If you’ve never had a Support Coordinator before, it’s normal to feel unsure about what to expect. The good news is that a little preparation can make the meeting relaxed, clear and helpful.

Here’s how to get ready.

Preparing for your first Support Coordination meeting is an important step in making the most of your NDIS plan. Support Coordination helps people with disability understand their funding, connect with the right providers and work toward meaningful goals.

By thinking about your goals, gathering key documents and preparing questions in advance, your first Support Coordination meeting can be relaxed, empowering and focused on what matters most to you. This guide explains how to prepare for a Support Coordination meeting so you can feel confident, informed and supported from the start.

1. Think About Your Goals

Your Support Coordinator will ask about your goals so they can make sure the right supports are in place.

You don’t need to have perfect goals, just think about what you want life to look like.

This could include things like:

• Being more independent at home
• Building social connections
• Improving daily living skills
• Getting support with communication
• Finding stable routines
• Joining community activities

Write down anything that feels important, even if it’s small.

Preparing a little before your first Support Coordination meeting can help you feel confident and in control. The more your Support Coordinator understands about your needs, goals and preferences, the better they can support you.

2. Gather Any Useful Documents

Bring anything that helps explain your current situation. For example:

• Your current NDIS plan
• Recent reports (OT, physio, speech, psychology, GP)
• A list of current providers
• Any schedules, routines or support notes
• Letters from therapists or doctors
• Previous goals, if this isn’t your first plan

Don’t worry if you don’t have all of these — they’re helpful, not essential.

3. Think About What’s Working (and What Isn’t)

Your Support Coordinator needs to understand what’s going smoothly and what causes stress.

Ask yourself:

• Are there supports you love?
• Are there supports that aren’t meeting your needs?
• Do you feel overwhelmed managing appointments or providers?
• Is there anything in your daily life that feels harder than it should be?

This helps your Support Coordinator understand where to start.

4. Make a List of Questions You Want to Ask

It’s easy to forget things on the day, so jot your questions down. You might ask:

• How often will we meet?
• What can you help me with?
• How do I contact you if something changes?
• Can you help me prepare for my next plan reassessment?
• How do we track progress?

Nothing is a silly question – your Support Coordinator is there to help.

5. Bring Someone You Trust (If You Want To)

You’re welcome to bring a family member, friend, partner or advocate. Some people feel more confident when someone familiar is with them. Others prefer to meet one-on-one. Both options are perfectly fine.

6. Think About the Life You Want, Not Just the Supports

Support Coordination isn’t only about organising services — it’s about helping you live your life your way.

Before the meeting, it may help to reflect on:

• What makes you feel happy or supported
• What you want more of in your week
• Any barriers that stop you from doing things
• How you’d like your routines to improve

Your Support Coordinator can then help build a plan that makes sense for you.

7. Relax — It’s Your Meeting

Your first Support Coordination meeting is about you.

• You don’t need to know the NDIS rules.
• You don’t need to understand every support category.
• You don’t need to say everything perfectly.

Your Support Coordinator will guide you through the process step by step, at your pace.

If you’d like help getting started or want to learn more about Support Coordination with Disability Plan Services, we’re here to help whenever you’re ready.

The post How to Prepare for Your First Support Coordination Meeting appeared first on Disability Plan Services.

Here’s how we help — and why having the right coordination at this time matters.

Understanding Each Person’s Needs Before They Leave Hospital

Every person’s situation is different. Before a participant leaves hospital, our Support Coordinators take time to understand:

• What has changed since the person was last at home
• Whether new equipment, therapy or supports are needed
• What risks or barriers might affect safety or independence
• What funding is available, and whether urgent changes are required
• What the participant wants their life to look like when they return home

We collaborate with hospital teams, allied health, and families to build a clear picture of the person’s support needs. This creates a strong foundation for the next stage.

Arranging the Right Supports for a Safe Return Home

A safe discharge is more than getting someone home, it’s making sure the right supports are already in place. Our NDIS hospital discharge support coordination includes:

In-home support workers: To help with personal care, showering, dressing, meals, medication prompts and daily routines.

