Consumables and Core funding – Aimed to help you meet your goals, not fund your Christmas stocking

Those with an NDIS package will likely be familiar with the consumables budget in their plan. Often participants choose to self manage this budget for ease of purchasing from non registered NDIS providers. 

This budget allows purchases of items under $1500 to be claimed from the NDIS plan without a report or support from their allied health specialist e.g an OT.

Unfortunately this budget is often used to purchase items that it shouldn’t be used for. 

The NDIS website says “Consumables are 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.’’

The examples it gives include:

–       Continence items e.g nappies, gloves, wipes

–       Feeding equipment e.g specialised feeding products.

–       Daily living gadgets e.g a shower chair, build up cutlery, non slip mat.

The NDIS also says “People use equipment, technology and devices every day to make their lives easier. When we talk about assistive technology, we mean equipment, technology and devices that help you do things you can’t do because of your disability. Or, things that help you do something more easily or safely. Assistive technology involves things designed to improve your daily life and help you do everyday things.”

It is important to only use the core budget to fund items that you need because you have a disability, and not items that anyone, or a person without a disability would also need. 

Some examples of items that could be purchased as a consumable include:

–       Wheelchair components such as a replacement headrest, cushion etc.

–       A shower chair or stool

–       A large font/ button computer keyboard

–       Easy access/ zip shoes

–       Kitchen gadgets such as a tipper kettle, handy cutting board, can opener etc.

Unfortunately I frequently see clients requesting or claiming items that are daily living expenses that all people would need to self fund e.g.

–       Microwave – most people have a microwave in their home

–       Toys – all parents need to purchase their children toys

–       Phone/ Tablet/ iPad – This one is a bit controversial – in 2023 most people have a smart phone or tablet. These can be purchased from about $100 at BIGW etc. These will video call, hook onto apps like facebook, play games etc. As such items like an iPad are rarely justifiable as an NDIS expense, unless needed for specialist communication software such as Proloquotogo. Rationale such as – playing games to keep in touch with friends, using the calendar to remind someone to do daily activities etc are not justifiable!

–       Car servicing – everyone needs to maintain their own vehicle

–       Bed sheets – most people prefer a soft bed sheet, as such NDIS are not responsible for funding luxurious sheets

–       Fencing for the home – all homes are generally fenced for safety and security, especially if you have kids. 

–       Stick vacuum – we all need a vacuum in the home. Stick vacuums are pretty standard now and can be purchased for about $100 at BIGW. These make life easier for everyone – not just those with a disability.

It is important to remember that NDIS can audit participants on what they have used their funds for to claim. If NDIS find you have purchased something that was not deemed by them as reasonable and necessary, they will force you to repay the funds back to them. 

This is why it’s usually a good idea to run low cost expenses past your OT, Coordinator or other allied health therapist before purchasing to ensure that NDIS are the best funding option. Of course there are always exceptions to the above and sometimes a mainstream item can be beneficial to a person with a disability – so always best to bring this up and discuss with your support team.