Consumables are one of the most practical parts of your NDIS Plan. They cover everyday, low-cost items you may need because of your disability.
Knowing what you can claim and what evidence you need isn’t always straightforward. This guide walks you through the claiming process and highlights common grey areas so you know what to check before you buy.
Consumables vs low-cost AT: What’s the difference?
You may hear consumables and low-cost AT used interchangeably. Both are paid from the Consumables budget, which are part of Core supports. If you’re plan managed or self-managed, you can use this funding flexibly.
Consumables are everyday, low-cost items you use regularly because of your disability. Think continence products, enteral feeding supplies or wound care supplies.
Low-cost assistive technology (AT) refers to simple equipment under $1,500 that helps you with daily tasks. These sit within the Consumables budget due to their low-cost, even though they’re technically AT.
The distinction matters because low-cost AT may have additional evidence requirements depending on risk level.
Can I claim this?
Ask yourself:
- Is it on the NDIS list of approved supports?
- Is it related to your disability?
- Is it absent from the list of items that aren’t NDIS supports?
- Does it fit within your current NDIS Plan?
- Is it funded somewhere else, such as the PBS or the Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme?
If the answer is yes to questions one to four, and no to question five, it’s likely to be claimable. If you’re unsure, it’s always worth checking before you buy.
Good to know. The NDIS will not fund standard household items, groceries, standard computers or electronics, standard clothing, or indoor and outdoor play equipment. ‘Standard’ means an item that hasn’t been modified or adapted to meet your disability-related needs.
Who decides what I can claim?
The NDIA makes the final call on whether a support is considered ‘reasonable and necessary’ under your plan. Your NDIS Planner or Local Area Coordinator can help guide you. For low-cost AT, an AT advisor can play an important role in confirming whether a product is suitable for your needs. Ongoing expenses, like continence consumables, enteral feeding supplies or low-cost orthotics, should ideally be written into your plan.
Important. An AT advisor can be your GP, occupational therapist or a qualified AT mentor.
What evidence do I need?
| Support type | Evidence requirements |
|---|---|
| Continence consumables | Quotes or information about expected annual costs may be required. You may be asked to supply a continence assessment by a continence nurse or similar. 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. This may include an assessment by a dietitian, speech therapist, or similar. |
| Low-cost AT (low risk) that are generally safe and easy to use without personalised set-up | Advice from an AT advisor is not required but still recommended before you buy anything. |
| Low-cost AT (higher risk) that could cause harm if not set up or used correctly. | Written advice from an AT advisor or assessor is required. |
What happens if I buy something that isn’t an NDIS support?
If you purchase an item that doesn’t meet the NDIS criteria, your funding cannot be used to pay for it. You’ll need to cover the cost yourself.
This is why it’s important to check before you buy. If you’re plan managed, the Leap in! Crew can help you understand what’s claimable under your plan.
Common grey areas.
Even with the NDIS support lists in place, some items regularly cause confusion. Here are a few real-life examples our team hears about often.
Household items.
Simple disability-specific equipment under $1,500, like electric jar openers, kettle tippers, talking buttons or visual schedules, may be claimable if you need them because of your disability. Items such as iPads, Google Nest devices, robot vacuums and food processors are not claimable.
Sensory items.
The NDIS support lists don’t specifically mention sensory items. However, the NDIS has historically been reluctant to fund these and considers most sensory items to be everyday household items, or play equipment, which are excluded.
PPE.
If you receive at least one hour a day of face-to-face daily living supports inside your home, you may be able to claim PPE you use while your disability support worker is providing those supports.
Good to know. You may be able to claim excluded items where they’ve been approved as a Replacement support. Read ‘NDIS replacement supports: What they are and how they work.’
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 with your Consumables budget?
If you need help working out what’s claimable under your plan, reach out to the Leap in! Crew. Call 1300 05 78 78, email us or chat on our website. Not a Member yet? Sign up to Leap in! plan management today.
Initially published 2 September 2025. Updated 14 July 2026.
