Every week, we talk to participants, families and carers who ask questions like:
“Is meal support included in what NDIS funds?” “Will the NDIS pay for an air fryer, blender or Thermomix?”
The short answer is: sometimes it depends on your disability needs.
This guide explains what the NDIS usually funds when it comes to NDIS meal preparation, help in the kitchen, meal delivery, and common household appliances.
Whether you're with an NDIS Padstow or support from disability service providers Padstow, this guide will help you understand your options.
When are Meal Preparation Supports usually Funded?
The NDIS may pay for meal prep or delivery if your disability makes cooking unsafe or too difficult.
You may be eligible if you:
- Can’t safely use sharp knives, hot stoves, or ovens
- Have limited hand strength or fine motor skills
- Can’t lift heavy pots or groceries
- Become tired very quickly when trying to cook
- Would lose the chance to work on other daily living goals if you cooked for yourself
If NDIS meal preparation in Padstow helps you stay healthy, safe, and independent, it may be considered reasonable and necessary.
How does the NDIS Fund Meals?
Meal-related supports usually sit under Core Supports, in categories such as:
1. Assistance with Daily Life (Category 01)
This includes:
- Help from a support worker to cook
- Support for grocery shopping
- Assistance with safe meal preparation
2. Core – Consumables (Category 03)
This covers:
- Low-cost assistive technology
- Small kitchen tools that make cooking safer
What Parts of Meals will the NDIS Fund?
The NDIS may fund:
The cost of preparing and delivering meals
This is only funded if you can't cook safely due to your disability.
A support worker to help you cook
They can help you:
- Prepare meals
- Portion food
- Store meals safely
- Learn cooking skills
What the NDIS Will NOT Fund?
The NDIS does not pay for:
- The cost of the actual food
- Meals bought simply for convenience
- Fancy kitchen items used by the general public
- Cooking for other family members
Food is considered a normal living expense for everyone.
How Meal Funding Usually Works?
Meal providers often split their meals into:
- Ingredient cost (you pay this)
- Preparation and delivery cost (NDIS may pay this)
Example:
If a meal costs $14
- $6 = food → you pay
- $8 = preparation + delivery → NDIS may pay
Most providers can give invoices showing this breakdown.
How To Know if Your Plan Covers Meal Prep?
Your NDIS plan may show this in different ways:
1. Listed under Core Supports
Example:
“Support with meal preparation and delivery. Does not include ingredients.”
2. Listed as a Stated Support
Example:
“Stated: Assistance with the Cost of Preparation and Delivery of Meals.”
3. Not Written Clearly
Sometimes planners approve meal support, but it’s not written in your plan. In that case, ask for your Planner Notes and send them to your Plan Manager.
How a Plan Manager Helps?
Plan Managers (like Plan Hero) help you:
- Understand what your plan covers
- Make sure invoices follow NDIS pricing rules
- Check whether meal services are claimable
- Pay your meal invoices quickly
We cannot approve funding, but we can explain what the NDIS usually supports and what it doesn’t.
To Conclude
The NDIS rules around meal support can feel confusing, but you don’t have to work it out on your own. Whether you receive help from a disability service provider in Padstow, the most important thing is understanding what your plan allows.
If you’re unsure about meal preparation, kitchen tools, or delivery services, take your time to check your plan, speak with your support coordinator, or ask your providers for guidance. With the right information, you can use your plan confidently and make mealtimes safer, easier, and less stressful.
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