Understanding NDIS Funding Packages

May 1, 2020

Understanding NDIS funding packages

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is Australia’s first nationwide scheme that provides funding to eligible Australians aged under 65 who have a permanent and significant disability.

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is the Commonwealth government agency responsible for implementing and administering the NDIS.

Introduced by the Federal Government at the start of July 2013, the NDIS began with a trial phase and has been gradually rolling out across each state since then.

As of April 2020, more than 338,000 Australians are accessing the NDIS with the rollout still currently taking place in Western Australia.

For many people, the NDIS is the first time they would have received any form of formal support to access disability support services.

If you are one of these people who have never received formal funding to access disability supports, or you’re currently receiving another form of disability services funding, the NDIS may seem a little confusing at first.

To help you understand the system, here are the basics you need to know about NDIS funding packages.

Managing your NDIS funding package

NDIS funding packages are designed to replace the disability services funding you are currently receiving, such as Commonwealth funded disability programs.

By providing individuals with choice and control over their NDIS funds management, participants now have more independence and choice when it comes to managing your NDIS funding package.

Depending on what is reasonable and necessary for you, you may be eligible to receive funding in your NDIS plan for supports across community participation, transport, health and wellbeing and living arrangements.

Your funding may cover these day-to-day activities:

• Daily personal activities
• Transport to community, social, economic and daily life activities
• Workplace funding to help you get or keep a job in the open or supported labour market
• Therapeutic supports including behaviour support
• Help with household tasks to maintain your home environment
• Professional help in arranging aids or equipment assessment, set up and training
• Home and vehicle modifications
• Mobility equipment

More supports may be available to you if the NDIA deems them reasonable and necessary for your disability. Visit the NDIS website here for more information.

Once you have been deemed eligible for funding through the NDIS, you will have a planning meeting where you will have your plan set.

Your plan defines what supports you have funding to receive. These supports are designed to meet your individual goals so everyone will be different. During your planning meeting you have the choice of three main options for managing your NDIS funding package.

This is how the different NDIS plan management options work:

If you are new to the NDIS or are unfamiliar with what services and supports are available to you in your community, working with a third-party Plan Manager means you can be sure that you’re receiving the best supports and advice that suits your individual needs and goals.

Not only that but Plan Managers also look after the payment of all service providers on your behalf, liaise directly with the NDIS, keep track of your spending, provide recommendations for using your budget and keep you informed of your spending with regular updates in languages you can understand.

The team at Disability Plan Services are experienced Plan Managers who always focus on you. They are a dedicated team with lots of real-world experience and a long history of disability services. By taking the time to get to know you and understand your unique situation and specific needs, Disability Plan Services can help you to achieve what you want from your plan.

Disability Plan Services are your partners on the NDIS journey and always have your best interests at heart.

To learn more about Disability Plan Services please call 1800 312 870 or click here.