What is Consumables funding?

What is Consumables funding?

Consumables (Category 3) appears under the CORE SUPPORTS BUDGET and is funding for items you may need improve your independence and/or mobility, such as continence products or low-cost assistive technology and equipment to Continence supports are referred to as disability-related health supports, and assist someone if they suffer from incontinence.


This category appears in the NDIA myPlace portal as 'Consumables'


Consumable examples

  • Continence Supports (incl. children under 5 years age if disability related)
  • A continence assessment from a clinical nurse
  • Everyday items such as nappies, disposal wipes and mattress protectors.
  • Access to additional support from professionals to help parents with toileting strategies,
  • Assistive technology support.
  • more expensive continence support or supports if your child has higher care needs than children of a similar-age
  • disposable urinary catheters, please refer to Continence Consumable Guide .
  • mattress protectors
  • continence pads or absorbent pull-ups or briefs
  • continence aids, such as change kits
  • support workers to help with your continence needs if you are unable to do them independently

 Home Enteral Nutrition (HEN) examples

  • HEN and Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) equipment and maintenance
  • HEN and PEG consumables such as feeding tubes and feed bags or bottles
  • a support worker if you can’t independently manage your HEN requirements, or to help with PEG maintenance and care

 Low cost Assistive technology examples (must be low, risk and less than $1500)

These are items that you only need because it helps you do things that you normally can’t do because of your disability. They must be less than $1500, safe to use/low-risk and not specialised or custom made.

It Includes items that:
  • mean you need less help from others
  • help you do things more safely or easily
  • help you to keep doing the things you need to do
  • allow you to do tasks independently
AT type
Examples
Communication or Cognitive support 
Noise cancelling headphones, lycra sheets, iPad (telehealth support), signature guide, voice to text software, electric timer toothbrush, apple watch (memory help), visual cards/cues
Personal Care & Safety
Non-slip bathmats, basic shower chairs/stool, adapted grip equipment, toilet and bathroom equipment, specialised clothing, fall alert
Vision/Hearing related
Speech-to-text app, Auslan or Signed English training, Interpretation & translation services, Wireless video doorbell, C-pen reader
Personal Mobility
Walking sticks, portable ramps, handrails, elastic shoelaces
Prosthetics & Orthotics
Prosthetics & orthotics under $1500


Supports the NDIA won't fund
  1. Continence items that are NOT related to you disability needs
  2. Pharmaceuticals & Medication
  3. Assistive technology (AT) items that would be considered medium-high risk 
  4. AT items above $1500
  5. iPads/laptops that do not meet the NDIA low-cost guidelines

How much do these supports cost?

The NDIS does not have a maximum NDIS price guide for most of these items - however not all plans are allocated funding for these items, and will need to be discussed in your NDIS planning meeting or plan review. Certain items also need to be specifically listed in your plan in order for it to be funded, for example:
  1. Phone/tablet apps
  2. Everyday household items & furniture

What if my plan does not include funding for Consumables/low cost AT?

You will need to get in touch with your NDIA planner/LAC directly to discuss undergoing a plan review to discuss your funding and review if funding can be allocated to purchase items that are required specifically for your disability related needs.


      • Related Articles

      • What low cost assistive technology items does NDIS fund?

        Low-cost assistive technology (AT) and consumables items can be purchased using CORE funding (if this has been allocated in your plan). There are number of items that you may wish to purchase, however ALL consumable/AT items must meet the NDIS ...

      • What consumables items does NDIS fund?

        Consumables are items that are used up or consumed in the course of providing supports or services to a participant. Consumables are typically small items that are used frequently and need to be replaced regularly. What type of consumable items can I ...

      • What is Younger people in residential aged care (YPIRAC) funding?

        Younger People in Residential Aged Care (YPIRAC) (Category 21) is a NEW category which appears under the CORE SUPPORTS BUDGET and is funding for a younger person living with a permanent disability (aged under 65 years) who lives in a residential aged ...

      • What is Assistive Technology funding?

        Assistive technology funding (Category 5) appears under the CAPITAL SUPPORTS BUDGET and is allocated to obtain necessary equipment and devices that assist people in performing daily activities, enhancing their independence, and improving their ...

      • What is Assistive technology, Maintenance, Repairs and Rental funding?

        Assistive technology, maintenance, repairs and rental funding (Category 19) is a NEW category which appears under the CAPITAL SUPPORTS BUDGET and is included in your plan for repairs and maintenance for assistive technology items that you are ...