Consumables are one of the most practical and flexible parts of your NDIS Plan. They cover everyday, low-cost items that you may require because of your disability support needs.
Since the NDIS released the new support lists in October 2024, there has been confusion around Consumables funding. We explore what’s changed, evidence needed and some common grey areas.
What are Consumables?
Consumables are the small things that make a big difference. They support daily living, personal care, safety or independence.
They are usually low-cost items that you use regularly and are directly linked to your disability needs. For details see our NDIS Consumables budget guide.
The NDIS may fund a consumable item if it’s ‘reasonable and necessary’, directly connected to your disability and considered an NDIS support.
Types of Consumables.
NDIS Consumables can include:
- Continence consumables: Pads, disposable catheters, protectors or change kits
- Enteral feeding supplies: Tube feeding products such as prescribed formula not funded by the PBS, feeding tubes, bags and PEG equipment
- Low-cost assistive technology (AT): Simple equipment under $1,500 such as jar openers, kettle tippers, talking buttons or visual schedules
- Auslan interpreting: Interpreting and translation supports to assist with everyday communication
- Other disability-related items for personal care, communication, mobility, safety and wound care.
The NDIS may also cover a wider range of supports when they’re considered reasonable and necessary, such as:
- Assistive products for personal care, safety or household tasks
- Communication and information equipment
- Prostheses and orthoses
- Hearing, mobility or vision equipment.
The NDIS will not fund:
- Standard household items, appliances or furniture
- Groceries (including cleaning and health products)
- Standard computers, accessories, consoles and games
- Standard recreational equipment including toys and balls
- Standard clothing and footwear
- Standard indoor or outdoor play equipment.
Top tip: ‘Standard’ means an item that is not modified or adapted to address your disability-specific needs.
Evidence and requirements.
Some Consumables can be purchased directly while others have specific requirements or require supporting evidence.
- Continence supports: You may be asked for quotes from suppliers to estimate annual costs. The NDIS won’t fund nappies, pull-ups, wipes or mattress protectors for children under five unless there’s a clear disability-related need.
- Enteral feeding supplies: Evidence is required to show the item is linked to your disability, is cost-effective and that other nutritional options aren’t suitable
- Low-cost AT:
- Low-risk (items that are safe and easy to use): Advice from an AT advisor is recommended before purchase.
- High-risk (items that could cause harm if not used correctly and may require personalised set-up): Written advice is required from an AT advisor such as your GP, allied health professional or a qualified AT mentor.
Common grey areas.
While the NDIS released lists of supports it may fund and won’t fund in October 2024, some items remain unclear.
Before purchasing, use the following checklist to guide your decision
- It’s listed on the approved NDIS supports list
- It’s not on the list of items that are not NDIS supports
- It directly relates to your disability
- It’s not already covered by another system like health or education
- It fits within the funding and supports outlined in your current NDIS Plan.
If unsure, check with your MyNDIS contact before buying.
Household items.
- If an item could be considered a standard household product, the NDIS is unlikely to fund it except as a replacement support. Read our story on replacement supports for more information.
- Purchasing from a disability store instead of a standard retailer doesn’t guarantee funding.
Sensory items.
- Neither list mentions sensory items specifically. However, the NDIS has generally been reluctant to pay for these supports.
- While sensory items don’t appear on the NDIS supports list, the NDIS does provide guidance on some sensory equipment
- Keep in mind that just because something is recommended by an allied health professional doesn’t mean the NDIS will fund it.
Covid-related personal protective equipment (PPE).
- The NDIS released updated guidance on PPE from 1 July 2025
- If you receive at least one hour a day of face-to-face daily living supports, you can claim the cost of PPE that you use when a disability worker is supporting you
- NDIS funds cannot be used for face masks for use outside the home or to pay for face masks for your disability support worker.
Everyday Consumables for your child.
Many parents and carers tell us they are unsure what they can spend their Consumables budget on.
Here are some examples of items you may be able to buy:
Visual supports and daily tools.
- Visual countdown timers or sand timers
- Routine charts and magnetic visual boards
- Digital reminder clocks.
Adaptive and fine motor items.
- Adaptive pencil grips or handwriting trainers
- Button hooks, zip pulls and dressing aids
- Angled cutlery, utensil straps or contoured plates.
Want to know more? Watch our video!
Need help?
Consumables may be small items but they can make a big difference to your daily life and independence. If you’re unsure what can be funded or how to prepare for your next plan meeting, Leap in! can help.
Call us on 1300 05 78 78 to find out how we can support you.
