If your little one's NDIS plan is self-managed or plan-managed, the short answer is yes: everyday feeding aids like suction bowls, divided plates and easy-grip cups may be claimable as low cost assistive technology under Core Supports: Consumables. For items under $1,500 there is usually no quote and no formal approval needed, and NDIS guidance says they can be bought online. Here is how it works, what to check first, and how ordering looks in practice.
New to silicone mealtime gear? Start with our guide to silicone baby feeding sets.
What counts as an adaptive feeding aid
The NDIS describes low cost assistive technology as small, everyday items that help with daily living, and its guidance specifically names adaptive cutlery and small devices that assist with eating and drinking. In practice, that covers the kind of feeding gear many families already use:
- Suction bowls and plates that stay put on the table, helpful for one-handed mealtimes and for little ones still building coordination.
- Divided plates that keep foods separated, a simple win for kids who prefer their foods not to touch.
- Soft silicone spoons that are gentle on gums and easy for small hands to hold.
- Easy-grip open cups sized for learning to drink.
- Silicone bibs with catch pockets that wipe clean between courses.
Whether a particular item can be claimed always comes back to your child's individual plan and goals. If mealtimes and eating are part of the plan, items like these usually fit the consumables category, but your plan manager or support coordinator is the right person to confirm.
It depends on how the plan is managed
The part that trips most families up is not the product, it is the plan type. There are three ways an NDIS plan can be managed, and they shop differently:
| Plan type | Can you buy from an online store? | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Self-managed | Yes | Pay as normal, keep the tax invoice, and claim the purchase back through the NDIS portal. |
| Plan-managed | Yes | The store invoices your plan manager directly and ships once the invoice is paid. Nothing to pay upfront. |
| Agency-managed | Registered providers only | Ordinary retailers cannot accept these orders. Your support coordinator can help you find a registered provider. |
What to check before you buy
- Does it relate to the plan? Funding follows the participant's goals. Mealtime independence, self-feeding and motor skills are the usual fits for feeding aids.
- Is it under $1,500? If so, low cost assistive technology rules apply and you generally do not need a quote or prior approval.
- Keep the invoice. Claims and plan managers both want a proper tax invoice. Prices at Australian retailers include GST.
- Ask when unsure. An occupational therapist can advise what will actually help your child, and a plan manager can confirm what the plan will cover.
How it works at Zoe Sage
We are an unregistered NDIS provider. That means self-managed and plan-managed participants can order from us, and agency-managed participants cannot, which we would rather say plainly than discover at the checkout. Our NDIS funding page walks through each ordering path, including how plan-managed invoicing works. Our silicone feeding range is made from food-grade silicone in colours that belong on the family table, and you can browse the wider mealtime range in The Feeding Edit.
Common questions
Can I use NDIS funding to buy baby feeding aids online?
If the plan is self-managed or plan-managed, yes. Everyday feeding aids sit under low cost assistive technology in Core Supports: Consumables, and NDIS guidance notes these items can be bought online. Whether a particular item can be claimed depends on the individual plan and its goals, so check with your plan manager if you are unsure.
Do I need a quote or approval before buying?
Generally no. Low cost assistive technology under $1,500 does not usually need a quote or formal approval from the NDIA. It still needs to relate to the participant's plan and goals.
Are silicone feeding sets claimable through the NDIS?
They may be claimable when mealtime skills or independence are part of the plan, under Core Supports: Consumables. No retailer can promise an item will be approved on a particular plan, so confirm with your plan manager or support coordinator first.
Is Zoe Sage a registered NDIS provider?
No, we are an unregistered provider. Self-managed and plan-managed participants can still order from us. Agency-managed participants need to buy through a registered provider.
What paperwork should I keep for a claim?
Keep the tax invoice. Our prices include GST, and a tax invoice is available for any order on request. Plan managers usually want an itemised invoice showing the supplier's ABN.
I am a mum, not an NDIS planner, so for anything plan-specific your plan manager, support coordinator or occupational therapist is the best port of call. If you have a question about our feeding range, email info@zoesage.com.au and we will help where we can.
