The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a program designed to provide support and funding to individuals with disabilities, enabling them to achieve their goals and improve their quality of life. 

On the other hand, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is the independent statutory body responsible for overseeing and administering the NDIS. 

The NDIA ensures the effective implementation of the scheme, including participant eligibility assessments, funding allocation, and collaboration with service providers and stakeholders.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides funding for supports and equipment deemed Reasonable and Necessary to meet the unique needs of individuals with disabilities. 

This funding aims to empower participants by helping them work toward their personal goals and aspirations, enhancing their independence, and improving their ability to engage socially and economically. 

Additionally, the NDIS supports the development of skills and capacity for greater community participation, fostering inclusion and creating opportunities for a fulfilling and connected life.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) does not provide funding for general living expenses that are considered everyday costs for all individuals, regardless of whether they have a disability. 

These include expenses such as public transport fares, rent or mortgage payments, groceries, utility bills, mobile phone plans, entertainment costs like movie tickets, and other personal or household expenditures. 

The NDIS focuses on funding supports directly related to a participant's disability, ensuring that the assistance provided addresses specific needs that enable greater independence and participation in daily life.

NDIS funding is tailored to each individual, ensuring it aligns with their unique goals, needs, and desired outcomes. 

The process begins with a planning meeting where participants discuss their personal aspirations and the support required to achieve them. 

Based on this discussion, a personalised NDIS plan is created, outlining the approved funding and supports. 

Importantly, this plan is flexible and can be reviewed and updated over time to reflect changes in the participant's circumstances, goals, or support needs. 

This ensures the funding remains relevant and continues to support their evolving journey toward greater independence and participation in the community.

No, the NDIS is not means-tested. This means that your financial situation, including your income or the value of your assets, is not considered when assessing your eligibility for the scheme. 

The NDIS is designed to provide equitable support based on the needs and circumstances of individuals with disabilities, regardless of their financial standing. 

Additionally, receiving NDIS funding does not affect other forms of income support, such as the Disability Support Pension (DSP), Carer Allowance, or other government benefits. 

This ensures that participants can access the necessary supports without compromising their financial security.

For a support to qualify as "Reasonable and Necessary" under the NDIS, it must meet specific criteria:

• Be Directly Related to Your Disability: The support must address challenges arising from your disability and help you achieve greater independence, participation, or quality of life.
• Represent Value for Money:  The  cost of the support must be justifiable, providing a good balance between the benefit delivered and the funds spent.
• Be Effective and Beneficial: The support should be evidence-based or highly likely to achieve positive outcomes for you.
• Account for Informal Supports: The NDIS considers the assistance provided by family members, friends, or the broader community, ensuring the funded support complements these efforts.
• Exclude General Living Costs: Supports must not include everyday expenses unrelated to your disability, such as food, rent, or utilities, unless these are directly impacted by your disability needs.

What Types of Supports can the NDIS Fund?

Every NDIS plan is tailored to suit the individual’s unique circumstances and goals. Depending on your needs, the NDIS may fund various supports, including:

Daily Personal Activities: Assistance with daily self-care routines to enhance your independence.

Transport Services: Funding for travel to enable participation in community, social, work, and daily life activities.

Workplace Assistance: Support to help you gain or retain employment, either in open job markets or supported workplaces.

Therapeutic Supports: Services such as behavior therapy, speech therapy, or occupational therapy to help improve skills and manage challenges.

Household Assistance: Help with domestic tasks to maintain a clean and functional home environment.

Specialist Equipment and Training: Skilled assessment, setup, and training for aids or devices needed for mobility, communication, or other essential activities.

Home Modifications: Design and construction of home adaptations to improve accessibility and safety.

Mobility Equipment: Devices such as wheelchairs or walking aids to improve physical mobility.

Vehicle Modifications: Customization of vehicles to enhance independence and transportation access.

These supports are designed to help you lead a more independent, fulfilling, and inclusive life, with a focus on achieving your personal goals.

