NDIS PACE Budget | 03 - Consumables (Core) – Kismet

What is "Consumables" funding?

Consumables is a support category under the Core budget in a participant’s NDIS plan. Consumables are products used regularly that assist with your disability-related needs. They are typically low-cost and do not require a quote or prior approval. This category also encompasses low-cost assistive technology (AT) items, generally under $1,500 .

All NDIS plans are built to meet individual needs and the included supports will vary. Your My NDIS Contact is responsible for ensuring you understand how your plan can be utilised. The NDIS considers requests based on whether the support is related to your disability and whether it meets the NDIS Reasonable and Necessary Guidelines.

The following information is a guide to assist you understand some support options in this NDIS support category to assist you in your decision-making.

✅ Typically Funded ⚠️ May Require NDIS Approval ❌ Not NDIS Funded

What Does This Budget Cover?

Consumables (Support Category 3) funding provides access to consumable products which are essentially disability-related and required for personal care, support participant wellbeing or increase participant's capacity. Consumables funding can fund a range of supports, including:

Support Type	Sample Supports
✅ Continence Products	General Continence: Pads, catheters, pull-ups, wipes Menstrual management supports (adaptive products, period underwear)
✅ Nutritional Products	Home Enteral Nutrition (HEN) formulas, thickening agents
✅ Personal Care & Safety	Non-slip bath mats Assistive products for self-care (e.g. shower stools, bed pans, urinals, modified cutlery, dressing aids) Furniture or products to support movement, positioning, and safety (e.g. safety chairs, stools, transfer aids) Visual and tactile alerting systems Modified eating and drinking utensils (e.g. tipping kettles, jar openers) Visual supports
✅ Communication Aids	Communication Aids Text-to-speech software, large print labels
✅ Increase Independence	Modified cutlery, talking clocks Products for the preparation of food and drink (e.g., adaptive kitchen utensil) Products to assist with house cleaning, gardening, or laundry (e.g., adapted mops, gardening tools)
✅ Disability-Related Health Supports	Assistive products to manage: Dysphagia: e.g. food thickeners, modified utensils Diabetes: e.g. glucometers, sharps containers Continence: e.g. continence pads, catheters Wound and pressure care: e.g. dressings, specialised creams Respiration: e.g. nebulisers, respiratory aids Nutrition: e.g. nutritional supplements (only where disability-related) Podiatry and foot care: e.g. specialised footwear or foot care products Seizures: e.g. seizure mats or monitoring devices

Rarely Funded (NDIS Approval Required)

This supports are only funded under exceptional circumstance. These supports would only be included if they were listed in your NDIS Plan or written confirmation from your My NDIS Contact or NDIS Delegate was obtained:

Support Type	Sample Supports
⚠️ Disability-Related Health Supports	Nutritional supplements recommended as part of disability management Nappy bin hire for continence needs Air purifiers linked to disability-related respiratory needs Pain Management devices such as TENS machines or specific therapeutic items
⚠️ Personal Care & Safety	Modified foods including PEG feeding requirements. Portable ramps and handrails. Personal alarms, sensor mats. Alarm monitoring subscriptions. CPAP machines (case by case). Heat packs for pain relief. Wheelie walkers. Sensory Items Sensory mats, weighted products Specialist safety equipment or furniture not previously funded.
⚠️ Household Items	Therapeutic bedding, e.g specialist pillow Lift support Recliner or lift chairs Air conditioning (where related to disability)

🔗 Items such as household appliances (e.g. washing machine, lift chair) and assistive technology support (e.g. apps, tablets, phones, headphones) may be able access these supports as a Replacement Support. NDIS application applies.

🔗 Wanting Support Not In My NDIS Plan

What It Doesn’t Cover

This funding is not for:

Support Type	Sample Supports
❌ Household Supports	Internet, landline, and mobile phone plans and data Water filters, purifiers, or aerators Standard household furniture and fittings (e.g., lounges, beds, fire alarms, blinds) Standard household appliances and replacements (e.g., dishwashers, fridges, washing machines, non-modified kitchen utensils) Security cameras, alarms Standard bedding, pillows, floor rugs General food preparation utensils unless specifically adapted for disability needs
❌ Personal Care & Safety	Standard toiletries and hygiene products (soap, shampoo, deodorant) KISA phones, Fitbits Consumable personal care items not specifically related to disability
❌ Cognitive and Communication	Technology and Communication Devices: Internet devices such as modems, routers, landline phones, mobile phones (including smartphones), and related accessories. Tablets, iPads, and standard computers. Internet, landline, and mobile phone plans or data costs. Entertainment and Education Tools: Standard gaming consoles and subscription services (e.g., Netflix, gaming). Musical instruments and music-related products. General education resources, including personalised learning materials, modified computer hardware, educational software Health-Related Consumables: Non-prescription medicines, vitamins, weight loss products, homeopathic remedies, and sport supplements.
❌ Clothing, Accessories and Beauty Related	Standard Clothing: Non-modified, non-adaptive clothing that is typical for anyone in the community. Jewellery and Watches: This includes standard jewellery and smart watches. Makeup and Cosmetic Products: Includes makeup, cosmetic treatments, cosmetic accessories, and any services for beauty enhancement. Hair Treatments and Services: Hair styling, dyeing, extensions, threading, weaving, hair replacements, transplants, and wigs.
❌ Health Related	Medications/Pharmaceuticals: Includes both prescription and over-the-counter medicines such as Panadol, Nurofen, CBD oil, Ural, vitamins, weight-loss products Dental care General health items not directly related to disability Webster pack contents Weight loss supplements Alternative therapies not evidence-based or not directly related to the functional impact of disability
❌ Sensory Items	Standard indoor/outdoor play equipment Weighted blankets for children under 6 years Standard sensory items, e.g. fidgets, balls, chewy's Non-disability related sensory items, e.g. electric toothbrushes or standard sunglasses.

🔗 Items such as household items and assistive technology support (apps, tablets, phones, headphones) may be able access these supports as a Replacement Support. NDIS application applies.

🔗 Full listing - Not NDIS Funded Supports

❗Important Information

It's important to ensure consumable products are included in a NDIS plan or would be processed by your Plan Manager prior to purchase, otherwise these may not be able to be paid. Most of these supports are accessed through specialist disability stores.
Participants can use funds flexibly across most Core categories, but it’s important to confirm if any funding is stated or category-specific in the plan.

🔗 Navigating Your NDIS Plan - Key Information and Support
Items such as household appliances (e.g. washing machine, lift chair) and assistive technology support (e.g. apps, tablets, phones, headphones) may be able access these supports as a Replacement Support. NDIS application applies.
Spending your NDIS Plan as intended by the NDIS is vital to ensure you are receiving the right supports to meet your goals, that your funding lasts for the duration of your plan, and that the NDIS remains sustainable for all participants now and in the future. Personal liabilities also apply for funds not spent as intended.

Essential checklist for spending your NDIS Plan as intended:

✅ Know Your Goals

✅ Understand Budget Categories

✅ Be Aware of Stated Supports

✅ Know Your Funding Periods

✅ Spend in Line with the Plan

🔗 Your Role In Managing Your NDIS Budget

Want Further Support?

If you're wanting some more advice to ensure you're spending within the plan, the best point of contact is your 'My NDIS Contact' who has access to the most accurate information. Your Plan Manager or Support Coordinator can also assist in understanding the basics of your NDIS Plan.