Short-Term Respite (previously STA) when home isn’t the best option yet:  If the participant needs a temporary place to recover, build skills or stay safe before returning home.

Home modifications or equipment: Handrails, ramps, shower chairs, hospital beds, mobility aids or assistive technology recommended by therapists.

Allied health supports: Physiotherapy, OT, speech therapy, psychology — whatever is needed to support recovery.

Increased funding (if required): We can request:

• A Change of Circumstances
• A plan reassessment
• Urgent funding adjustments
• Increased core supports

We make sure the participant has the right level of support before they step through their front door.

Coordinating the Whole Transition Process

Smooth transitions require organisation, communication and lots of moving parts coming together at once. Our Support Coordinators manage:

• Communication between hospital discharge planners, specialists and the NDIS
• Referrals to service providers
• Ensuring support workers are onsite when the person arrives home
• Arranging transport from hospital
• Checking that the home environment is safe and ready

This means the participant and their family don’t need to chase multiple services or feel overwhelmed by logistics during an already stressful time.

Supporting Confidence, Wellbeing & Independence

Returning home after a hospital stay can be emotionally challenging. Many people feel nervous about managing daily activities, overwhelmed by changes in their abilities and worried about “slipping backwards” or maintaining independence.

Our Support Coordinators take time to offer reassurance, practical strategies and encouragement. We help participants:

• Build confidence in daily routines
• Relearn skills at their own pace
• Connect with the right mental health or social supports
• Reintegrate into community life
• Feel in control of their next steps

“True support is more than just providing services. It’s walking beside someone as they rebuild their life, and providing them with clarity, choice and honesty,” says Glen, DPS’s Senior Support Coordinator.

When Returning Home Isn’t the Best Option

Sometimes a participant may no longer be able to return safely to their previous living environment. In these situations, our Support Coordinators help explore alternative options together such as:

Supported Independent Living (SIL): For long-term support within a shared home.

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA): For people with significant functional impairment or complex needs.

Medium-Term Accommodation (MTA): A safe temporary option while the right long-term home is found.

Ongoing Support Beyond Discharge

Our work doesn’t stop once the participant is home. We continue to:

• Review services
• Monitor progress
• Adjust supports as independence grows
• Resolve issues with providers
• Advocate for further plan changes if needed
• Support long-term goals like employment, community engagement or moving out of home

At Disability Plan Services, we’re committed to ensuring every participant feels supported, respected and genuinely cared for as they return home, or begin a new chapter.

If you, or someone you support, is preparing to leave hospital and needs guidance, our Support Coordination team is here to help every step of the way.

The post NDIS hospital discharge support coordination appeared first on Disability Plan Services.

Many participants are surprised to learn they’re underspending their NDIS plan without even realising it. While this might sound like a good thing, it can actually mean you’re missing out on services or progress that could make a real difference in your daily life.

Here’s how to recognise when you might be underspending, why it happens, and what to do about it.

What does “underspending” mean?

Underspending happens when you don’t use all the funds allocated in your current NDIS plan before it ends. In other words, money is sitting in your budget that could have been used for supports, therapies or skill-building activities — and once your plan expires, that unused funding disappears.

If it happens consistently, it may also affect future funding decisions, as the NDIA might assume you don’t need as much support as you’re currently receiving.

How to tell if you’re underspending

The first step is to check your NDIS plan budgets. You can do this through the myplace participant portal or by speaking with your plan manager.

Look for these signs:

• You regularly have a large amount of funding left over in one or more categories
• You’ve delayed starting supports or cancelled services
• You haven’t used all the hours allocated for therapy or community access
• You’re unsure how much you’ve spent or what your remaining balance is
• You’re nearing the end of your plan and still have a high percentage of unspent funds

If any of this sounds familiar, you may be underspending — and it’s time to find out why.