Your NDIS plan meeting will typically be conducted by either an NDIA Planner or a Local Area Coordinator (LAC). 

An NDIA Planner is a staff member directly employed by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), while a Local Area Coordinator may be an NDIS representative or a team member from a not-for-profit organization contracted by the NDIA to support participants. 

LACs play a key role in helping participants understand and navigate the NDIS, and they assist in developing plans that align with individual goals and needs.

What Should I Expect From My Planning Meeting?

When preparing for your planning meeting, it’s helpful to know what to expect:

Mode of the Meeting: You can request to have your planning meeting in a format that suits your needs, such as face-to-face, over the phone, or via video call. If you prefer an in-person meeting, ensure you communicate this preference when the NDIS planner contacts you.

Initial Contact: When someone from the NDIS calls you, clarify the purpose of the call. Ask whether it’s to confirm your eligibility for the scheme or to schedule or conduct your NDIA planning meeting. Understanding the intent of the call helps you prepare adequately.

Discussion Points: During the meeting, you’ll discuss your goals, current supports, and the assistance you require to achieve greater independence and participation in the community. Be prepared to share information about your day-to-day challenges, long-term aspirations, and any informal supports provided by family or friends.

Support and Documentation: Consider having a trusted person, such as a family member, friend, or advocate, present during the meeting for additional support. Bring relevant documentation, including medical reports or assessments, to ensure the planner has a complete understanding of your needs.

Plan Development: The planner or LAC will use the information shared during the meeting to develop a personalized NDIS plan. This plan outlines the funded supports you’ll receive, tailored to your specific goals and circumstances.

By understanding the purpose and structure of your planning meeting, you can approach the process with confidence and ensure your plan reflects your individual needs and aspirations.

Yes, you have the freedom to choose who attends your NDIS meeting with you. You can invite a family member, a trusted friend, your partner, or anyone who supports you and understands your needs. 

This could also include an advocate, a caregiver, or a professional from your support network who you feel comfortable having present.

Having someone you trust by your side can help you feel more confident and supported during the meeting. They can assist by taking notes, providing additional information about your needs, or helping to communicate your goals and aspirations effectively. 

It’s important to choose someone who understands your situation and can contribute positively to the discussion to ensure your NDIS plan reflects your unique requirements and objectives.

If you have specific concerns or needs, consider informing the NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) in advance about who will accompany you. This can help ensure the meeting runs smoothly and meets your expectations.

 Including the cost of items in your plan is not mandatory.

That said, it can be helpful to understand the associated costs for better planning. 

You may wish to explore the NDIS Price Guide, which provides detailed information on pricing and supports, ensuring you are well-informed about the options available to you.

A goal represents something you aim to achieve, providing direction and purpose for your plan. 

We encourage you to consider including at least two short-term goals and one long-term goal in your initial plan. 

While there’s no limit to the number of goals you can have, starting with a manageable number can help maintain focus and clarity.

Short-term goals might involve maintaining your current level of support or achieving smaller, immediate milestones. For instance, a short-term goal could be as straightforward as “learning to cook for myself” or “finding  new friends.”

When thinking about long-term goals, consider what you’d like to accomplish over a longer period, such as “finding a job that suits me” or “learning to live more independently.” These goals can help shape your plan to ensure it aligns with your future aspirations.

If you’re unsure where to start, reflect on what you’d like to achieve in the next one or two years. It’s also important to acknowledge that sometimes you are unaware of what you are yet to discover.” 

Seeking advice from others, brainstorming, or exploring examples can inspire and guide you toward meaningful goals.

In most cases, you won’t be able to see your plan before it is finalized. 

However, during the planning process, you will have the chance to discuss your goals, needs, and preferences with your planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC). This ensures that your input is considered thoroughly before your plan is completed.

If you have concerns or specific requests, it’s a good idea to raise them early in the planning process. 

