Consumables

Everyday disability-related items you use up and replace, like continence products or low-cost aids.

What it means

Consumables is a support category within your Core budget for everyday, disability-related items that you use up and replace regularly. The key idea is in the name: these are things that get used and need buying again, rather than a one-off piece of equipment that lasts for years. Common examples include continence products, low-cost assistive technology, and interpreting-related items. Because they are generally lower cost, consumables can often be bought without a detailed assessment, which makes them a practical, flexible part of your plan. They are meant to be linked to your disability and to help you manage everyday tasks and needs.

In practice

As part of Core, consumables funding is usually flexible, so you can buy what you need when you need it rather than working to a fixed shopping list. Low-cost assistive technology can also sit in this category, covering smaller, inexpensive items that help you do everyday things more easily. The general expectation is that a consumable is disability-related, reasonable and necessary, and helps you rather than being an everyday cost anyone would have. Keep receipts and records of what you buy, especially if your plan is self-managed or plan-managed, so your spending is clear. If you are not sure whether a particular item counts as a consumable, or how much to set aside, your support coordinator or plan manager can help you plan for the year.

A real example

For example, Daniel uses continence products every day and also needed a simple non-slip mat and a large-grip cutlery set to eat more independently. He bought these from his consumables funding within his Core budget without needing a detailed assessment, and kept the receipts so his plan manager could keep track of the spending.

Consumables — FAQs

What sort of items are consumables?
Consumables are everyday, disability-related items you use up and replace regularly. Common examples include continence products, low-cost assistive technology, and interpreting-related items. The defining feature is that they get used up and need buying again, rather than being a lasting piece of equipment. They are generally lower cost and help you manage everyday tasks and needs linked to your disability.
Do I need an assessment to buy consumables?
Often no. Because consumables are generally lower cost, they can often be bought without a detailed assessment, which makes them a flexible part of your plan. The general expectation is simply that the item is disability-related, reasonable and necessary, and genuinely helps you. If you are unsure about a particular item, your support coordinator or plan manager can guide you.
Which budget do consumables come from?
Consumables is a support category within your Core budget. Core is usually the more flexible part of a plan, so consumables funding generally lets you buy what you need when you need it, rather than following a fixed list. This flexibility is helpful for items that you use up and replace at different rates through the year.
Is low-cost assistive technology a consumable?
Low-cost assistive technology can sit in the consumables category. This covers smaller, inexpensive items that help you do everyday things more easily, such as simple aids around the home. Because they are low cost, they can often be bought without a detailed assessment. If you are unsure whether an item fits, your support coordinator or plan manager can advise.
Should I keep records of what I buy?
Yes, keeping receipts and records is a good habit, especially if your plan is self-managed or plan-managed. Clear records show your spending is disability-related and reasonable, and make it easier to plan for the rest of the year. Your plan manager or support coordinator can help you track consumables spending and work out how much to set aside.

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