If you've ever wondered whether your NDIS funding can cover meal preparation and delivery, you're not alone.
The Provider Choice Guru team has personally supported countless people through this. This guide breaks it down clearly, so you know exactly what your options are.
Is ‘Meal Preparation and Delivery’ in Your Plan?
The first thing to check is whether meal preparation and delivery has been specified in your NDIS plan.
If it’s been specified, you’ll see a sentence that directly talks about it in the Core Supports-Assistance with Daily Life section of your NDIS plan. That means that you can claim for it through your NDIS funding. More on that below.
If it’s not mentioned in your plan, you generally can't claim for it long-term. To have it formally included, you'd need written approval from your NDIA Planner, typically supported by evidence from a qualified health professional such as a Dietitian.
Not sure what's in your plan? Your Support Coordinator, Plan Manager or Local Area Coordinator can help you check.
What Does the NDIS Contribute for Meal Preparation and Delivery Claims?
For eligible participants, NDIS won't cover the cost of the ingredients themselves but will cover the cost of the labour involved in preparing and delivering those meals to you.
Here’s how claiming works if you’re eligible:
- 100% of the total can be claimed if the provider removes the cost of ingredients.
- 70% of the total can be claimed if the cost of ingredients is in one combined price.
It's worth asking your provider to separate these costs on your invoices where possible.
What If Meal Prep Isn't in Your Plan Right Now?
You still have options.
Your Support Worker Can Help
If you have Core funding for a Support Worker, this is often the most straightforward way to get support without needing a plan change.
Support Workers assist participants with everyday tasks that disability makes more difficult. Helping you to meal plan, shop for groceries and meal prep can be included as part of their work with you.
Short-Term Meal Delivery During a Disruption
In extenuating circumstances where your usual supports are disrupted, you may qualify for claiming for meal preparation as a short-term measure.
You’ll want to consult your Support Coordinator or Local Area Coordinator to check your eligibility.
Get Written NDIA Planner Approval
You can request written NDIA Planner approval by contacting the NDIA directly on enquiries@ndis.gov.au or 1800 800 110.
Make sure that the approval is coming from somebody with this specific job title as Local Area Coordinators and other NDIS contacts are not able to provide the required approval.
How to Request the NDIA to add Meal Preparation and Delivery to Your Plan
If meal preparation and delivery is a genuine and ongoing need, you can request a plan reassessment to have it formally included in your plan.
To support this, your NDIA Planner will generally require evidence from a qualified health professional, such as a report from a Dietitian, explaining how your disability affects your ability to prepare meals independently.
If you think this applies to you, speaking with your Support Coordinator or Local Area Coordinator is a good starting point. They can help you gather the right evidence and make the request.
If you need advice, book a free Guru Session and let one of our experts give you personalised help to explore your options.
References:
NDIS | Our guidelines
NDIS | Nutrition supports including meal preparation
NDIS | Pricing arrangements
NDIS | Pricing schedule – effective 1 July 2026
NDIS | Pricing arrangements and price limits for 2025-26
