Ask a Plan Manager: Do you have a Consumables budget question?
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When it comes to getting the most out of your child’s NDIS Plan, understanding the different budgets and what they cover is really important. The Consumables budget sits under Core supports and funds items related to your child, teen or young adult’s everyday disability needs.
Experienced Leap in! plan manager Amy has a wealth of knowledge about Consumables and answers some of your questions so you can use this budget with confidence.
Can you briefly explain the Consumables budget?
The Consumables budget funds everyday items you may need because of your disability support needs. For example, continence products or low-cost assistive technology and equipment to improve your independence and/or mobility.
What are the essential things I need to know about the Consumables budget?
Your NDIS Consumables budget can be used to purchase items valued at up to $1500.
1. Your Consumables budget gives you choice in how you spend it, as long as the items meet the NDIS ‘reasonable and necessary’ criteria and are on the ‘Supports that are NDIS supports’ list. Items on the ‘Supports that are not NDIS supports’ list cannot be purchased with NDIS funds.
2. Keep track of your expenses. It’s good to have an idea of how you’d like to spread your Consumables budget over the life of your plan, that way you won’t be caught short at the end of your plan. When you have Leap in! plan management, you can use the Leap in! app to track your spending, so funding lasts throughout the year.
Can you only buy disposable items with Consumables funding?
Great question! Consumables may include single-use disposable items such as absorbent pads and specialised food supplements (where approved), as well as many other things that are not single-use, such as eating aids, modified cups and some personal care items.
What types of things can you buy with Consumables funding?
The NDIS recently released two lists – one details what can be purchased with NDIS funding and one that outlines what cannot be purchased with NDIS funding. You can find the lists at ourguidelines.ndis.gov.au/would-we-fund-it/what- does-ndis-fund.
Examples of the things you might be able to purchase with your NDIS Consumables budget include:
- Some personal care and safety products
- Modified foods, pumps and syringes for home enteral nutrition
- Disability-related wound and skincare
- Modified or adaptive clothing
- Consumable items needed for maintenance or use of an assistive product
- Modified eating aids
- Products to manage incontinence such as nappies, disposal wipes and mattress protectors
- Telephone or video interpreting
- Auslan or signed English training
- Vision or hearing-related low cost assistive technology.
What is a ‘replacement support’?
In some cases, you can request a replacement support for items generally not funded by the NDIS. You must apply for and get NDIA approval before buying these items. There are two categories for replacement supports – standard household items, or smart devices for accessibility or communication. For more information and how to request a replacement support visit the NDIS website (ourguidelines.ndis.gov.au/would-we-fund-it/what-does-ndis- fund).
Can I buy nappies with NDIS Consumables funding?
For children under five: The NDIS will fund nappies, wipes and other associated items if the child has a disability-related medical condition which means they have higher needs than children of similar age or require urinary catheters.
For children aged five and over: If continence supports are still needed because of a developmental delay or disability they are likely to meet the NDIS criteria for funding.
Does Consumables funding cover vitamins and medications?
No. Everyday vitamins, medicines, prescription medications, sport supplements and homeopathic medicines are not funded by the NDIS. This includes supports for health issues not related to a disability including eating disorders, food allergies and diabetes. We always recommend that you reach out to your NDIS contact to discuss your child’s disability-related nutritional support needs.
Where can I purchase Consumables for my child?
Consumables can be purchased from shops such as chemists and supermarkets or online. NDIS consumables providers can be registered or unregistered. Items under $1500 generally don’t require a quote.
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Leap in! is a two-time winner of the Most Outstanding Plan Management Award (2023 and 2024). Speak to us about how we can make a difference for you. Call 1300 05 78 78 or email [email protected] to learn more about Leap in! plan management.
