A quick guide to NDIS consumables
What are NDIS consumables?
NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) consumables are the everyday items you need to manage the disability-related aspects of your life.
The term ‘consumable’ is broad. It covers all sorts of off-the-shelf items you might need to live with your disability.
The NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency) determines what everyday consumables qualify for funding assistance. These approved consumables are covered under the NDIS.
As everyone is unique, their individual needs and requirements for consumables will vary. However, these everyday consumables are commonly purchased NDIS funding:
- Bottle openers and knob turners
- Catheters
- Continence products, such as pads, pants, and mattress protectors
- Food preparation products
- Home enteral nutrition (HEN) equipment
- Interpreting and translating services
- Modified eating aids
- Nutritional supplements
- Personal care and safety products
- Specialised footwear or orthotics
- Specialised mattresses and pillows
Where can I find NDIS consumables in my plan?
Consumables fall into the NDIS Core Supports category. Core Supports is where you find your funding for daily living tasks, activities and items that help achieve the goals and objectives in your NDIS Plan.
To allow for flexibility and choice, Core Supports is separated into sub-categories or “buckets” these are:
- Consumables
- Assistance with Daily Life
- Assistance with Social and Community Participation
- Transport
The NDIS consumables budget is flexible. Items under $1,500 will generally not require a quote. For items over $1,500, no more than two quotes are required.
Does NDIS cover high-cost equipment and technology?
Not only does the NDIS cover everyday consumables in terms of mobility, but the NDIS also covers larger equipment such as wheelchairs.
This is funded under a different category called NDIS Capital Support. Capital Support covers high-cost assistive technology such as wheelchairs, communication equipment, or toilet and bathroom aids.
The types of items available can include:
- Wheelchairs
- Seating
- Pressure mats
- Patient lifters
- Mobility scooters
- Cochlear implants
- Electric beds
This equipment can be hired or purchased with your NDIS funding. For items over $1,500, at least two quotes are required.
You will need to go through the NIDS Approval scheme in some cases. You may also need to have a formal “prescription” from an Occupational Therapist to support your request.
Where can I buy NDIS consumables?
Anyone who provides NDIS consumables must meet strict government quality and safety requirements.
Providers registered with the NDIS are called “NDIS registered providers“. If your NDIS plan is agency managed, you must buy your consumables from a registered provider.
However, if you are self-managed or plan-managed, you have the flexibility to buy from your preferred businesses.
Where can I get advice about my NDIS consumables?
Our Plan Management team are NDIS experts. Our team know the local industry and are objective.
They can give you quality advice about what supports you can purchase with your funding and help find providers near you that meet your unique needs.
Contact us today for more information about Plan Management and how our team can help you with your NDIS budget, including consumables.
