NDIS Meal Delivery 70/30 Co-Payment Guide

If you're an NDIS participant and you've searched for 'NDIS meal delivery', you've probably seen the phrase '70/30 split' — but what it actually means for your invoice depends on how your plan is managed. This guide walks through the co-payment rule, how Core Supports funding applies, and the exact difference between plan-managed and self-managed invoicing.

What is the NDIS 70/30 meal delivery rule?

The NDIS treats delivered meals as a combination of two supports: the food itself and the labour to prepare and deliver it. Under current guidance, Core Supports (often line item 01_004_010_4_1 or similar daily living supports) can fund the food portion of a delivered meal up to 70% of the total cost. The remaining 30% is your personal contribution — the co-payment.

Importantly, the provider must be able to show a clear breakdown of the food cost versus the preparation and delivery cost. That's why a proper NDIS meal delivery invoice separates the 70% funded component from the 30% participant-funded component, rather than just listing one flat price.

Who this applies to

• NDIS participants with Core Supports funding in their plan
• Participants who cannot prepare meals independently due to disability
• Plan-managed, self-managed and agency-managed participants (though the paperwork path differs)
• People who need culturally appropriate or dietitian-designed meals, such as halal, high-protein or texture-modified options

Plan-managed participants: how invoicing works

If a plan manager handles your NDIS funds, the meal provider usually sends the invoice directly to your plan manager. The invoice must clearly split the total into two parts: the 70% Core Supports claim and the 30% co-payment you pay yourself.

• The provider sends a split invoice to your plan manager.
• Your plan manager pays the 70% from your Core Supports budget.
• The provider invoices you separately for the 30% co-payment.
• You pay the 30% by card, bank transfer or direct debit.

The key detail here is that the plan manager cannot pay the whole invoice from NDIS funds and then ask you to reimburse 30% — that would breach the 70/30 rule. The invoice must be split before payment is processed.

Self-managed participants: how to claim the 70%

Self-management gives you the most flexibility, but also the most paperwork. You pay the full invoice to the provider first, then claim back the 70% portion through the myplace participant portal.

• Pay the provider the full meal cost (or set up a direct debit for the 30% portion if the provider offers it).
• Keep the tax invoice that shows the 70/30 split.
• Log into myplace and submit a payment request under Core Supports — daily living.
• Attach the invoice and any receipt showing what you paid.
• The NDIS generally reimburses the 70% portion to your nominated bank account within a few business days.

Some self-managed participants prefer providers who can split the invoice at source — charging the NDIS 70% directly and only billing the participant 30%. That removes the reimbursement step entirely and is functionally identical to plan-managed invoicing.

Agency-managed participants

If the NDIS agency manages your plan, the provider must be a registered NDIS provider and must claim through the NDIS portal. Not all meal delivery companies are registered, so agency-managed participants should confirm registration before ordering. The 70/30 split still applies; the agency simply pays the provider directly for the funded portion.

What to look for in an NDIS meal delivery provider

• Clear 70/30 invoicing as standard — not a manual request
• Ability to deliver to your area on a schedule that matches your plan
• Meals that meet your dietary, cultural and texture needs
• Halal, HACCP or dietitian-approved credentials if relevant
• A simple way to pause or change orders as your needs change

Common questions

Can NDIS cover 100% of meal delivery?

No — the 70/30 split is the standard arrangement for the food cost in delivered meals. The preparation and delivery component may be funded separately in some cases, but the food itself is expected to be a shared cost.

Does the 70/30 rule apply to groceries?

No. The 70/30 split specifically applies to prepared and delivered meals where the provider prepares the food and delivers it to you. Standard grocery shopping is considered a everyday living cost and is not claimable.

What if my plan is running low on Core Supports?

If your Core Supports budget is nearly exhausted, the 70% portion cannot be claimed until your next plan period or a plan review. Track your spending in myplace or via your plan manager to avoid shortfalls.