NDIS consumables are everyday items that can help you manage your disability support needs. To assist with purchasing these items, you can use your Core Supports budget. Consumables is a category under Core, but as Core budget is flexible, you can generally move your funding across any of the support categories depending on your needs, regardless of where the budget is allocated. (This same flexibility may not be applicable to the Transport category – read more in our guide.)
NDIS Consumables: What can I buy?
Under Core – Consumables, you can purchase everyday items valued up to $1,500.
Most of these items you can readily buy off the shelf at your local chemist, supermarket and even online, but remember that you can only use your consumables budget on items directly related to your disability.
Here are some examples of consumables you can buy with your NDIS funding, as long as they meet the NDIS funding criteria:
- Continence products
- Catheters
- Child nappy
- Home enteral nutrition products
- Specialised mattresses or pillows
- Translation or interpretive services or apps
- Disability-related wound care and skincare products
- Low-cost assistive technology
Meeting the NDIS funding criteria means the item must relate to your disability, help you pursue your goals and be most appropriately funded or provided through the Scheme (as opposed to other support services, such as the health or education system).
Keeping these criteria in mind, you may not be able to purchase certain items, such as cosmetics or grocery items not related to your disability, using your consumables budget. If unsure, make sure to speak to your support coordinator or a plan manager like Afea!
How do I make a claim for NDIS consumables?
You have two options to pay your supports. One is to make a payment request on the myplace portal, or to pay using your own money first and then make the payment request to receive funds.
For NDIS consumables, you’ll most likely need to pay first and then make a claim with your NDIS funding so you can be reimbursed.
If you are self-managing your NDIS funding, you will be responsible for making this claim. If you have a plan manager, they can assist you.
But whether you have a plan manager or not, make sure to keep your receipts! When you purchase your NDIS consumables or any item that you will be claiming with your NDIS funding, the receipt, whether physical or digital, will serve as evidence to support your claim for reimbursement.
The NDIA may also contact participants for an audit, during which the Agency will ask you for financial documents, including receipts and invoices, to ensure your funding is not being misused.
Need more help with your NDIS plan?
Afea’s Plan Management and Support Coordination teams are experts in navigating the NDIS. Reach out to us for a chat by calling 1300 65 11 33 or by filling out our form.
