How to Claim Consumables with the NDIS?

Implemented in March 2013, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides critical funding for people with disabilities in Australia. This government-funded initiative aims to ensure that all Australians living with a significant and permanent disability have access to the disability support they require.

The categories of core supports NDIS funds can be used for are:

• Daily life assistance
• Social and community participation assistance
• Transportation assistance
• Consumables assistance (also known as NDIS Consumables).

Who is Eligible for NDIS funding?

The NDIS has strict requirements for access to the Scheme. This ensures sufficient financial support is available for all Australians with genuine disability support needs. To be eligible for the NDIS you must:

• Be aged 65 years or younger at the time you first access the scheme
• Be an Australian citizen, hold a permanent visa or hold a Protected Special Category visa
• Have a disability that is permanent and significant
• Be unable to perform daily tasks without a support person or some form of assistive technology.

How do I Apply to the NDIS?

The NDIS aims to be as accessible as possible, so there are multiple ways to apply for acceptance into the Scheme.

Children aged seven or older and adults

If you are aged seven years or above, you can apply for Scheme via three pathways:

• Contact your local NDIS office or NDIS local area coordinator
• Apply via telephone on 1800 800 110
• Apply online using the NDIS access request form.

If you are applying on behalf of a child under seven years

If you are applying for Scheme access on behalf of a child under seven, we encourage you to contact your nearest early childhood partner. Early childhood partners have significant experience in early intervention and early childhood. This partner can help you navigate eligibility criteria and support you throughout the application process

What are Consumables in the NDIS?

Consumables are products and services that help.

Australians living with a disability may need to purchase certain products or devices to improve their daily life. When these products or devices are designed to be used and replaced, they are referred to as NDIS consumables. NDIS funding assistance is available to eligible scheme participants to help reduce the cost burden of these everyday consumables.

Approved NDIS consumables may include items such as:

• Toilet and bathroom aids
• Alternative nutrition products
• Low-cost assistive technology products.

What can you buy Under Consumables with the NDIS?

Consumables funding can be spent on a range of products and devices including:

• Disposable urinary catheters
• Disposable continence products such as pads and briefs
• Mattress or furniture protective aids
• Compression stockings
• Home Enteral Nutrition (HEN)
• Low-cost assistive technology products
• Wound care items.

Which items you are approved to purchase will depend on your individual NDIS plan and corresponding consumables funding. Consumables will typically be approved if they are everyday items deemed reasonable and necessary in your NDIS plan. They must also be deemed suitable for assisting with daily living tasks and not be better suited for funding from another support scheme.

What is Assistive Technology with the NDIS?

The NDIS defines assistive technology as any device or equipment that helps you perform everyday activities more safely or easily. Assistive technology can also include special equipment or devices to improve your independence. Larger equipment or high-cost items such as wheelchairs or cochlear implants will typically require further approval and will not fall under your NDIS consumables budget. Assistive technology products must be valued under $1,500 to be considered low-cost and eligible for purchase with your NDIS funds.

Low-cost assistive technology products may include:

• Step stools
• Laundry adaptations
• Non-slip bathmats
• Chair raisers.

How do I Purchase NDIS Consumables?

If you have been approved for consumables assistance, you can begin purchasing the approved equipment or devices you need for assistance with daily life, as outlined in your NDIS plan. If your NDIS plan is self-managed OR you are plan-managed, you can purchase your consumables through any support provider and pay providers directly. If your NDIS plan is agency managed, you may only purchase consumables from providers who are registered with the NDIS. You can find NDIS-registered providers near you using the NDIS MyPlace portal.

Many everyday consumables qualify for NDIS funding. These consumables may assist significantly while performing your daily living tasks or undertaking social and community participation activities. Contact the NDIS today to determine which core supports or NDIS consumables you may be eligible for.