NDIS Consumables: What They Are and How to Claim Them
In this article
What are NDIS consumables?
NDIS consumables are everyday, low-cost products that help you manage your disability. They sit under your Core Supports budget — specifically the "Consumables" NDIS support category — and are designed to be flexible and easy to access. Unlike major assistive technology (which can require assessments and quotes), consumables are intended to be purchased as needed with minimal red tape.
Think of consumables as the items you go through regularly: continence pads, nutritional supplements, wound care dressings, or low-cost assistive tech like noise-cancelling headphones. The key word is "consumable" — these are things you use up and replace, not durable equipment that lasts for years.
NDIS Consumables: What's Included (and What's Not)
Common NDIS consumables
- Continence products — pads, catheters, bed pads, disposable gloves
- Wound and skin care — dressings, bandages, barrier creams, compression garments
- Nutrition products — prescribed thickeners, PEG feeding supplies, specialised formulas
- Low-risk assistive tech — non-slip mats, talking watches, pill organisers, weighted blankets (under certain limits)
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) — masks, gloves, aprons for support workers where related to your disability
- Communication aids — low-cost AAC tools, communication boards, symbol charts
- Sensory items — noise-cancelling headphones, fidget tools, aromatherapy diffusers (with justification)
What's generally NOT covered
- Everyday household items (toilet paper, cleaning products, food) — unless directly related to your disability and specified in your plan
- Standard over-the-counter medications and supplements (these fall under the health system)
- Cosmetics, skincare, and personal care items not related to your disability
- Items that should be funded by health (e.g. standard wound care post-surgery where the health system is responsible)
- Gym memberships, fitness equipment, or general wellness products
💡 Key rule: The NDIS funds consumables when they are directly related to your disability and are a reasonable and necessary support. If the same item would be used by someone without a disability (like standard toilet paper), it generally won't be covered.
How to claim consumables through your plan manager
If you're plan-managed, claiming consumables is straightforward. Here's the process:
- Check your plan budget — Open your NDIS plan and confirm you have a Consumables budget under Core Supports. See our guide to NDIS plan budgets if you're unsure how to read your plan. Your plan manager can also check this for you.
- Purchase the item — Buy it from a retailer or supplier. Keep the receipt or tax invoice. The invoice must show the item description, date, amount, supplier details, and your details.
- Submit the invoice to your plan manager — Email or upload the invoice through your plan manager's portal. Most plan managers process consumable claims within a few business days.
- Your plan manager pays — If you paid upfront, they reimburse you. If the supplier invoices directly, your plan manager pays the supplier from your NDIS budget.
What makes a valid invoice?
Your plan manager needs a proper tax invoice that includes: your name, the supplier's name and ABN, the date of purchase, a description of each item, the amount paid (or payable), and the total including GST (if applicable). A standard EFTPOS receipt without these details is often not sufficient — ask the supplier for a tax invoice at the time of purchase.
Common NDIS Consumables Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming everything is covered — Always check with your plan manager before making a large purchase. If an item isn't clearly related to your disability, it may be declined.
- Buying from overseas or non-registered suppliers — The NDIS requires suppliers to meet certain standards. Stick to reputable Australian-based suppliers.
- Not keeping invoices — Without a proper tax invoice, your plan manager can't process the claim. Take a photo of receipts immediately after purchase.
- Confusing consumables with assistive technology — Low-cost AT (under $1,500) sits in your Consumables budget if it's low-risk. But higher-cost AT items need a separate process — see our assistive technology guide.
- Overspending early — Your consumables budget needs to last the entire plan period. Talk to your plan manager about pacing your spending.
Consumables are one of the most flexible parts of the NDIS — and one that many participants underuse. If you're not sure whether something qualifies, ask your plan manager. A good plan manager will give you a clear answer and help you make the most of your funding.