NDIS Consumables Support Explained – Everything You Need to Know

Consumables is a category of Core Support that focuses on everyday items and low-cost assistive technology. Unlike capital investments or complex equipment, Consumables are about purchasing the daily products that help you manage your disability-related needs.

That might include buying continence aids, nutritional supplements, wound care products or small devices that increase your independence. The key difference is that Consumables are items you “use up” or low-cost items you buy off-the-shelf to make daily life easier.

This guide explains what Consumables is intended to help with, what it looks like in everyday life and how the funding usually works. By the end, you’ll know whether this support fits your situation and what to do next.

What are Consumables Supports Under the NDIS?

Consumables sit within the Core Supports budget and are intended to help participants access low-cost, disability-related items and products used in everyday life.

In practical terms, this usually means purchasing items that are “used up” over time (or need frequent replacement) to support safety, hygiene, health and independence.

Common examples of consumables can include:

Continence products (for example, continence aids and related supplies).
Skin care items and wound care products (for example, dressings and disability-related skin protection products).
Modified eating aids (for example, adaptive utensils that support safer, more independent meals).

Consumables support is often described as a flexible budget category but purchases still need to meet the NDIS reasonable and necessary requirements and must be disability-related (not everyday items anyone would buy, like groceries or standard toilet paper).

In your NDIS plan and the myplace portal, this appears under the Core Supports budget as the support category Consumables (Category 03).

Who Benefits from Consumables Supports?

Consumables are for people who have functional needs that require specific products to manage daily life safely. Consumables suits those who need regular supplies or simple aids to maintain their independence.

This support may be a good fit if you:

Require daily use of continence aids or catheter supplies
Need specialised nutritional formula or thickeners for swallowing difficulties
Use single-use medical supplies for wound care or respiratory support
Need simple, off-the-shelf technology to help with mobility or communication
Have varying daily needs that require flexible purchasing options
Are managing a condition that requires ongoing product maintenance or replacement

Consumables support is ideal for daily management where you need specific products to stay healthy and independent but don’t need major equipment.

What Consumables Support Can Help With Day-to-Day

Consumables provide access to the essential items that keep your daily routine running smoothly. The focus is on your personal health and safety, ensuring you have the right products to manage your disability.

Depending on your arrangement, Consumables can help with:

Personal hygiene: Pads, pull-ups, catheters and bedding protection for continence management
Nutrition and swallowing: Thickener, nutritional formula and feeding pumps or syringes
Daily independence: Modified cutlery, jar openers, button hooks or non-slip mats
Safety and protection: Protective helmets, limb protectors or specialised wound dressings
Technology and communication: Simple text-to-speech devices, large-button phones or sensory regulation items

Consumables support is typically for ongoing needs, allowing you to purchase items instantly or order them regularly to ensure you never run out.

How Consumables Supports are Funded Through the NDIS

Consumables sit within the Core Supports budget of your NDIS plan, under Support Category 03.

Consumables funding is flexible:

Core Flexibility: Most Consumables funding is flexible, meaning you can often use unspent funds from other Core categories (like ‘Assistance with Daily Life’) to buy consumables.
Low-Cost AT Limit: You can generally spend up to $1,500 per item on low-cost assistive technology without a quote or assessment, provided it is safe and disability-related.

Not every plan includes a specific Consumables line item. However, most participants with a Core budget can access this funding flexibly for eligible items.

What Consumables funding covers:

Disability-related products like continence aids and wound care
Low-cost assistive technology (under $1,500)
Delivery costs for these disability-related items

What it does NOT cover:

General groceries or food (unless it is specialised enteral nutrition)
Prescription medication (PBS) or vitamins
Cosmetics, standard toiletries or general household items

If unsure about your Consumables funding, check your plan or speak with your Support Coordinator.

How Care Decisions Helps You Find the Right Relationships Supports Providers

Care Decisions is not a directory. We are a free, independent service that helps people find disability support providers matched to their needs, NDIS plan and location.

We take the time to understand what you want your living arrangement to look like and what kind of support would help you get there. We then prepare a personalised shortlist of providers with experience in Individualised Living Options.

There is no cost to you and no pressure to choose a particular provider. You remain in control of the decision at every step.

How It Works

Finding the right NDIS provider shouldn’t be overwhelming. We make it easier by connecting you with dependable, available support services that meet your needs. Our FREE service takes the hassle out of the search. Here’s how it works.

Step 1

Let’s Get Started

Share your support needs, goals, location, and preferences with your dedicated NDIS matching specialist. We’ll help you find the right providers to suit your unique situation.

Step 2

Get a Tailored Provider Options Report

Our team of trained local NDIS support specialists create a personalised report, showing only NDIS providers who are available and matched to your specific requirements, location, and the type of support you’re looking for.

Step 3

Let Us Help You Make the Most of Your NDIS Plan

Once we have sent a list of options, providers will then be in touch. We’ll also help you understand how the NDIS works, how to get the most value from your allocated budget, and how to maximise the care and support available to you. We can also assist you in comparing provider pricing and service options.

Common Questions About Consumables Support

What is the difference between Consumables and Capital Supports?

Consumables generally covers low-cost, off-the-shelf items (usually under $1,500) and single-use products. Capital Supports fund complex, high-cost equipment like custom wheelchairs or hoists that require a specific assessment.

Does Consumables pay for groceries or medicines?

No. The NDIS does not fund everyday items like standard food and toiletries, nor does it cover prescription medication or vitamins (which are often covered by the PBS).

Do I need a quote for items under $1,500?

Can I use my other Core funding for Consumables?

Yes. Core budgets are typically flexible. If you run out of specific Consumables funding, you can usually use funds from ‘Assistance with Daily Life‘ or ‘Social and Community Participation‘ to purchase eligible items.

Can I buy Consumables from regular stores (like chemists)?

Yes. You do not always need to use a registered disability provider. If you are self-managed or plan-managed, you can often buy eligible items from chemists, supermarkets or online stores and claim the money back (or send the invoice to your plan manager).