Table of Contents
- What are NDIS Consumables?
- NDIS Consumables: What Can I Buy?
- How Do I Make a Claim for NDIS Consumables?
What are NDIS Consumables?
NDIS consumables are everyday products that address disability-related support needs. To acquire these items, you can use your Core Supports budget, which offers flexibility for reallocating funds among various support categories based on your specific needs, regardless of the initial budget allocation.
What Can I Buy?
Within the Core category’s Consumables section, you can purchase everyday products with a maximum value of $1,500. These items are readily available at local pharmacies, supermarkets, and online retailers. However, it’s important to note that your consumables budget should be used exclusively for items directly linked to addressing your disability.
Here are some examples of consumable items that you can acquire using your NDIS funding, provided they adhere to NDIS funding guidelines:
- Incontinence supplies
- Diapers for children
- Products for home enteral nutrition
- Specialized mattresses or cushions
- Services or applications for translation or interpretation
- Products for disability-related wound care and skincare
- Low-cost assistive technology
To meet the NDIS funding criteria, the item should have a direct connection to your disability, aid in achieving your goals, and be best suited for funding or provision through the NDIS rather than other support services like healthcare or education. You might not be eligible to use your consumables budget for items unrelated to your disability, such as cosmetics or groceries.
How Do I Make a Claim for NDIS Consumables?
You have two options for handling your NDIS support payments. One option is to initiate a payment request, while the other involves using your own funds for payment and subsequently requesting reimbursement.
When it comes to NDIS consumables, it’s likely that you’ll need to pay upfront and then file a claim with your NDIS funding to get reimbursed.
If you’re self-managing your NDIS funding, you’ll be responsible for making this reimbursement claim. If you have a plan manager, they can assist you with this process.
Regardless of whether you have a plan manager or not, it’s crucial to retain your receipts. When you purchase NDIS consumables or any items that you intend to claim under your NDIS funding, these receipts—whether physical or digital—serve as evidence to support your reimbursement request.
The NDIA may also conduct audits of participants, during which they may request financial documents such as receipts and invoices to ensure that your funding is being used appropriately.
Conclusion
If you have questions about NDIS consumables or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to your support coordinator or a plan manager like Afea. They can provide valuable guidance and support throughout the process.