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Buying Health Consumables With NDIS Funding: A Practical Guide
For many NDIS participants, everyday consumables such as continence products, disposable gloves and low-cost daily living aids are a regular expense. These can often be paid for from an NDIS plan, as long as they relate to the participant's disability support needs and are included in the plan.
Key takeaways
- Consumables usually come from the Core Supports budget.
- Self-managed and plan-managed participants can use unregistered providers.
- NDIA-managed plans must use NDIS-registered providers.
- Innovation Project is a registered NDIS provider, so we can supply all three plan types.
Where consumables sit in a plan
Consumables usually come from the Core Supports budget, under the Consumables category. This can include continence products, some nutrition-related items, and low-cost, low-risk assistive products. Core funding is generally flexible, but check your plan for any stated supports or limits.
How your plan is managed changes where you can buy
| Plan management | Who you can buy from |
|---|---|
| Self-managed | Registered or unregistered providers. You pay and claim, or pay with funds from the NDIS portal. |
| Plan-managed | Registered or unregistered providers. Your plan manager pays the invoice. |
| NDIA-managed | NDIS-registered providers only. |
Check how your plan is managed before you order. If you're unsure, ask your plan manager or support coordinator.
What to keep
- A tax invoice showing the supplier, ABN, items, quantities and prices
- The participant's name and NDIS number on the invoice where possible
- Proof of payment if you're self-managed
Is it "reasonable and necessary"?
NDIS funding is for supports related to a participant's disability. Continence products for someone whose continence needs relate to their disability will usually qualify; general household items usually won't. A continence assessment or occupational therapy report can help support your choice of product.
Tips for buying well
- Buy in cartons for products you use every day. It's usually cheaper per unit and means fewer deliveries.
- Trial before you bulk-buy a new size or brand.
- Keep a buffer of a couple of weeks' supply so delivery delays don't leave you short.
How Innovation Project can help
Innovation Project is a registered NDIS provider, so we can supply participants whose plans are self-managed, plan-managed or NDIA-managed. We supply continence products, gloves, personal care and daily living aids to participants, families, plan managers and providers. Contact us for invoices with the participant's name and NDIS number, or for quotes on regular orders.
NDIS rules change from time to time. Check the current NDIS Pricing Arrangements and your plan, or speak to your plan manager.
Step-by-step: ordering consumables on a plan-managed plan
- Check your plan has Core Supports funding available.
- Choose the products and quantities you need.
- Place the order and ask for a tax invoice made out with the participant's name and NDIS number.
- Send the invoice to your plan manager, or ask the supplier to send it directly.
- Your plan manager pays the supplier from your plan.
Budgeting for a year of consumables
Work out what you use each week, multiply by 52, and compare that to your Core budget alongside your other supports. Talk to your support coordinator early if your needs change, so your plan can be reviewed before funds run short.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Ordering from an unregistered provider when the plan is NDIA-managed.
- Invoices missing the participant's details.
- Bulk-buying a product before confirming the size and fit.
- Running out because orders weren't placed with enough lead time.
Everyday supplies for NDIS participants
Continence care, gloves, personal care and daily living aids delivered Australia-wide.
Continence products →Mobility & daily living →Contact us for invoices →Frequently asked questions
Can NDIS funding be used for continence products?
Yes, continence products are commonly funded from Core Supports (Consumables) when they relate to the participant's disability and are reasonable and necessary.
Do I have to buy from an NDIS-registered provider?
Only if your plan is NDIA-managed (agency-managed). Self-managed and plan-managed participants can buy from registered or unregistered providers.
What should be on an NDIS invoice?
The supplier's name and ABN, the date, the items and quantities, prices and total, and ideally the participant's name and NDIS number.
Can I buy in bulk with NDIS funding?
Generally yes, as long as the purchase is reasonable and within your plan budget. Buying cartons of daily-use items can lower the cost per unit.
Related guides
- Pads, Pull-Ups or All-in-Ones? Choosing the Right Continence Product
- Walking Sticks, Frames or Rollators? Choosing the Right Walking Aid
- Bathroom Safety for Ageing at Home: 10 Practical Changes
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: October 2026 by the Innovation Project team.