Can the NDIS fund meal delivery?
Yes — but only the preparation and delivery part, not the food itself. Here's how the NDIS splits ready-made meal costs and what you'll still pay.
Yes, but only for part of the cost. With ready-made or delivered meals, the NDIS can fund the disability-related **preparation and delivery** component — the part you'd otherwise need help with. You still pay the ordinary **cost of the food itself**, the ingredient cost everyone pays whether or not they have a disability.
The short answer
Why the cost is split this way
When meal delivery is reasonable and necessary
How to ask, and what to expect
A realistic picture
Frequently asked questions
Does the NDIS pay the whole cost of delivered meals?
No. It funds only the preparation and delivery portion, which is the disability-related help. You pay the food (ingredient) cost yourself, because buying food is an ordinary living expense that applies to everyone.
How do providers separate the two costs?
Registered meal providers usually itemise their invoices into a food component and a preparation/delivery component. This makes it clear which part the NDIS can fund and which part you pay from your own money.
Which budget covers the preparation cost?
It comes from your Core budget under Assistance with Daily Life. Core funding is flexible, so if meal preparation is a reasonable and necessary support you can usually direct funding to it.
What if I could learn to cook instead?
The NDIS may prefer to fund capacity building to build your cooking skills, which supports more independence over time. Talk to your planner or OT about whether skills-building, delivered meals, or a mix suits you best.