Maximise Your NDIS Plan With Our Budgeting Tips

Since 2013, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has helped many disabled individuals across Australia get more from life. However, the scheme is still a little confusing in regards to who it’s available to, what the funding can be used for, and also how you get funding in the first place. There are also a few ways to maximise your NDIS plan so you can get the most funding possible for your goals.

In this post, we’ll be covering a few ways how you can maximise your NDIS plan by using smarter budgeting strategies.

What is an NDIS budget?

The NDIS is built on the concept of a “budget” that is provided to everyone with a disability. The amount in the budget depends on what is reasonable and necessary for individuals to reach their goals, but also considers the additional support that you can get from friends and family members.

First, let’s understand the components of an NDIS budget.

Core support

Core support includes consumables, daily activities, transport, and assistance with social and community participation. The core budget is the most flexible of the three budgets that are funded by the NDIS.

Capacity building

Capacity building assists you in reaching your individual goals. These funds can be spent on things such as training, health and wellbeing, home living, lifelong learning, relationships, and also employment.

Capital support

The capital support budget provides funding for assistive technologies and modifications to the home. The funding received here will depend on supplier quotes and can only be used for specific purchases such as a wheelchair, mobility devices, or personal care.

Once you understand the three individual components of an NDIS plan, you can start planning realistic expectations.

Understand what you’re eligible for

First, it’s important to check if you are eligible for NDIS services. You’ll want to see if the NDIS is available in your area by checking the official NDIS coverage map. Most areas of Australia are now covered.

Next, you’ll want to know if you meet the eligibility criteria. This includes:

• Being aged between 7 and 65
• Living in Australia
• Having a residency in Australia
• Having a permanent or significant disability that requires support

If you’re unsure if you’re eligible, you may want to contact the NDIS to speak with a representative. This will often be your first point of contact with the NDIS before applying.

Identify what you can receive funding for

Before your NDIS budget is calculated, it’s worth identifying what you can actually receive funding for. In general, a registered NDIS provider can offer funding for things that will improve your quality of life and make you more independent. It can also be used to help you achieve your goals.

Since there are many things that can be used to improve your quality of life, it’s worth taking these five questions into consideration:

• Is the support legal? If the support is legal and complies with Australian lore, then it will be allowed.
• Is the support replacing your income? Income support and income replacement aren’t considered uses for the NDIS.
• Is the support likely to cause harm? If the funding will be used for something potentially dangerous, such as a powered wheelchair, then an assessment will need to be carried out first.
• Is the support related to your disability? NDIS providers won’t be able to help with funding if the support is not related to your disability.
• Is the support related to day-to-day costs? For day to day costs like rent and groceries, the NDIS can provide certain support if they are solely and directly the result of your disability needs.

Meet with your NDIS provider

Your NDIS provider will likely provide a representative or point of contact that you can speak with. You’ll want to ask them any questions that are relevant to your plan and also speak about your goals and how they can be supported by your funding. Meeting with your NDIS planner on a regular basis can ensure that you are both on the same level, but it can also help manage how overwhelming NDIS planning can be.

In most cases, your NDIS planner will ask you questions about your goals and aspirations, and they’ll provide insight into how the NDIS funding can help you achieve them. Being open and honest about your goals will often provide better funding options and a tailored plan that is built around your needs.