What does the NDIS say?
Nutrition supports may be funded in your NDIS plan for:
- Someone who can advise you on foods you should eat to stay healthy. This could be a dietitian.
- Help to prepare meals and follow a meal plan. This could be from a support worker.
- Equipment and products to help you get the nutrition you need. This could be through a PEG tube or thickeners so you can swallow safely.
These supports are called disability-related health supports. The NDIS will only fund these supports if they are due to your disability. Your plan will show the types of disability-related health supports you have been funded for. It may also list the amounts you have been funded for.
You can read more about this in the NDIS Guidelines on:
- Nutrition supports including meal preparation
- Disability-related health supports
- Dysphagia supports
The NDIS FAQ page also has general information on this. The NDIS will not fund food or vitamins.
We have a separate blog post with more specific information about Meal Preparation and Delivery.
Can I claim it?
Supports are only claimable if they are in accordance with your NDIS plan. You can claim Nutrition Supports if:
- the NDIS has decided these supports are reasonable & necessary for you. This means they will be written into your plan, or you might have other written permission from your planner.
How do I get it funded?
If you do not have funding in your plan for nutrition supports, you will need to ask the NDIS to review your plan. You can do this by:
- Asking your support coordinator or recovery coach to help you.
- Getting in touch with your “My NDIS Contact” as listed on your plan. This may be a planner or LAC.
- Lodging an online enquiry via the NDIS website or through your NDIS portal.
- Asking the NDIS via email, calling 1800 800 110 or doing a webchat to request your LAC or a planner consider your request.
Once you have written permission for nutrition supports, you can send this through to us. We can then organise payment on your invoices or receipts.
Before you apply...
- The NDIS won’t fund supports that should be provided through the health system. If your support need is not specifically disability related, the NDIS will not fund it.
- Check the list of health issues that the NDIS won’t fund nutrition supports for. You’ll find this in the Guide on ‘Nutrition supports including meal preparation’.
- You will need to provide evidence that helps show what supports you need. Your practitioner will need to provide information about:
- the type and amount of support you need.
- how the support relates to your disability.
- how this support is effective and beneficial for you.
- who is the most appropriate person to provide the support.
- where the support will be provided.
More Questions?
As always, feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions.
Email: accounts@ontimeplanservices.com.au
Phone: 03 5446 5400
Text: 0429 800 482