When faced with challenges in completing everyday tasks, people living with a disability may be surprised to learn that qualifying NDIS Participants are able to access funding through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), for a category known as NDIS Consumables. To meet daily living needs, these items include a range of personal care, healthcare, safety, nutritional, hygiene, and supplementary products. These items may be funded through the NDIS core supports category. This is a funding category within an individual’s NDIS plan that can be utilised in a flexible way. Thereby assisting Participants with support to complete daily activities, access the community, or purchase low-cost low-risk items (Consumables) flexibly across the category provided there is a “Consumables” section within the core funding area.
Self-care, communication, and mobility comprise the three activities which are considered under limitations such as; mild, moderate, severe, and profound. The NDIS funds a wide range of supports under the classification of consumables, however, this excludes High-Risk Items that require a recommendation from an Allied health professional or maybe above the $1500 price cap, some items could include mobility aids (Walkers and wheelchairs) or toilet and bathroom aids that require customization to the individual, which are funded under Capital Support and not under Core Support category.
The NDIS provides support for those who require financial assistance to manage disabilities in several areas such as Intellectual, Physical, Sensory, Cognitive, and Psychosocial disabilities. The support offered extends to youths and adults, including children and seniors who are significantly participants ages 7 to 64 who may apply for these supports.
To provide flexibility and choice Core Supports is separated into four categories to include:
- Consumables
- Assistance with Daily Life
- Assistance with Social and Community Participation
- Transport
Consumables may be considered for funding by the NDIS if:
- Items are specifically needed and relied on daily because of the disability are considered essential.
- The items are retail items that might be used daily to manage personal activities.
- Some examples may be early childhood continence consumables, continence consumables, nutritional supplements (Home Eternal Nutrition), disposable items, hygiene consumables and even extends to translation services! If items like disposable pants and pads, compression stockings, Catheters, Step Stools, Bottle Openers, knob turners, food preparation systems, kettle stabilisers and specialised kettles are of interest, the great news is that these items are funded by the NDIS to support qualifying participants.
If you or someone you are caring for would like to determine whether the Consumable supports needed to perform daily living tasks are eligible for funding through NDIS Core Supports, please reach out to the Ability Connect Support Coordination team.
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