What Does the NDIS Cover for Food Delivery?

The NDIS covers the labour costs for meal preparation and delivery, but not the price of the food itself. Food is considered an everyday living expense that all people pay for, whether or not they are on the NDIS.

However, if your disability makes it difficult or impossible to prepare meals, the NDIS may fund:

• The labour cost of preparing meals
• The delivery cost of meals to your home

This support must be considered reasonable and necessary under your NDIS plan.

Ways to Access NDIS Food Delivery Services

You can access NDIS food delivery either through an approved meal provider or with the help of a support worker.
The main ways participants use the services listed include:

1. Through an NDIS Meal Provider
   Providers such as Lite n’ Easy, Tender Loving Cuisine, and My Muscle Chef can split invoices correctly:
   • Food cost – paid by you directly
   • Preparation and delivery cost – invoiced to your Core Supports budget if eligible
2. With Support Worker Assistance
   If your plan includes Core Supports – Assistance with Daily Life, a support worker can:
   • Help you shop for groceries
   • Assist you with meal preparation and cooking at home

Eligibility for NDIS Meal Preparation and Delivery

You must provide evidence of your disability and have the correct Core Supports funding to access NDIS food delivery services.
To qualify, you generally need:

• A letter or report from a GP, occupational therapist, or allied health professional confirming why you cannot prepare meals
• Funding in the Core Supports category of your NDIS plan

How Do NDIS Food Delivery Payments Work?

Payments for food delivery services depend on whether you are plan-managed or self-managed.

• Plan-managed: The meal provider invoices your plan manager for preparation and delivery costs
• Self-managed: You pay the full invoice, then claim the preparation and delivery costs back from the NDIS
• Food portion: Always paid directly by you

Key Takeaways About NDIS Food Delivery

The NDIS supports the service part of food delivery but not the food itself.
The most important points are:

• The NDIS funds only cover preparation and delivery, not groceries or meal costs
• Services must be directly related to your disability
• You need Core Supports funding and professional evidence

How Help at Hand Support Can Assist You?

Help at Hand Support helps participants organise meal preparation and delivery while ensuring invoices are managed correctly.
We can:

• Connect you with NDIS-approved meal providers who split invoices properly
• Arrange support workers to shop and cook with you
• Guide you on what is covered in your Core Supports budget
• Provide Plan Management to ensure claims are processed correctly

Our mission is to make sure you enjoy healthy, convenient meals without the stress of managing NDIS requirements on your own.

Final Tip Before Choosing a Food Delivery Service

Always confirm invoice arrangements with your plan manager or support coordinator before signing up.
This ensures that the NDIS portion is correctly claimed, and you only pay your share of the food costs.

FAQs

Does the NDIS pay for the cost of food?

No, the NDIS does not cover the cost of food. The NDIS may fund the labour for meal preparation and the cost of delivery when it is reasonable and necessary and linked to your disability.

Who is eligible for NDIS-funded meal preparation and delivery?

Eligibility applies when your disability prevents you from preparing safe or reliable meals. You generally need supporting evidence from a GP, occupational therapist, or an allied health professional, as well as the appropriate Core Supports budget in your plan.

What budget does meal preparation and delivery come from?

Funding typically comes from Core Supports under the category of Assistance with Daily Life. Your plan manager or support coordinator can confirm the correct category based on your goals and the wording of your plan.

How are invoices split between food and service?

Providers split invoices into a food component and a service component. You pay the food amount, while preparation and delivery may be claimed from Core Supports if approved.

Can a support worker help with shopping and cooking at home?

Yes, a support worker can assist with groceries and meal preparation. This falls under Assistance with Daily Life when it relates to your disability and your plan goals.

Can the NDIS fund training to build cooking skills?

Yes, skill-building to improve independence may be eligible for funding. This can be delivered by support workers or allied health professionals when it aligns with your goals and plan budgets.

Can I combine meal delivery with in-home meal preparation?

Yes, you can mix both options. Many participants use delivered meals for convenience, and schedule support worker visits for batch cooking or kitchen safety support.

What documents do I need for the claim preparation and delivery?

You need itemised invoices that separate food from service. Keep clinical evidence on file that explains why you need help with meals, and follow your plan manager’s claiming guidance.

How Personal Care Assistance Supports NDIS Food Delivery

Personal Care Assistance under the NDIS includes help with everyday tasks, which can extend to meal preparation and shopping support.
If preparing meals or managing groceries is difficult, a support worker can step in to make things easier.
This may involve cooking together at home, assisting with safe food handling, or accompanying you to the shops.
By combining food delivery options with personal care supports, you can maintain independence while still enjoying healthy and convenient meals.
Learn more about our Personal Care Assistance services and how they can complement NDIS food delivery to give you greater choice and flexibility.