When you live with a disability, even simple daily tasks like cooking a meal can be harder than most people realise. That is why the NDIS was designed to fund supports that help participants live more independently.
But recently, many families have been asking the same question: “Why was my request for a kitchen item rejected?”
An ABC News report (October 2025) highlighted this growing frustration among NDIS participants who feel that funding rules around what counts as an “everyday living cost” versus “assistive technology” are becoming too rigid.
In the story, Mikaila Crotty, a participant living with severe arthritis, applied to use her NDIS funding to buy a Thermomix, a multi-purpose cooking appliance that would help her prepare meals independently.
Her request was rejected by the NDIA, which stated that the item was a “general household appliance” and therefore an “everyday living cost”, not a disability-specific support. Instead, she was offered a support worker to help her cook, an option worth around $10,500, compared to the $2,600 appliance she had hoped to purchase.
This decision left many participants questioning whether the current rules truly support independence or simply fund ongoing assistance at a higher long-term cost.
“Items such as general household appliances are not NDIS supports as these are considered everyday living costs,” the NDIA told ABC News.
The NDIS can fund supports in the kitchen, but each must meet the “reasonable and necessary” criteria. Here’s how the current rules break down:
The NDIA must ensure that all funded supports are directly and solely related to a participant’s disability. This rule exists to make the scheme fair and sustainable, but it can also make the system feel inflexible.
Advocates, including the Disability Advocacy Network Australia (DANA), told ABC News that some decisions feel “counterintuitive” and even “nonsensical,” limiting the independence that the NDIS was designed to promote.
For many participants, being able to cook their own meals isn’t a luxury. It is a vital step toward self-reliance, confidence, and wellbeing.
When a participant requests something like a kitchen appliance or modification, the NDIA relies heavily on evidence from allied health professionals.
Requests are more likely to be approved when they include:
A clear link to your NDIS goals – for example, “I want to cook safely and independently at home.”
An occupational therapy (OT) report – explaining how the item addresses your functional limitations.
A cost-benefit comparison – showing that the item is a cheaper long-term solution than paying for ongoing support hours.
Quotes and product details – specifying the least costly, most effective option.
Without this evidence, even a reasonable request may be seen as a general expense rather than a disability-related support.
It’s important to note that the NDIS does not “approve” specific products or brands. Each funding decision is made on a case-by-case basis.
Earlier this year, Thermomix was fined $79,200 by the ACCC for advertising that its appliances were “NDIS approved.” These claims were found to be misleading, as no such approval process exists.
If a product or service markets itself as “NDIS-approved”, that’s a red flag. Always check with your provider or support coordinator first.
The recent story highlights a key reality for NDIS participants: independence often depends on how well you can connect your supports to your goals.
If your child or family member uses kitchen supports as part of daily living, here’s what you can do:
Talk to your Support Coordinator or OT before purchasing any items.
Gather reports and evidence that show how the item enables independence.
Keep invoices clear – NDIS funds the support, not the ingredient.
Stay informed about policy updates from the NDIA and advocacy groups.
The NDIS is under constant pressure to balance individual needs with long-term sustainability. Rules around everyday costs and assistive technology will likely keep evolving.
But stories like Mikaila’s remind us why flexibility and independence must remain at the heart of the scheme.
At Support Agency, we believe that every person deserves the chance to build the skills and confidence to live life their way, whether that starts with a meal, a kitchen tool, or the right support plan.
