Need support with meal preparation or delivery?
The NDIS may be able to fund these supports when they meet the NDIS reasonable and necessary criteria.
For people whose disability affects their ability to safely prepare meals, funding may be available for the support required to prepare and deliver meals. However, the NDIS generally does not fund the cost of the food itself.
What can the NDIS fund?
Meal preparation and delivery supports can include:
- Meal preparation and delivery services where your disability means you cannot safely cook for yourself.
- The labour involved in preparing and delivering meals as part of an approved meal service.
- A support worker’s time to assist you with preparing meals safely.
- Support with grocery shopping where this assistance is required because of your disability.
Where approved, meal preparation and delivery should be included as a stated support in your NDIS plan and covered by your Core funding.
What won’t the NDIS fund?
The NDIS generally does not fund the cost of food itself. This is because everyone needs to purchase food, whether or not they have a disability.
For example, if a meal delivery service charges $15 for a meal, the NDIS may potentially fund the eligible preparation and delivery component, but you would generally be responsible for the cost of the ingredients or food.
The NDIS also will not generally fund ongoing meal preparation and delivery unless the support has been included or approved as part of your NDIS plan.
What if meal preparation and delivery isn’t stated in my plan?
If meal preparation and delivery was discussed during your NDIS planning meeting but isn’t specifically stated in your plan, there are a few steps you can take.
1. Request your planner’s notes
You can request a copy of the notes from your planning meeting. If the notes confirm that meal preparation and delivery was discussed or approved, you can provide them to your Plan Manager for consideration.
Alternatively, you can ask your NDIS Planner for specific written confirmation or approval and provide this to your Plan Manager.
2. Request a plan review
If meal preparation and delivery was not included in your plan, you can discuss your circumstances with your Support Coordinator, NDIA Planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC).
You may be able to request a plan review to have the support considered for inclusion in your plan. You may be asked to provide additional information or supporting reports explaining:
- How your disability affects your ability to prepare meals safely.
- Why the support is required.
- What assistance you need.
- How the requested support relates to your disability and your goals.
Need help understanding your funding?
If you’re unsure whether your NDIS funding can be used for meal preparation or delivery, speak with your Support Coordinator, LAC, NDIA Planner or Plan Manager before arranging the service.
For further information about NDIS funding and the reasonable and necessary criteria, visit the NDIS – Our Guidelines.