While you might not see the final version beforehand, you can ask for clarification and updates to understand how your plan is shaping up. 

Once finalized, you will receive a copy of your plan and have the option to request a review if needed.

Your review will be carried out by an NDIA staff member who was not involved in creating your original plan. This ensures the process is independent and unbiased. The reviewer will thoroughly reassess the details of your plan, taking into account the relevant facts, laws, and policies that were applied during the initial decision-making process.

Additionally, they will evaluate whether the original decision was appropriate and accurate based on the information available at that time. 

The reviewer is also able to consider any new or updated information you provide, which could influence the outcome of the review. 

This allows for a comprehensive re-evaluation to ensure your plan meets your current needs and circumstances.

If you haven’t utilized all the funds from your current plan, the unused portion will be returned to the NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency) once your plan period ends. 

These funds do not roll over into your new plan.

However, during your plan review, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your funding usage and any changes in your needs or goals. 

This conversation can help ensure that your next plan is tailored more effectively to support you in achieving your objectives and making the most of your funding allocation. 

If you faced challenges in using your funding, this is also a good time to raise those concerns so adjustments can be made.

If you are an NDIS participant and turn 65, you have the option to either remain with the NDIS or transition to the aged care system. 

This choice allows you to select the system that best aligns with your needs and preferences for ongoing support. 

It’s important to carefully evaluate the services and benefits offered by both systems to make an informed decision about your future care and support arrangements.

You do not need to sign a new service agreement with your Plan Manager when your NDIS Plan is renewed. When you initially engage a Plan Manager, you agree to their Terms and Conditions, which outline a service agreement that remains valid until either you or the Plan Manager decides to end the arrangement.

This means your Plan Manager will continue managing your funding across multiple plans unless you instruct them otherwise. When your new NDIS Plan is approved, your Plan Manager will automatically create a service booking for the new plan and continue providing plan management services without any interruptions or additional steps required from you.

However, if you decide to change your Plan Manager or no longer require their services, you should notify them before your new plan begins to ensure a smooth transition or termination of the agreement.

A $1 entry next to an item in your plan can indicate several things, depending on the context:

In-kind support: This means the cost of the support is already covered through arrangements made by the NDIS. The $1 is simply a placeholder and does not reflect the actual value of the support. You have access to the service, but the funding for it has already been allocated through other means.

Quote pending: This indicates that the exact cost of the support is not yet determined. The NDIS requires additional information, such as a quote or invoice from the service provider, before the correct funding amount can be allocated to that item.

Core Supports Budget – Flexibility: In some cases, the $1 acts as a marker to show that the specific item falls under your Core Supports budget, which you can use flexibly across various supports in this category. It does not mean you only have $1 for the support; instead, it signifies that funds can be drawn from your total allocated Core budget for this purpose.

If you’re unsure about the meaning in your specific plan, it’s a good idea to consult your Local Area Coordinator (LAC), Support Coordinator, or Plan Manager for clarification and guidance. They can help you understand how to make the most of your funding and ensure that your supports align with your goals and needs.

A stated support in an NDIS plan is a specific support or service that has allocated funding, and the funds can't be used for anything else. 

Stated supports can't be swapped for other supports. 

Examples of stated supports include: Preparation and delivery of meals, Support coordination, Plan management, and Behaviour support plan. 

Here are some other things to know about NDIS supports:

Transitional arrangements: If a support is stated in a plan approved before October 3, 2024, it can be funded even if it's on the out list. 

Reasonable and necessary: Supports must be reasonable and necessary to be funded. 

New list: A new list of what is and is not an NDIS support was provided on October 3, 2024. 

Assistive technology: A new support category was introduced for assistive technology maintenance, repair, and rental. 

Dietetics: Dietetics is covered under "Therapeutic supports". 

Supports not on the list: If a support isn't on the allowed list, it doesn't mean it can't be used with NDIS money.

