DO YOU HAVE A CONSUMABLES BUDGET QUESTION?

Do you have a Consumables budget question? Ask a plan manager!

When it comes to getting the most out of your child’s NDIS Plan, understanding the different budgets and what they cover is really important. The Consumables budget sits under Core supports and funds everyday items related to your child’s disability needs.

Experienced Leap in! plan manager, Tabitha, has a wealth of knowledge about Consumables and answers some of your questions so you can use your child’s Consumables budget with confidence.

Can you briefly explain the Consumables budget?

The Consumables budget funds the purchase of “reasonable and necessary” everyday items required to manage personal disability-related needs. Most of these items will be “off the shelf” and readily available from a store or online.

What are the essential things I need to know about the Consumables budget?

There are three fundamental things you need to know about Consumables funding:

1.     Your NDIS Consumables budget can be used to purchase items valued up to $1500.

2.     The best part about the Consumables budget is that it’s flexible. Once an amount is allocated, you can choose how to spend it – providing it relates to your child’s disability support needs and meets the reasonable and necessary test.

3.     Keep track of your expenses. It’s good to have an idea of how you’d like to spread your Consumables budget over the life of your plan, that way you won’t be caught short at the end of your plan. When you have Leap in! plan management, you can use the Leap in! app to track your child’s expenses and ensure their funding lasts throughout the year.

Can you only buy disposable items with Consumables funding?

Great question! Consumables may include single-use disposable items such as absorbent pads and specialised food supplements, as well as many other things that are not single-use, such as eating aids, modified cups and some personal care items.

What types of things can you buy with Consumables funding?

Examples of the things you might be able to purchase with your NDIS Consumables budget include:

·        Continence products (subject to the age-requirements being met)

·        Catheters

·        Absorbent products and pads

·        Disability-related wound and skincare

·        Pumps and syringes for home enteral nutrition purposes

·        Food preparation products

·        Modified eating aids

·        Specialised mattresses and pillows

·        Personal care and safety products

·        Telephone or video interpreting

·        Auslan or signed English training

·        Vision or hearing-related low-cost assistive technology.

Can I buy nappies with NDIS Consumables funding?

There is some confusion around whether it’s ok to purchase nappies and other continence products for children with NDIS funding. The NDIS won’t cover day-to-day living costs that most people have to pay for. As Australian families typically pay for nappies, pull-ups and wipes for young children, the answer to this question depends on age. 

For children under five: The NDIS may only fund nappies, wipes and other associated items if the child has a disability which means they have higher needs than children of similar age or require urinary catheters. 

For children aged five and over: As most children are toilet trained by this age, a child may meet the criteria if continence supports are still needed because of a developmental delay or disability. 

Does Consumables funding cover vitamins and medications?

No. Everyday vitamins, medicines or prescription medications are not usually funded by the NDIS. This includes supports for health issues not related to a disability including eating disorders, food allergies and diabetes.

However, if a health professional prescribes nutritional supplements or thickener products related to your child’s disability, you may be able to claim them on their NDIS Consumables budget. The NDIS may also fund Home Enteral Nutrition (HEN) formula and associated equipment if your child gets all, or part, of their nutrition from HEN.

Where can I purchase Consumables for my child?

Consumables can be purchased from shops such as chemists and supermarkets or online. NDIS consumables providers can be registered or unregistered. In most cases, NDIS participants can pay providers directly. Items under $1500 generally don’t require a quote.

Do you have a question you’d like us to answer in the next edition of Source Kids? We’d love to hear from you. Send your question to [email protected]

Leap in! is Australia’s leading NDIS plan manager and proudly not-for-profit. Get support to manage your child’s NDIS plan and tailored advice from a team experienced in the NDIS and the Early Childhood Approach. Call 1300 05 78 78, email [email protected] or visit www.leapin.com.au to learn more about Leap in! plan management.