Many people find it challenging to get started with a new NDIS plan and may be unsure what supports are available, what is not allowed, or who to go to for advice. While your NDIS plan is a valuable source of information, you may sometimes need extra guidance. This article explores practical steps to help you better understand your plan and where to find support when you need it.
Starting a new NDIS plan can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to understand what you can use your funding for and where to go for advice. While your NDIS plan is your main source of information, it doesn’t always answer every question. The steps below will help you understand your plan, manage your budget, and know when and where to seek support.
Step 1: Look closely at your plan document
- If you don’t already have a copy of your full NDIS plan, the first step is to request one from the NDIA. While the online portal provides a summary, the full plan document contains important detail that helps you understand how your funding can be used.
- Open your plan and locate the section called – “Your NDIS funded supports”. This section outlines your funding components (categories) and tells you which types of funding you can use.
- Read each funding component carefully and note whether it is flexible or stated. Flexible funding (such as most Core funding) allows you to choose how to use the budget within the category.
- Stated funding must be used exactly as described in your plan. For example, it might say, funds for an occupational therapist or funding for support coordination services.
Tips:
- Follow the steps to download your plan from the NDIS portal
- Read information about what each funding component can be used for: NDIS Funding Categories
- Check for stated items, which usually apply to Capital, Capacity Building, or Home and Living supports
Step 2: Consider of your budget and funding periods
- When you spend your funding, it’s important to make sure your budget lasts for the full length of your plan.
- If you’re starting a new service or purchasing an item, check your available budget first. You can ask P2P for a budget update, or review your balance through the Planability App or platform.
- Many new NDIS plans also include funding periods, which means your budget is released in smaller time blocks rather than all at once.
- If you spend more than what is available in the current funding period, those costs cannot be claimed.
Tips:
- Keep track of your budget and funding periods, you can ask P2P for a new statement or log into the Planability App/Platform to check how much funds are remaining.
- Ask P2P for help if you are unsure How to Read your Monthly Plan Report Statement
- Check whether your plan has funding periods, especially before making large upfront purchases like reports or large items.
Step 3: Check that the support follows the NDIS rules
- Not all items or services can be claimed from the NDIS as everyone will have different funding components and needs. Some supports are considered non-approved NDIS supports, such as those that are unsafe, not evidence-based or are an everyday living cost.
- The NDIS writes a list of supports that are not NDIS supports. Before choosing a service or item, you can read this information and check to make sure it follows the NDIS guidelines.
Tips:
- Review the information about Supports Funded by the NDIS
- Have a look at the different Guidelines for NDIS Supports
- Use our checklist when starting a new NDIS support
Step 4: Get advice when you need more information
- If you are still unsure after reviewing the plan, your budget and the NDIS rules, you can seek advice from the NDIS or your support coordinator.
- Your NDIS planner, myNDIS contact, or support coordinator can provide guidance. A Plan Manager can also help by explaining NDIS rules, reviewing claims against your plan and budget, providing resources, and offering tools to help track your funding. However, a Plan Manager cannot approve items or give permission for something to be claimed.
Tips for asking for advice
- Your NDIS planner or myNDIS contact is the best source of official advice.
- A support coordinator can also help you explore options and understand your plan.
- Whenever possible, request advice from the NDIA in writing, as this can be important evidence if a claim is reviewed or audited later.
- If a claim doesn’t meet the rules, your plan manager will need to see this advice before they can process the claim.
- Use an email template – Use the text below and fill out the details with your information and NDIS number then send it to the NDIS by email:
I would like to seek advice from my NDIS contact regarding the purchase of <item details/ support type> from my NDIS plan. Can you please provide me with advice to confirm if this support is in line with my plan?
The reason I think that this is in line with my plan is <information about your purchase>.
I understand that the role of my NDIS contact is to provide advice to participants, thank you for your assistance to help me understand my plan.