NDIS Consumables Guide 2026: What is Funded vs. Not Funded?
In 2026, NDIS Consumables are everyday items required to manage a disability-related need. Under the Section 10 NDIS Support Rules, these are primarily “Core Supports” designed for independence and hygiene. To be funded, an item must be “reasonable and necessary” and directly related to your specified impairment.
At Nurse Aid Australia, we help you allocate and manage your consumables budget within the PACE system to ensure you comply with the latest National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) guidelines.
What is on the NDIS Approved Consumables List for 2026?
To qualify for funding, approved supporters must align with your NDIS plan goals and evidence-based therapy requirements. The Section 10 NDIS supports list defines these allowable expenses.
Section 10 Approved Items
Personal Care & Continence (Most Common)
- Continence Aids: Nappies, pull-ups, adult briefs, and swim nappies.
- Urinary Products: Catheters, drainage bags, valves, and urinal bottles.
- Protective Items: Washable and disposable bed pads (chux) and mattress protectors.
- Hygiene Essentials: Specialized wipes, sterile gloves, and barrier creams for skin integrity.
Disability-Related Health & Wound Care
- Wound Management: Sterile dressings, bandages, surgical tape, and gauze.
- Respiratory Supports: Consumables for ventilators, CPAP machines (filters/masks), and nebulizers.
- Diabetes Management: Alcohol swabs and specialized lancets (Note: Insulin remains under the PBS).
- Podiatry/Foot Care: Specialized medical-grade orthotics and pressure-relief padding.
Specialized Nutrition (HEN/PEG)
- Enteral Nutrition: Feeding tubes, syringes, and giving sets for PEG/NASO-gastric feeding.
- Thickening Agents: Fluid thickeners for participants with dysphagia.
- Prescribed Supplements: Specialized nutritional formulas that substitute or supplement meals due to medical necessity.
Low-Cost Assistive Technology (Under $1,500)
- Kitchen & Dining: Adaptive cutlery, one-handed chopping boards, and weighted cups.
- Bathroom Safety: Non-slip bath mats, shower stools, and portable grab bars.
- Mobility Aids: Walking sticks, crutches, and ferrules for frames.
- Daily Independence: Reachers, long-handled shoehorns, and dressing aids.
Sensory & Communication Tools
- Emotional Regulation: Weighted blankets, fidget tools, and sensory “chew” jewelry.
- Communication: Basic picture boards (PECS), Braille labels, and hearing aid batteries.
- Accessibility Software: Subscriptions for text-to-speech apps or communication software.
What is NOT on the NDIS Consumables List for 2026?
The NDIS prohibited items list contains supports excluded from funding because they are considered general living costs or are covered by the public health system.
Section 10 Not Approved Items
General Food & Groceries
- Standard Groceries: Bread, milk, vegetables, and meat.
- Takeaway & Delivery: Fast food, restaurant meals, and delivery fees.
- Alcohol & Tobacco: Beer, wine, spirits, cigarettes, and vapes.
- Exceptions: Only specialized nutritional products (PEG/HEN) are allowable.
Everyday Toiletries & Cosmetics
- Standard Hygiene: Regular shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, and soap.
- Beauty Products: Makeup, perfumes, hair dye, and skincare unrelated to a clinical condition.
- Salon Services: Haircuts, manicures, and tattoos.
Standard Clothing & Jewelry
- Fashion Items: Regular shoes, jeans, and formal wear.
- Jewelry: Rings, necklaces, and non-adaptive watches.
- Note: Only Modified/Adaptive Clothing (e.g., magnetic buttons) is eligible.
Health & Medical Costs (Medicare Responsibility)
- Prescription Medication: Any medicine under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
- Medical Gaps: Gap payments for GP visits.
- Wellness Products: General multivitamins and weight-loss shakes.
Household Appliances & Furniture
- Whitegoods: Standard fridges, washing machines, and dishwashers.
- General Furniture: Standard beds, mattresses, and sofas.
- Kitchen Tools: Kettles, toasters, and air fryers (unless approved as a replacement support).
Technology & Entertainment
- Personal Devices: Standard smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
- Subscriptions: Internet plans, Netflix, or Spotify.
- Entertainment: Tickets to movies, concerts, or sporting events.
NDIS Supports: Funded vs. Prohibited Items (Comparison Table)
Support Category | Approved NDIS Supports (In) | Prohibited Items (Out) |
Personal Care | Catheters, Absorbent Pads | Standard Soap, Toothpaste |
Health | Specialized Wound Dressings | Prescription Medications (PBS) |
Nutrition | PEG/HEN Specialized Formula | General Groceries, Takeaway |
Technology | Communication Apps (AAC) | Standard Smartphone |
Living | Adaptive Cutlery | Standard Air Fryer |
What is an NDIS Replacement Support?
An NDIS replacement support allows you to purchase an item from the prohibited list (like a smartwatch) instead of an approved support if it provides better value for money. According to the NDIS substitution rules for consumables, a replacement support must:
- Replace an existing support in your plan.
- Achieve the same or better outcomes.
- Cost the same or less than the original item.
You must request and verify approval from the Agency before you spend your funding on these items.
How to Manage Your Consumables Budget in the PACE System
The PACE system introduces funding periods to help you budget effectively. Your core support budget is often distributed in 3-month blocks to ensure your funds rollover correctly and do not run out early.
- Monitor: Check your myplace portal regularly to review unused funds.
- Reconcile: Plan-managed participants should document all receipts to substantiate claims during an audit.
- Flexibility: You can often reallocate funds within your flexible consumables budget 2026 to address unexpected needs.
The Section 10 NDIS supports list is the statutory definition of what the National Disability Insurance Scheme can fund. It separates disability-specific needs from everyday life expenses.
Yes, but they must be directly related to your disability. For children under five, they are generally excluded unless the child’s needs are significantly higher than their peers due to their impairment.
The NDIA conducts manual payment reviews. If you purchase a prohibited item, you may be required to reimburse the funds, and your plan management type could be adjusted.
The PACE system releases your core support budget in funding periods. This helps you plan your spending throughout the year and ensures your NDIS recurring support category remains stable.
Only if it is approved as a replacement support. You must demonstrate that the smartwatch acts as a communication or safety device that outperforms more expensive specialized equipment.
Generally, no. An air fryer is a standard household item. Unless it is clinically-prescribed as a replacement support to improve safety during meal preparation, it is prohibited.
The limit for low-cost assistive technology under $1500 allows you to buy items without a formal quote. However, you should still seek advice from an AT assessor for high-risk items.
Yes. Nutritional supplements NDIS eligibility applies to specialized formulas and feeding equipment. Home Enteral Nutrition (HEN) is an approved support for those with severe enteral needs.
Yes, if you are self-managed or plan-managed. You can shop at retail outlets, but you must maintain all documentation to verify the purchase was reasonable and necessary.
Small repairs to consumable items are funded under your core support budget. Major repairs to expensive assistive technology (like wheelchairs) are allocated to the Capital Supports budget.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
At Nurse AID Australia, we’re here to support you in turning your NDIS goals into real-world outcomes. Whether you’re looking to join community activities, improve your social confidence, or access tailored support services—we’re just a click away.
Have questions? Contact our friendly team to discuss how we can help you or your loved ones thrive through the NDIS.