NDIS Consumables Explained: What Can You Actually Buy?

NDIS Consumables funding can help pay for everyday items you need because of your disability. 

This may include continence products, small mobility aids or equipment that helps you with daily tasks. 

Think of Consumables as the everyday supplies drawer of your NDIS plan. It helps cover eligible disability-related items you use at home or in daily life. 

But not everything you buy regularly is covered by the NDIS. 

Here's what you need to know. 

What are NDIS Consumables? 

Consumables is a support category within your NDIS Core Supports budget. It helps pay for everyday items you need because of your disability. 

For example, you may need continence products or equipment that helps you eat, dress or move around safely. 

The important part is that the item must be an eligible NDIS support. Having Consumables funding does not mean you can use it to buy anything from the shops. 

The item must meet NDIS funding rules and suit your needs and plan. 

Read the NDIS guide to Core Supports and Consumables. 

What can NDIS Consumables pay for? 

Depending on your needs and plan, Consumables may cover: 

• Continence products, such as eligible pads or other supplies. 
• Low-cost mobility aids, such as walking sticks. 
• Equipment that helps you get dressed. 
• Adapted eating and drinking equipment. 
• Some bathing and toileting aids. 
• Some communication tools. 
• Small items that help you manage household tasks. 

For example, the NDIS lists items such as shower chairs, screen magnifiers, modified eating utensils and talking kitchen scales as examples of low-cost assistive technology. 

These are examples, not a shopping list that applies to everyone. 

An item must still be suitable for your disability-related needs and meet the NDIS funding rules. 

See the NDIS examples of low-cost assistive technology. 

What is low-cost assistive technology? 

Assistive technology is equipment or a device that helps you do tasks that may be harder because of your disability. 

Low-cost assistive technology means an item that costs less than $1,500. 

These items can often be bought from a shop or online. 

Examples include: 

• Walking sticks or canes. 
• Small portable ramps. 
• Shower chairs. 
• Adapted cutlery. 
• Screen magnifiers. 
• Talking kitchen scales. 

For low-cost, low-risk items, you generally don't need to send the NDIS a quote or ask for approval before buying. 

But you must have suitable funding available, and the item must meet NDIS rules. 

If an item has a higher safety risk, you may need advice from an assistive technology expert before buying it. 

Read the NDIS guide to low-cost assistive technology. 

Can I buy normal everyday products with Consumables? 

Not automatically. 

This is where the word Consumables can be confusing. It sounds like it might cover anything you use or replace often. 

But the NDIS does not generally pay for ordinary living expenses. 

For example, you cannot assume Consumables will cover: 

• Everyday groceries. 
• Standard household cleaning products. 
• Regular clothing. 
• General personal care products. 
• Items that are not eligible NDIS supports. 

A useful way to think about it is: 

Disability-related need + eligible NDIS support + suitable funding = a purchase that may be covered. 

Before buying, check that the item meets the rules. 

If you're unsure, ask your plan manager, support coordinator or NDIS contact. 

You can learn more in the NDIS guide to Core Supports. 

Do I need Consumables funding in my plan? 

You need enough suitable funding available to pay for the item. Low-cost assistive technology is usually funded through Consumables. 

However, Core Supports can be flexible. 

If you don't have enough in your Consumables category, you may be able to use other flexible Core funding for an eligible low-cost item. 

This depends on the rules and any limits in your plan. You cannot use funding set aside for a specific purpose to buy something else. 

The NDIS guide to buying low-cost assistive technology explains how flexible Core funding may be used. 

Where can I buy NDIS Consumables? 

This depends on how your NDIS funding is managed. 

For low-cost assistive technology: 

NDIA-managed 

You need to buy from a registered NDIS provider. The provider claims payment directly from the NDIA. 

Plan-managed 

You can buy from any supplier, as long as the item meets NDIS rules. You give your plan manager the invoice and any documents needed. 

Your plan manager handles the eligible payment and claim. 

Self-managed 

You can also buy from any supplier. You pay for the item and claim the eligible cost through the NDIS. 

Keep your receipts and records. 

Read the NDIS guide to buying and claiming low-cost assistive technology. 

What should I check before buying? 

Before you spend your funding, ask yourself: 

1. Is this an eligible NDIS support? 
2. Do I need it because of my disability? 
3. Do I have enough suitable funding available? 
4. Is the item safe and right for me? 
5. Do I need advice or other documents before buying? 

A quick check can save a fair bit of mucking around later. 

If you're plan-managed, you can also ask your plan manager about the funding and invoice requirements before making a purchase.