Navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can be overwhelming at times, especially when understanding the specifics of each budget. One area that often causes confusion is the NDIS consumables budget. What exactly does it cover? How can it support your daily life? And where can you access these supports?
This NDIS consumables guide breaks things down clearly so you know what to expect and how service providers like Sunnyfield Disability Services can help you get the most out of your plan.
What are NDIS consumables?
NDIS consumables are everyday items that assist you with your disability-related needs. These are typically low-cost and low-risk products that you use regularly to support your personal care, safety, communication or independence.
Consumables fall under the Core Supports category in your NDIS plan, and the budget allocated for this is called the NDIS consumables budget.
What you can buy with your NDIS consumables budget
You may be asking, “What can I use my NDIS consumables budget for exactly?” The answer depends on your personal needs, but here are some common examples of consumables under the NDIS:
1. Daily personal care products
- Continence aids (pads, catheters, urinal bottles)
- Wipes and gloves
- Skincare or hygiene products for disability-related conditions
2. Assistance with eating and drinking
- Specialised cutlery or feeding equipment
- Non-slip mats or adaptive cups
3. Communication aids
- Picture boards
- Keyboards or touchpads
- Apps or software subscriptions that help with communication
4. Low-cost assistive technology
- Shower chairs
- Reachers and grabbers
- Kitchen or household aids for increased independence
5. Health and mobility items
- Walking frames or crutches (if low-cost)
- Thermometers, PPE, masks
- Simple orthotics or compression wear
These are just examples of NDIS consumables. Every purchase must relate directly to your disability and be reasonable and necessary. That’s where a good support provider like Sunnyfield comes in — to help you navigate the boundaries of what’s included.
How much funding do you get?
There’s no fixed amount. Your NDIS consumables budget will be based on your support needs, goals and disability. Some people may need higher levels of continence support, while others may only require communication aids.
Your NDIS plan will outline how much funding is allocated to consumables under your Core Supports. If you’re unsure, your support coordinator or plan manager can help break it down.
Do you need approval for purchases?
Most NDIS consumables don’t require pre-approval because they’re considered low risk. However, it’s always a good idea to check.
- If the item is below $1,500, you likely won’t need further approvals.
- If the product is more specialised or over the price threshold, you may need an occupational therapist assessment or a letter of support.
Try to keep all receipts in case you need to justify a purchase.
Using your NDIS consumables budget with Sunnyfield
At Sunnyfield Disability Services, we know that small everyday items can have a big impact. That’s why we support participants across NSW and the ACT in making informed choices about their consumables NDIS budget.
Our team works alongside you to:
- Identify NDIS consumables relevant to your goals
- Source safe and quality products
- Track your budget and assist with plan management
- Help you stay compliant with NDIS funding guidelines
Whether it’s continence aids, adaptive kitchen tools or assistive tech apps, we help take the guesswork out of ordering and using your NDIS consumables.
How Sunnyfield makes NDIS consumables simple
Here’s how we help clients stay on top of their consumables:
1. Support coordination
Our support coordinators help you understand your NDIS plan, including how to allocate and track consumables spending. We work with you to clarify what’s covered and what may need additional documentation.
2. Plan management
If you have Sunnyfield as your plan manager, we handle the admin for you — tracking budgets, paying invoices and staying on top of NDIS rules.
3. Community access and daily living programs
Through our hubs and daily programs, we often identify practical ways to use your NDIS consumables funding, like trialling adaptive cooking tools during Skills for Life sessions or exploring mobility aids during community outings.
Tips for getting the most from your NDIS consumables budget
- Review your needs regularly — Your needs and goals can shift over time, especially if you’re gaining new skills or becoming more independent. We’ll review your NDIS plan and consumables budget together every few months. This helps you stay aligned with what truly supports your daily life and goals.
- Ask your support provider — Don’t hesitate to reach out to your support coordinator or plan manager at Sunnyfield. We can help clarify what’s considered a consumable, check if a specific item is eligible and advise on how to make the most of your funding. Having expert guidance can prevent overspending or underusing your budget.
- Document everything — Keep copies of your receipts, invoices and any notes about why a product was purchased. If you ever need to justify a claim or request a plan review, having this information on hand makes the process smoother and faster.
- Request a plan reassessment — If your situation changes — like needing more continence supplies, communication aids or assistive tech — your current NDIS consumables budget may no longer cover what you need. In these cases, you can request a reassessment of your plan. We can help you gather evidence and submit the request to the NDIA.
Let Sunnyfield help you maximise your NDIS consumables budget
Understanding and using your NDIS consumables funding doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right guidance and a trusted provider by your side, you can make confident and informed choices that support your goals.
At Sunnyfield, we’re here to help you get the most out of your NDIS plan — everyday supports included. In addition to helping you navigate your NDIS consumables budget, we also provide core services like Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), in-home support, community access programs and employment services. These supports are designed to work together to promote independence, choice and meaningful outcomes.
Ready to make the most of your NDIS consumables? Get in touch with Sunnyfield Disability Services to learn how we can support you.
