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Accessing Food Services under NDIS: The INS and OUTS

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Need a little bit of help with grocery delivery? Or do you want to take the stress and time out of cooking meals? Did you know that you can access certain food and delivery services using your NDIS funding, as long as it fits your goals? There are a few options and we are here to give you the heads up on all things simple AND yummy.

Let’s talk grocery deliveries. Since COVID took the world by storm there is now a need for quick and cheap grocery delivery. The great news is, NDIS can help you out with a tiny bit of the cost. If your disability means you need help shopping, you may be able to have your groceries home delivered under your core budget. This is helpful for a lot of people, but it is important to remember that NDIS only pays for the delivery fee, not the total amount. Some help is always better than none, and if you struggle to shop or would rather your food be delivered to your doorstep- this may be the answer! Please note: Help with groceries under NDIS funding is only available for plan managed or self-managed participants.

But wait, there is more. There is also a new priority home delivery service during COVID-19. The priority home delivery service can be used via a unique code, given to all eligible participants from the NDIS. This code must be used when checking out with participating supermarkets. This will allow you to get your food delivered when things are not as accessible (such as during COVID). This means more time slots are available so you can get the groceries faster and easier. Not sure if you have received a code? Or you’ve misplaced it? No worries! Contact your Local Area Coordinator or the NDIS on 1800 800 110. 

In a fast-paced world filled with technology, food ordering apps are becoming more common. For people with a disability, this can be a great option to try different food, have it delivered to you and promote independence. Using NDIS for the above meal delivery services is much like grocery deliveries. The meal you purchased will not be covered but you can claim the delivery fee if it meets NDIS guidelines and is in your plan.

So, what is reasonable and necessary? Using NDIS funding to pay for food deliveries means you will need to show a need for it related to your disability. If you cannot make a meal yourself or your support person cannot take you shopping due to restrictions then it may be okay to claim delivery costs. Need more clarity? Click here for information from the NDIS themselves or feel free to watch their support video below:

One of the newer, more exciting ways to access food services via NDIS funding is home-delivered meal companies. You can buy these with your funding if deemed necessary. You should have Assistance with Daily Activities or Preparation and Delivery of Meals listed under your Core Supports to use these. The NDIS will only cover some of the cost for meal preparation and delivery (but not the ingredients used). How your NDIS plan is managed can determine how payment works for some companies. You will need to pay a part of the cost under the NDIS guidelines, this is a co-payment. If you want more information, cost guides are usually found on the companies' websites. As always, we encourage you to have a conversation with the company to see if they are the right fit for you.


What are the benefits of home-delivered meals?

Choice and control:

These services allow you to choose the meals you prefer, in a ready-to-eat, easier way. Choice and control in one’s life are so important! Instead of waiting for your support person to make a meal for or with you, you can now choose what and when you eat. This small bit of help can make your goal of independent living much more achievable.

Healthy habits:

We all know eating healthy can be hard, so home-delivered meals take the guesswork out of it. Most companies offer healthier options or meal plan options.                                    

More time:

Having meals delivered to you saves time and effort, giving you more opportunities to do the things you love! Whether that’s taking a walk in the park, painting, or playing video games, with home deliveries you can now make time for some of your time. What will you get up to with your newfound free time?


If you feel like the above options may help, call your Local Area Coordinator, or speak with the NDIS for more information on 1800 800 110.

IDEAS does information so you can do life.

Available Resources

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