What is an NDIS plan and how does it work?

April 26, 2021

If you’re an Australian citizen or permanent resident between the ages of 7 and 65 and you’re living with a permanent and significant disability, chances are you’re eligible to receive funded supports. 

Called the National Disability Insurance Scheme, or NDIS for short, the nation-wide program aims to improve the lives of those living with disability by providing access to supports that help achieve individual’s goals.

Your NDIS plan is your way of articulating what your goals are and what supports are required to achieve said goals and live a fulfilling life. 

In this blog we’ll cover more of the basics about NDIS plans including what is an NDIS plan and how your plan can help you receive the supports you need to achieve your goals. 

What is an NDIS plan?

Your NDIS plan is all about you and your individual goals. It outlines your goals and the supports you will receive from the NDIS, the community and other government supports to help you achieve those goals. 

The goals in your plan are broken down into two sections – a section for how you will achieve your goals and another for how you will be supported. 

The goals in your plan will also be matched up with the different funded supports: Core, Capacity-building and Capital.   

Some people might have one funded support and others may have all three.  

For your personalised funded supports there is a total budget making it easier to monitor and use it flexibly where you can.  

Once you have created your plan, the next step is putting it into action by accessing supports from disability providers, such as Disability Plan Services. Our role is to help you make the most of your plan funds through NDIS plan management and support coordination!

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What does an NDIS plan look like?

The first page of your plan includes your personal details, including your:

• Name
• NDIS number
• Contact details for the NDIS
• NDIS plan start date AND
• NDIS plan review date
• Part 1: About me

Part two is dedicated to the goals you want to achieve including how you will achieve them and with what supports. These goals can be broken down into short and medium-long term.

Part three outlines the supports that will help you work towards achieving your goals such as informal support from family and friends, community groups, other government and health services and your NDIS-funded supports.

At the end of your plan you will find a list of contact details for the NDIS and NDIA who are able to assist with queries you have relating to your plan. Alternatively, you can also contact the team at Disability Plan Services on 1800 312 870 or email info@disabilityplanservices.com.au for assistance.  

How does an NDIS plan work?

The purpose of your NDIS plan is to help you achieve your goals and live a fulfilling life.

In your first meeting, you will discuss your goals with your ECEI Coordinator, LAC, or NDIA planner. Goal setting is an important part to creating your plan because it outlines what supports you will be eligible to access. 

Your plan funding is determined based on the goals you set and what supports you require to achieve those goals. Every dollar of funding you receive needs to be associated with a goal in your plan. This is why it’s important that you properly explain the things you wish to achieve and what supports you require to achieve them.

There are three main categories that your funds will be allocated to, each covering different types of supports you may require.

Core – Everyone receives a sum of funds for their core budget which covers low-cost equipment that you may need to help your mobility, to pay a support worker to help with household cleaning and funds you need for everyday items and transport.

Capital – These funds are for large expenses such as modifications to your home and/or motor vehicle.

Capacity building – This is all about helping to improve your ability to get involved in day-to-day life and improve your ability to perform tasks. This funding may be used to pay a support worker to help you find employment, participate in exercise and manage your household budget.

Using funding from these three areas of your plan, you can access supports through a range of service providers and work towards achieving your goals. 

If you’re confused about what funding is included in your plan or have any other questions about your plan, get in touch with the team at Disability Plan Services.