The Eatery

Everything You Need To Know About NDIS Meal Support

Wait, Does NDIS Cover Meals? The Answer Might Surprise You!

If you’ve ever wondered whether the NDIS can help with meals, the short answer is: yes, but not completely. The NDIS can help with the cost of preparing and delivering meals if cooking isn’t an option due to a disability. But here’s the catch—it won’t pay for the actual food. Let’s break it down more.

What NDIS Actually Covers For Meals

No, You Don’t Get Free Food (But It’s Still A Great Deal)

The NDIS covers the cost of preparing and delivering meals. This means:

Preparation Costs: Paying for someone to cook meals for you.
Delivery Fees: Having those meals delivered to your home.

But when it comes to the ingredients themselves, you’ll need to chip in. Usually, you’ll cover around 30% of the total meal cost, while the NDIS pays for the other 70%.

Can I Choose Any Meal Provider?

Well, it depends. If your NDIS plan is:

NDIS-Managed: You’ll need to choose from registered NDIS providers.
Self-Managed or Plan-Managed: You’ve got more freedom to pick your favourite provider.

Just make sure the meals meet the Australian Dietary Guidelines for good nutrition.

What Types Of Meal Support Can I Access?

Option 1: Get Help Cooking At Home

A support worker can help with meal prep at home. They might assist with:

Meal planning.
Grocery shopping.
Cooking healthy meals in your kitchen.

This falls under your Core Supports budget and is a fantastic way to stay in control of your diet while getting a little extra help.

Option 2: Meal Delivery Services (Because Who Wants To Cook Every Night?)

For those who can’t cook at home or need a break, pre-prepared meal delivery services are a lifesaver. Whether it’s temporary (like after surgery) or long-term, these services can keep you well-fed without the hassle.

Frequently Asked Questions About NDIS Meal Support

Does NDIS Cover Special Diets?
Yes! If you need meals tailored to your medical or cultural needs (think low-sodium, halal, or gluten-free), these can usually be arranged through meal delivery services.
How Do I Get Meal Support Added To My NDIS Plan?
Here’s the inside scoop:

You’ll need to show it’s reasonable and necessary for your situation.
This could mean providing a doctor’s letter or evidence from a dietitian.
Chat with your NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) to get this added.
What If My Support Worker Can’t Help One Week?
Flexibility is key. If your usual help isn’t available, you can switch to meal delivery temporarily. Just make sure the provider itemises the costs correctly so you can claim them back.

How To Make The Most Of NDIS Meal Support

Tips For Choosing A Meal Delivery Service

Go for Registered Providers (if NDIS-Managed): Stick with NDIS-approved services for easier claiming.

Check for Hidden Costs: Ask providers to separate the costs of food, preparation, and delivery.

Match Your Needs: Choose a provider that caters to dietary restrictions or allergies.

Plan Your Budget Like A Pro

To avoid surprises, keep track of your meal expenses. Remember, you’ll need to pay for the food portion yourself. It’s a good idea to compare costs across different providers.

But Why Does NDIS Only Cover Part Of The Cost?

Here’s why: The NDIS is designed to help with disability-related needs—not everyday expenses like groceries. Think of it as a way to level the playing field, not cover all your living costs.