How your goals affect your NDIS funding amounts

November 20, 2020

To create your first NDIS plan, part of the planning process is to discuss and set your goals with a representative from the NDIA.

The NDIS defines goals as “what the participant wants to achieve, develop or learn.” Goal setting is an important part to creating your plan because it outlines what types of supports you will be eligible to access. 

To help you set effective goals, you will receive a planning booklet from the NDIA that guides you through the process before your planning meeting. We recommend going over this booklet with a trusted adult. Alternatively you can ask the team at Disability Plan Services to assist you.

To get you ready for setting goals in your first plan, here are the basics on goals and NDIS funding amounts.

How do NDIS goals work?

Goals are essentially things that you want to work towards with support from the NDIS and other support providers such as Disability Plan Services.

It’s important that your goals are important to you and help in your day-to-day life. Every participant’s goals will differ as they change with your personal circumstances, age and disability.

There are a number of ‘goal domains’ which are groups of similar goals. By grouping goals into these domains or categories, the NDIS can determine what supports you need to reach your goals.

Some goal domains include: Choice and control over my life, Daily life, Health and Wellbeing, Learning, Relationships, Social and Community activities, Where I live, and Work.

When deciding on your goals, your NDIA representative will ask you questions about your circumstances and what you want to achieve. 

On average, NDIS participants set around four goals for each plan with an average goal tenure of just under 20 months, however it’s best to set goals that can be achieved across a range of different time periods. 

When it comes time to review your plan, you will have the opportunity to amend your goals and set new ones. 

Funding to help reach your goals

How much funding do you get from NDIS? This is a question we hear often at Disability Plan Services and it isn’t so straightforward to answer. 

As part of your NDIS plan, you will receive funding to access support services. This NDIS funding budget is determined, in part, by your goals. 

To determine the appropriate NDIS funding amounts you need, the NDIS will consider your goals and what funded supports you need to achieve them.

For example, if your goal is to improve your ability to communicate clearly and confidently, you may receive funding for a Speech Pathologist in your plan.

Depending on your goals, you may receive funding in your plan for one or more of the following:

• Funding that covers functional support needs for daily living and participation and to access community supports and activities
• Funding that covers the purchase of one-off items such as equipment, technology and modifications, or funding for Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
• Funding that supports skill building, training, learning, accessing employment, improving health & wellbeing and NDIS support coordination

Any funding that you receive in your plan must be used to access support services that are reasonable and necessary to achieve your goals.

If you believe your supports are not helping you move towards your goals, or you want to change your goals, you will need to request a plan review. Speak to the team at Disability Plan Services for help with this.

It is important to note that the NDIS will not cover any expenses that are not related to your disability, such as rent, food or your phone bill. Your plan funds are designed to assist you in living a fulfilling life and reaching your goals.

Your planning meeting is designed to help prepare you for a successful NDIS plan that includes enough funding to help you reach your goals and live a fulfilling life. There is a lot to consider before your planning meeting so it’s best to be prepared.

We’ve supported many people with disability, just like you, to be prepared for their NDIS planning meeting. If you choose to conduct your NDIS planning meeting face-to-face, you are welcome to bring a supporter with you. Having someone you trust along is a great way to make sure you haven’t forgotten to mention anything. This person can also advocate on your behalf and make sure you’re feeling safe and secure. 

If you’d like Disability Plan Services to join you at your planning meeting, contact us on 1800 312 870 or email info@disabilityplanservices.com.au.