Update on Meal Preparation and Delivery

​In our last futures in sight newsletter, we talked about new guidelines introduced by NDIA and how that has changed the way participants can access meal preparation and delivery services. We were unclear about a few things (we weren’t the only ones) and sought clarification. Here’s an update on what we learned.
There are now different rules that apply to plans approved before 1 March 2022 and after 1 March 2022 (talking about making things complicated).
For new plans approved after 1 March 2022, meal prep and delivery can be claimed from core supports if:

1. the plan says core supports can be used flexibly - there is usually some words such as ‘funding may be used flexibly …’ in the core supports box of the plan. It doesn’t have to be a stated item, and
2. a participant cannot prepare meals because of their disability and there is no one else to do this for them (ie. family, support worker), and
3. a participant is unable to organise/plan meals because of their disability.

If participants want to start using meal support, they have to manage this within the funding given.
For existing plans (those approved prior to 1 March 2022) the above guidelines do not apply. Meal prep and delivery remains a quote required item and can only be claimed from existing plans if:

1. Meal prep and delivery is listed as a stated item in core supports
2. A quote has been sent to and has been approved by the NDIA

If a participant needs meal prep and delivery in an existing plan and the above conditions are not in the plan, a plan review is required with evidence as to why the participant is in need of the support.