Having an NDIS plan can open the door to support that helps you become more independent, work towards your goals and take part in everyday life. However, making the most of your funding involves more than simply booking services. You need to understand your plan, choose the right providers and keep track of how you use your supports.
The NDIS currently has 4 support budgets. These include core supports, capacity building supports, capital supports and recurring supports. Your plan may not include funding in all 4 budgets because the NDIS bases your funding on your individual needs.
Here are 10 practical tips to help you get more value from your NDIS support.
1. Understand what your plan includes
Start by reading through your NDIS plan and understanding the supports and budgets available to you. Check what each budget can cover and how it connects with your goals.
If you do not understand something, ask your support coordinator, plan manager, my NDIS contact or another trusted person to explain it. Knowing what your plan includes can help you make informed choices and avoid using your funding incorrectly.
2. Keep your goals at the centre
Your NDIS supports should help you work towards the goals in your plan. Before choosing a service, ask yourself how it can help you become more independent, build skills, stay connected with your community or manage everyday activities.
This approach can help you focus on supports that have a practical purpose rather than using your funding simply because it is available.
3. Choose providers that suit you
You can choose which providers you work with. Take time to research different options and consider their experience, services, communication style, location and availability.
The NDIS recommends researching providers, asking people you trust for recommendations and checking reviews. You can also use the NDIS Provider Finder to search for registered providers.
If a provider no longer meets your needs, you can change providers.
4. Be clear about what you need
Good communication can make your support more useful. Tell your provider what you want to achieve, what you find difficult and how you prefer to receive support.
For example, if you want to become more confident using public transport, explain this clearly. Your provider can then focus support around practical activities that help you build that skill.
5. Use a service agreement
A service agreement helps you and your provider understand what you have agreed to. It can outline the supports you will receive, how the provider will deliver them, how much they cost, how the provider will get paid and how you can make changes.
Read the agreement carefully before signing it. You can also ask a family member, friend, support coordinator or recovery coach to help you understand it if needed.
6. Keep track of your spending
Checking your budget regularly can help you avoid running out of funding too early. You can check your NDIS funding balance through the my NDIS app or my NDIS portal.
If you have a plan manager, they should provide regular information about your spending. Current NDIS guidance also says plan managers should provide a monthly financial statement showing how much funding you have used and how much remains.
7. Plan your services around your needs
Think about how often you need each support rather than booking services without a clear plan. A regular schedule can make it easier to manage your budget and maintain consistency.
Your support needs may also change over time. If you notice that a particular service no longer helps you work towards your goals, discuss your options with your provider or support coordinator.
8. Make the most of support coordination
If your plan includes support coordination, use it to help you understand and use your supports effectively. A support coordinator can help you connect with providers, explore different support options and manage relationships with multiple providers.
You can also ask questions about service agreements, schedules and whether your current supports continue to meet your needs.
9. Speak up when something is not working
You do not have to continue with a service that does not meet your needs. Talk to your provider if you have concerns about the quality, timing or type of support you receive.
You can also discuss changes to your service agreement. The NDIS allows participants to make suggestions to change an agreement so it better suits their needs.
Being open about your concerns can help you find a better way forward.
10. Review your progress regularly
Take a moment to reflect on what your supports have helped you achieve. Ask yourself whether you have developed new skills, become more independent, improved your confidence or moved closer to your goals.
If your circumstances or support needs change significantly and on an ongoing basis, you may be able to request a plan reassessment. The NDIS considers your support needs, goals and how your plan works as a whole when deciding whether to reassess or vary a plan.
Make your NDIS plan work for you
Your NDIS plan is designed around your individual needs and goals. Understanding your funding, choosing suitable providers, communicating clearly and monitoring your spending can help you use your supports with greater confidence.
At Hosanna Care, we understand that every person has different goals, preferences and support needs. We work with participants to provide personalised support that helps them make the most of their NDIS plan and build greater independence in everyday life.
Most importantly, remember that you have choice and control over your supports. Take time to understand your options, ask questions when you are unsure and speak up when something does not work for you. With the right approach and the right support, you can make your NDIS plan a useful part of working towards greater independence and everyday goals.