The consumables budget is a funding category under core supports. NDIS core supports are supports that help you (the participant) with your everyday activities and personal needs so that you can work towards your goals. There are four NDIS categories within core supports, these are:
Consumables covers everyday items that you need to help you manage your disability. Consumables are items that are not super expensive, they cost up to $1500 per item.
Your NDIS consumables budget is flexible which means that it can include a range of products to help you in your everyday life and it can be increased and decreased as your needs change.
Consumables budget basics
Here are some of the things you need to know about your consumables budget:
Examples of consumable items
Continence aids
Visual or hearing aids
Physical aids
Medical
Cognitive aids
Technology
Assistive technology
There are different levels of Assistive Technology within the NDIS. Depending the level of AT, these items can be funded from your consumables budget. Let’s take a look:
Level 1 (Basic Assistive Technology)
Low-cost items that you can buy off-the-shelf, they are safe to use and they don’t require an assessment or help setting them up. Level 1 AT items can be purchased using your consumables budget. Some examples are:
Level 2 (Standard Assistive Technology)
Items that are low to medium cost, that you can buy these items off-the-shelf from an AT supplier. They are low to medium risk. They sometimes require assessments but usually for minor adjustments. For example, to adjust the height of the legs on a shower chair or position a grab rail in the right place. Level 2 AT items can be purchased using your consumables budget if they cost less than $1500. Some further examples of level 2 AT include:
Level 3 (Specialised Assistive Technology)
These are more complex and expensive items that you need to purchase through specialised stores. Level 3 AT is not part of your consumables budget. Examples of level 3 AT include:
Level 4 (Complex Assistive Technology)
Aids that are custom made to meet your needs and require professional support for assessment and prescription. Level 4 AT is not part of your consumables budget. Examples include:
How to purchase consumables
In most cases you (the participant) can pay providers directly. Items under $1500 generally do not require a quote.
We’re here to help
At InFocus, our team of Brisbane based Plan Managers and Support Coordinators are here to help you on your NDIS journey. We provide Plan Management to NDIS participants throughout Queensland and Support Coordination to NDIS participants throughout Brisbane and the greater Brisbane area.
If you’re unsure if an item is covered by NDIS funds you can:
The Australian Government has introduced the most significant changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) since its launch. These updates started rolling out in 2024 and are designed to improve accessibility, streamline processes, and better support participants. We've summarised the changes and what they may mean for you.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) recently introduced updates to its impairment notice processes, aimed at enhancing clarity, fairness, and efficiency for participants. Here’s a breakdown of what’s new, what it means, and how it might affect participants.
International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is a United Nations (UN) day observed internationally on the 3rd December each year. It aims to promote community awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability.
1800 928 437