-related health equipment and consumables
You can learn more about the NDIS consumable categories here.
Some typical examples of products that may be covered by these categories include:
- Low-cost assistive technology such as disposable batteries for hearing devices
- Disability-related wound care supplies for ongoing care
- Personal care and safety products, such as disposable gloves
- Disability-related skincare
- Nutritional supplements (if not funded elsewhere)
- Mobility equipment accessories such as wheelchair cushions and covers
- Specialised footwear or disability-related orthotics (in some circumstances, where it’s disability-related and meets the NDIS funding criteria)
- Specialised mattresses and pillows (depending on cost and complexity)
- Continence products such as like pads and mattress protectors
- Home enteral nutrition (HEN) equipment and supplies
Not every item will be funded just because it fits into these categories. All items must be directly related to your disability and not considered an everyday expense that everyone would typically purchase. If you’re unsure what is covered in your NDIS plan, get in touch with your plan manager or the NDIA today.[SD1] [GL2] You can find out which supports are and are not NDIS supports here.
Where can I find consumables in my Plan?
Funding for consumables falls under the NDIS Core Supports category of your plan. While many participants will have the Consumables category listed in their plan, not everyone will.
In many cases, you can use your Core Supports budget across different Core support categories, like consumables, provided the supports are directly related to your disability, meet the NDIS reasonable and necessary criteria, and are not listed as stated supports in your plan.
[SD3] If your plan has insufficient funds allocated to cover your consumables you need to ensure you have sufficient funding in your flexible Core Supports funding to cover these costs, without impacting your other essential supports. To learn more about what’s covered in your Core Supports budget, read our recent blog here[4].
If you’re unsure where your consumable supports fit in, consult your NDIS plan manager, like MyIntegra. Seeking professional guidance can help you maximise your budget and use your funds effectively to meet your goals.
How do I claim NDIS consumables?
Before you make a purchase, consider the following key questions:
- Is this a NDIS support (can NDIS funding be used for this type of item?)
- Is the item directly related to your disability[SD5] [GL6] ?
- Does it meet the NDIS ‘reasonable and necessary’ criteria?
- Is it low‑cost and low‑risk?
- Do you have enough flexible Core Supports funding available?
Some items may require supporting evidence from an allied health professional, to support your claim. Once you know what you need, and have confirmed the item is eligible to be claimed with your NDIS funding, you can make a purchase.
As a plan‑managed or self‑managed participant, you have the flexibility to choose to purchase eligible consumables from registered or unregistered providers, provided the items meet NDIS criteria.
With plan management, your plan manager can help you understand what can, and cannot be claimed under your plan, as well as reduce your admin by taking care of payments and claims.
If you’re agency-managed, you’ll need to purchase consumables from a registered NDIS provider, who will lodge the claim directly through the NDIS system on your behalf.
Need some help managing your NDIS plan? Partner with MyIntegra
If you’d like extra support to understand how to use your Core Supports budget and manage your funds with confidence, our Plan Management services are here to help you achieve your goals.
Our team are experts in NDIS funding and can help you manage your budget, keep track of your spending, and use your funds effectively.
Get in touch with our team today to see how we can help you make the most of your NDIS plan.
