The NDIS Consumables Budget: What Counts
The NDIS consumables budget covers everyday disability items you use up, like continence products and low-cost aids. Here's what counts and what doesn't.
Consumables is one of the quieter parts of your plan, but for many people it's used every single day — the continence products, the low-cost aids, the everyday items you go through and replace. This guide explains what the NDIS consumables budget covers, where it sits, and how to tell a consumable from everyday shopping.
Where consumables sit in your plan
What counts as a consumable
Consumables versus higher-cost equipment
What consumables doesn't cover
Buying and claiming consumables
Making your consumables funding last
Frequently asked questions
What is the NDIS consumables budget?
Consumables is a support category inside your Core budget. It funds everyday, disability-related items you use up and replace — like continence products, low-cost aids, and nutrition supplies for tube feeding — plus some low-cost assistive technology and interpreting.
Is consumables part of Core or a separate budget?
It's part of Core. Consumables is one of Core's four support categories, which means it usually shares Core's flexibility — you can often move funding between consumables and other everyday Core supports, unless a support is stated.
What's the difference between consumables and Capital AT?
Consumables are low-cost, everyday aids you often use up, like a shower stool or modified cutlery. Higher-cost, longer-lasting equipment — like a powered wheelchair — is assistive technology funded from your Capital budget and usually needs an assessment and quote.
Can I claim everyday shopping as consumables?
No. Consumables must be disability-related and reasonable and necessary. Ordinary groceries, household items and general health products everyone buys aren't consumables. The item has to be something you need specifically because of your disability.