Short-term accommodation and respite care are funded under the Short Term Accommodation category within the NDIS Core Supports budget.

This funding covers the cost of receiving care in a different location for periods of up to 14 days at a time. It includes options for short stays either with other participants or individually, depending on your needs and preferences.

You must be living with a family or full-time carer and not be living on your own at your home to receive STA funding.

This type of support is often provided in situations where your usual carers are unavailable or when you would like to experience something new, such as meeting different people, participating in new activities, or spending time in a new environment. 

The funding is designed to ensure that you continue to receive the care and support you need, while also giving you opportunities to explore and grow. 

If you choose to bring a support worker along during your Short-Term Accommodation (STA), the NDIS may cover certain expenses related to their role in supporting you. 

These costs may include the support worker's accommodation, flights, meals, and other reasonable travel-related expenses. 

However, these expenses must be aligned with your NDIS plan goals and considered necessary to ensure you receive the required support during your STA.

It's important to note that the NDIS typically funds the support worker's costs as part of your Core Supports budget under the STA category. 

The exact expenses covered will depend on the details of your plan and the justification for these costs.

It's recommended to discuss this with your plan manager or support coordinator to ensure the arrangements comply with NDIS guidelines. 

Contact Disability Pathway Solutions regarding this matter. Click on our orange Contact Us Now buttons. 

In most cases, the NDIS does not allow family members to be employed as support workers. 

Payments to direct family members are generally only approved in exceptional circumstances. 

For example, this might be permitted if you live in a remote or isolated area where no other qualified support services are available to meet your needs.

If you believe your situation qualifies as an exceptional circumstance, or if you have specific questions about this policy, it’s important to discuss your concerns with your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or NDIS Planner. 

They can provide guidance on the process and help you understand whether approval might be granted based on your individual circumstances.  

Should you require assistance to discuss your concerns with the LAC  and do not have an NDIS Planner, contact Disability Pathway Solutions on our orange Contact Us Now button. 

NO. It is essential to understand that the way your NDIS plan is managed can significantly impact the providers you are able to use and how you process claims for your supports. 

If you are Plan-Managed, you have the flexibility for Choice and Control to hire non-registered providers with the NDIA.

This gives you access to a broader range of service options, including smaller or specialized providers that may not be registered with the NDIA.

For more detailed information on the differences between plan management options and how they influence your choices, we recommend referring to our Plan Managers Q&As

It provides a comprehensive overview of the benefits and considerations of each plan management type, helping you make informed decisions about your support arrangements. 

For further support from Disability Pathway Solutions,  click on our orange Contact Us Now button. 

Finding the right provider in your area can be a crucial step in accessing the support and services you need. 

At Disability Pathway Solutions, we specialize in offering expert advice and personalized connections to trusted local providers in your community. 

Whether you are looking for assistance with daily tasks, therapeutic services, or lifestyle activities, we can help match you with the right providers to meet your needs.

We can connect you with a wide range of services, including:

Support Workers: Assistance with daily activities, community access, attending medical appointments, social events, and other outings.

Social Workers: Professional support to help you navigate personal challenges or access community resources.

Plan Managers: Expertise in managing your NDIS budget and ensuring smooth processing of claims and invoices.

Online Therapists: Access to therapy services from the comfort of your home.

Lawn and Gardening Services: Help with maintaining your outdoor spaces.

Home Cleaning Services: Assistance with keeping your home clean and organized.

Personal Carers: Support with personal care, such as grooming, dressing, and hygiene.

Food and Meal Preparation Trainers: Guidance on preparing healthy meals and improving your cooking skills.

Our team is dedicated to making the process seamless and ensuring that you find reliable providers who align with your needs and goals. 

Let Disability Pathway Solutions help you build a support network that empowers you to live more independently and confidently. Open our Disability Services page here and find relevant information from Category One to Four.  

Please contact us by clicking on the orange Contact Us Now button. We are here to help you.