As an NDIS participant, you’ll already know that your plan is greater than numbers on a page. It’s your journey to independence, support, and the goals that matter to you. But to get the best out of your plan takes some planning. Most Australians understand that money vanishes too quickly without some forward planning or is wasted on things that quite just aren’t good for them. The best part? When you do it correctly, you can maximise your NDIS budget and make it work for you.
Some of the suggestions that you can implement practically for making better use of your plan are elaborated below.
Know the Building Blocks of Your NDIS Plan
To get the best out of your funding, you must understand what is included in your plan. The NDIS categorises funding into three broad areas:
- Daily living, consumables, and transport – core supports.
- Equipment, assistive technology, or home adjustments – capital supports.
- Therapies and services to assist in building your skills and independence – capacity building supports.
Each part of your plan is designed to support a different aspect of your life. By knowing what funds can be used for, you’ll avoid mistakes and make clearer decisions about where to allocate resources (NDIS: Ways to Manage Your Funding).
Set Clear and Realistic Goals
Your budget is also linked to the plans you develop in your NDIS planning meeting. Hazy plans will have the propensity to lead to hazy supports, which can make it more challenging to spend your budget wisely.
Be specific about what you want to do. It is cooking for yourself, mobility with physio, or going to local groups. The more specific your goals are, the easier it is to define the aids you need and spend your funding on what counts.
Keep Track of Your Budget Regularly
One of the biggest issues with players is spending too much or too little. Unless you keep a close eye on your budget, you’ll either run out at the end of your planning period, or have unspent excess funds.
Take an hour a month to check through your spending. You can use websites and phone apps to help, but a simple spreadsheet will suffice. Being in control regularly keeps you on top and prevents nasty shocks.
Choose the Right Way to Manage Your Funding
The NDIS provides you with three ways of managing your funding:
- NDIA-managed – where you invoice directly from the NDIS.
- Plan-managed – where the plan manager makes payments on your invoices and keeps an eye on your budget for you.
- Self-managed – where you are responsible for payments and claims.
They both have their uses and disadvantages. For example, self-management will give you greater choice of providers but more administrative burden. Consider what best suits you in lifestyle, capacity, and predictability before making a decision (NDIS funding management guidance).
Prioritise Those Supports Which Build Independence
It is tempting to use your funding on things that you need immediately, but some of the best results come from spending money on support that helps you become more independent. Capacity building supports such as occupational therapy, life skills training, or counseling may render you less dependent upon others in the long term.
By prioritising these services, you’re not just getting through the day – you’re laying the groundwork for a more independent future.
Communicate Openly with Your Providers
Your working relationship with your providers does play a significant role in how effectively your funding serves you. Don’t be afraid to ask, tell them about an issue, or make them make a change if something isn’t working for you. You get good communication when your supports are set towards goals, and you’re not wasting money on services where you don’t really benefit from.
If you do feel that the supports you have currently are not providing you with a good representation, it is perfectly okay to discuss possibilities. This is your plan, your money, and your life. Review and Reflect Before Your Next Plan Meeting
At the end of your plan period, you will have a review. It’s time to think through how you’ve spent your money and can things be done in another way. Mark what worked and what didn’t, so you can better make the case for support you’ll need in the future.
Think about:
- Did I accomplish my objectives?
- Did I have the right amount of money in the right places?
- Were there resources I didn’t utilise that can be redirected? These questions prepare you for your review meeting and will make you confident.
Use Community and Resources Available at No Cost
Not everything beneficial support needs to be taken from your NDIS budget. There are numerous low-cost or no-cost activities routinely organised by community groups, councils, and not-for-profit organisations all over Australia. Being able to access these services could enable you to achieve more for your money and enjoy beneficial participation in the community.
Stay Flexible and Open to Change
Your needs may change over time, and your plan should reflect that. If something isn’t working, speak up early rather than waiting until your review. The NDIS allows for plan reassessments in certain circumstances, so you’re not stuck with supports that don’t fit your situation.
Final Thoughts
Your NDIS plan is a tool that can effectively help you live independently and achieve your outcomes. With clear goals, planning, and good choices of support, you can stretch every dollar. We’re with you every step of the way, at Duty Care Services. Perhaps it’s by individualised support, guidance on how to maximise your funding options, or creating a culture of care that is aligned with your goals. We want you to have the confidence that you are always empowered and enabled in each moment of your NDIS journey.