NDIS Consumables Guide
NDIS Consumables Guide: Everything You Need to Know
Introduction
For an NDIS service provider, the knowledge of NDIS consumables is a must to convey the right kind of assistance to the participants and ensure compliance with funding rules. Such consumables are products that are indispensable in the daily life of people with disabilities and which allow them to carry out their daily routines.
This guide is for NDIS providers to give them classified consumable lists, claiming process(es), and the rules of eligibility for your very more efficient and faster service to participants.
- What kind of consumables are covered under NDIS?
- How can participants make a claim for consumables?
- Where has the sale of consumables by providers been regulated by law?
1. What Are NDIS Consumables?
NDIS Consumables are low-cost daily use items that help participants with disability-related needs. They fall under the Core Supports – Consumables Category, separate from Assistive Technology or Capacity Building supports.
Key Differences for Providers
Category | What It Covers | Who Provides It? |
Consumables | Daily use items (e.g., continence aids, wound care) | Pharmacies, medical suppliers, online stores |
Assistive Tech | Equipment needing setup/training (e.g., hearing aids, wheelchairs) | AT providers, therapists |
Capacity Building | Skill development (e.g., therapy, training) | Support workers, therapists |
Key takeaway: As a provider, you must clearly classify whether an item falls under consumables or another NDIS category before billing participants.
2. NDIS Consumables List (With Examples)
Here’s a breakdown of common NDIS-approved consumables that NDIS service providers can supply:
Personal Care Items
- Continence products (e.g., incontinence pads, catheters)
- Wound care supplies (e.g., bandages, dressings)
Low-Cost Assistive Technology
- Adaptive eating utensils
- Mobility aids (e.g., walking sticks, non-slip mats)
Communication and Hearing Supports
- Hearing aid batteries
- Braille labels, screen-reading software
Household and Safety Items
- Specialized bedding (e.g., pressure-relief mattresses)
- Personal care and safety products
Nutrition-Related Consumables
- Home Enteral Nutrition (HEN) equipment (e.g., pumps, syringes)
For a comprehensive list, refer to the NDIS Consumables List PDF.
3. What Can I Use My NDIS Consumables Budget For?
Understanding the “Reasonable and Necessary” Rule
Items funded under the NDIS must be:
- Directly connected with the participant’s disability or injuries
- Medically necessary to help with regular activities or to promote self-reliance
- Cost-effective
Examples of Approved vs. Non-Approved Items
Approved Consumables:
- Continence products
- Adaptive cutlery
- Mobility aids
Non-Approved Consumables:
- General groceries and food items
- Prescription medications
- Regular household cleaning products
- Cosmetics and beauty products
Providers should educate participants on these distinctions to ensure compliance.
4. How to Claim NDIS Consumables
The claiming process varies based on the participant’s plan management:
For Self-Managed Participants:
- Purchase the consumable item.
- Submit a claim through the NDIS myplace portal.
- Receive reimbursement directly into their bank account.
Providers should supply itemized invoices to facilitate this process.
For Plan-Managed Participants:
- The Plan Manager handles payments directly to providers.
Ensure invoices include accurate item descriptions and pricing.
For NDIA-Managed Participants:
- Participants must purchase consumables from NDIS-registered providers.
- The NDIA processes payments directly to these providers.
Providers must maintain active NDIS registration to serve NDIA-managed participants.
Key Action for Providers:
Align billing processes with the participant’s funding management type to prevent payment delays.
5. Where to Buy NDIS Consumables?
Choosing NDIS Consumables Providers
Participants can purchase consumables from:
- NDIS-registered providers (for NDIA-managed plans)
- Unregistered providers (for self-managed and plan-managed participants)
Checking if a Store is NDIS-Approved
- Use the NDIS Provider Search Tool.
- Ask the Plan Manager for provider verification.
Recommended NDIS Consumables Online Shops and Physical Suppliers
- Medical supply stores
- Pharmacies and supermarkets (for approved items)
- Online disability support retailers
6. What NDIS Consumables Are NOT Covered?
The following items are NOT eligible for funding under the NDIS:
Non-Eligible Consumables:
- General groceries and food
- Prescription medications
- Household cleaning products
- Cosmetic and beauty products
Why are these items excluded? NDIS only funds disability-specific products, not general living expenses.
7. How Much Funding Can You Get for NDIS Consumables?
Budget Allocation for Consumables
- Funding varies based on the participant’s individual needs and plan.
- If consumables funding is running low, participants can request a plan review.
Can You Request More Consumables Funding?
Yes. Participants can:
- Provide supporting documents from health professionals.
- Submit a request for additional funding during their plan review.
What to do if you run out of Consumables funding before the plan review?
Contact the NDIS planner or support coordinator for possible adjustments.
8. Conclusion & Next Steps
NDIS Consumables take an important part in assisting the participants in their disability-related needs on a daily basis. By understanding the features, the process of claiming them, and where to get consumables, the service providers are able to help the participants get the most out of their NDIS benefits without violating the rules.
Next Steps for NDIS Providers:
- Make sure participants purchase from the right suppliers.
- Teach participants the difference between approved and non-approved consumables
- Keep clear invoices and records to file for claims
9. FAQs – Common Questions About NDIS Consumables
NDIS Consumables are everyday items that help participants manage their disability-related needs. They fall under NDIS Core Supports and typically cover low-cost products.
You can claim Consumables based on your funding management type:
- Self-managed: Pay upfront and claim reimbursement via the NDIS portal.
- Plan-managed: Your Plan Manager handles payments and invoices.
- NDIA-managed: You must buy from NDIS-registered providers.
If you are self-managed or plan-managed, you can purchase from any supplier. However, NDIA-managed participants must use registered NDIS providers.
A complete list can be found in the NDIS Price Guide. Some providers also offer NDIS Consumables List PDFs for easy reference.
No. Consumables must be directly related to your disability support needs. General food, toiletries, and household items are not covered.
You can search for NDIS-registered providers on the NDIS website or check with your Plan Manager for recommendations.
If the item is not NDIS-approved, you won’t be reimbursed. Always check the eligibility criteria before purchasing.
Most low-cost items (under $1,500) do not require approval. However, some higher-risk assistive technology products may need an assessment.