What can you claim under NDIS consumables?
Short answer
NDIS consumables funding covers disability-related items you use up and replace, such as continence products, some nutrition and clinical supplies, and low-cost assistive technology generally under $1,500 per item. It does not cover everyday groceries, standard toiletries, PBS medicines or items the health system already provides.
Consumables is one of the four categories in your NDIS Core budget. It can pay for everyday items you need because of your disability.
This guide explains what consumables funding usually covers, what it does not, and how to manage the budget well. Always check your own plan and ndis.gov.au for the current rules.
What are NDIS consumables?
NDIS consumables are disability-related items that you use up and need to replace, along with low-cost assistive technology. They sit within your Core budget.
Think of things you go through regularly because of your disability, such as continence products, or simple equipment that makes daily tasks safer and easier.
The key test is whether the item relates to your disability and is reasonable and necessary. Everyday items that anyone would buy are usually not included, even if you use them often.
The four Core categories are Assistance with Daily Life, Transport, Consumables and Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation. You can learn more about how the scheme is structured on our what is the NDIS page.
What can you usually claim under consumables?
You can usually claim continence products, some nutrition and clinical supplies, and low-cost assistive technology that helps with daily living.
The table below gives common examples. Whether a specific item is claimable depends on your needs and your plan.
| Usually claimable | Usually not claimable |
|---|---|
| Continence pads, liners and related products | Everyday groceries |
| Some nutrition supplements linked to your disability | Standard toiletries such as shampoo and toothpaste |
| Some clinical supplies, such as disability-related wound care items | Medicines on the PBS |
| Non-slip mats and bath boards | Items the health system already provides |
| Adapted cutlery, plate guards and easy-grip cups | Standard household furniture and appliances |
| Shower chairs and simple mobility aids under $1,500 | General clothing and shoes with no disability-related purpose |
What is low-cost assistive technology?
Low-cost assistive technology is equipment that helps you do things more easily or safely and generally costs under $1,500 per item. It usually does not need a quote.
Examples include shower stools, grab rails that do not need building work, adapted kitchen tools, large-button phones and simple walking aids. These items can make a big difference to independence at home.
Items over $1,500, or items that need fitting or building work, usually fall under a different part of your plan and may need a quote or an assessment first.
If you are unsure whether an item suits your needs, ask your treating health team for advice. Your support worker can then help you practise using it in daily routines, like preparing a meal with adapted tools. See our meal preparation page for how that support works.
What is not covered by consumables funding?
Consumables funding does not cover everyday living costs or items another system is responsible for. Common exclusions include:
- Everyday groceries and food that anyone would buy.
- Standard toiletries and personal hygiene products.
- Medicines listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
- Items the health system provides, such as hospital supplies.
- Items that are not related to your disability.
If you are unsure, ask the NDIA, your Local Area Coordinator or your support coordinator before buying.
A useful question to ask yourself is: would I need to buy this if I did not have a disability? If the answer is yes, it is probably a day-to-day living cost and not a consumable.
Can you use your Core budget flexibly?
Yes, in most cases. Your Core budget is generally flexible across the four Core categories, unless your plan says otherwise.
This means you can often use Core funds for consumables, daily living support, transport or community participation, depending on what you need most. Some plans have stated or fixed amounts for certain items, so check your plan carefully.
For example, if you need fewer continence products than expected, you may be able to use some of that money for extra community outings. The reverse also works if your needs increase.
Keep in mind that spending more in one category leaves less for others. If you rely on Core funding for personal care or regular support hours, plan your consumables spending so you do not run short later in the plan.
How can you manage your consumables budget well?
Track what you spend, buy what you need on a regular cycle and keep receipts. A simple system helps you avoid running out of funds or products.
- List the products you use each month and roughly how much they cost.
- Work out how much of your Core budget that uses across the plan period.
- Set a regular order date so you do not run out.
- Keep invoices and receipts in one folder or app.
- Check your balance every few months and adjust if needed.
- Note any changes in your needs to raise at your next plan review.
Some suppliers offer regular delivery, which can save time and stop you running out. Compare prices, because the NDIS price limits are maximums and many products cost less.
How you pay for consumables depends on how your plan is managed. The rules on where you can buy differ between NDIA-managed, plan-managed and self-managed plans. Check ndis.gov.au for details on each option.
How can Enrichment Care help?
Enrichment Care does not sell consumables or assistive technology. We deliver core supports such as personal care, meal preparation, cleaning and life skills development, and our workers can help you use everyday aids as part of your routines.
To talk about support at home, call 1300 543 123 or get in touch.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a quote for low-cost assistive technology?
Generally no. Items under about $1,500 each are usually treated as low-cost assistive technology and do not need a quote. Higher-cost or more complex items have different rules, so check your plan and ndis.gov.au before you buy.
Can I buy continence products with my NDIS funding?
Continence products related to your disability are one of the most common consumables claims. Your plan may list them in your Core budget. Keep receipts and buy from suppliers that fit how your plan is managed.
What happens if I run out of consumables funding?
If your needs have increased, contact the NDIA to ask about a plan reassessment. In the meantime, you may be able to move Core funds from another category if your plan is flexible. Tracking spending early helps you avoid this.
This article is general information, not advice about your plan. NDIS rules and price limits change, so check ndis.gov.au or talk to your NDIS contact for current details. Last reviewed 12 August 2026.