Common reasons participants underspend

There are many reasons why this can happen, and it’s rarely intentional. Some of the most common include:

1. Waiting to start supports — Long waitlists for services or providers can delay spending.
2. Confusion about what’s covered — You might not realise how flexible some funding categories can be.
3. Changes in routine — Health issues, moving house, or changes in work or school can interrupt services.
4. Difficulty finding the right providers — Especially in rural areas or for specialised supports.
5. Not tracking spending regularly — It’s easy to lose track of where you’re at during a 12-month plan.

What to do if you’re underspending

The good news is, underspending can be fixed — and it’s often a chance to realign your supports with your goals.

1. Talk to your Plan Manager or Support Coordinator

They can review your current budgets, explain what’s available, and suggest services that fit your goals. Plan Managers like Disability Plan Services will also help you spot patterns in your spending early, so you can adjust before the end of your plan.

2. Revisit your goals

Ask yourself: what’s changed since your plan started? Have you achieved something and now want to focus on new skills? Updating your goals can open up new ways to use your existing funding.

3. Explore flexible supports

Many supports can be delivered in different ways, for example, therapy sessions can be online, at home, or out in the community. If it’s hard to access something in one format, your funding might still allow it in another.

4. Keep an eye on your portal

Check your myplace participant portal regularly or request a spending summary from your plan manager. Knowing where you’re at helps you make timely decisions.

5. Plan early for your review

If you’re approaching the end of your plan and notice a large underspend, use your plan review meeting to explain why. Your plan manager can help you document the reasons so your future funding isn’t reduced unfairly.

Why spending your plan well matters

Using your funding fully doesn’t mean wasting it. It means maximising its impact. Every service, activity or support you access is an opportunity to move closer to your goals.

Your NDIS plan is designed to support your independence, wellbeing, and confidence, and every dollar can help you build the life you want.

If you’re unsure how to make the most of your current plan, or think you might be underspending, Disability Plan Services can help. Our team can review your budget, connect you with the right supports, and make sure your funding is working hard for you rather than sitting unused.

Get in touch today to chat with our friendly team about how we can help you make the most of your NDIS plan.

The post How to Spot When You’re Underspending (and What to Do About It) appeared first on Disability Plan Services.

Navigating the NDIS can sometimes feel complex—but recent updates are designed to bring more clarity to how funding is allocated and how support is aligned to each participant’s needs. If you’re an NDIS participant (or supporting someone who is), here’s what you need to know about impairment categories, how they influence funding, and how new funding components and periods will shape the way your plan works. 

What Are Impairment Categories and Why Do They Matter? 

The NDIS has introduced a clearer way to describe the types of challenges a participant faces through what are now called impairment categories. Each person’s disability is grouped into one or more categories – like neurological, physical, psychosocial, or intellectual – based on how it impacts daily life. 

This helps ensure that the supports you receive are aligned with your needs. For instance, someone with cerebral palsy might be recognised under both physical and neurological impairment categories. These categories don’t define your potential – but they do help the NDIS and your providers ensure that your plan delivers the right types of supports. 

You’ll receive formal notice of your impairment category at your next plan review or when transitioning to a new plan. New NDIS participants started receiving this information from 1 January 2025. If you haven’t seen it yet, don’t worry, it’s coming soon. 

What’s Changing with NDIS Funding: Components and Periods 

To make managing funding easier and more transparent, the NDIS is now organising participant budgets into two parts: funding components and funding periods. 

Funding Components 

These are the building blocks of your plan. Each component refers to a type of support – like personal care, therapy, transport, or assistive technology. Some components may be flexible, meaning you can use them across multiple supports, while others are restricted, tied to specific providers or services. 

This structure helps prevent confusion about where your funds can be used – and makes it easier for plan managers and participants to track spending. 

Funding Periods 

Rather than accessing your full plan budget all at once, your funding is now released in stages, typically over three-month periods (though this may vary from one to twelve months depending on your plan). This approach encourages more sustainable use of funds throughout the year—and helps avoid situations where funds are used up too early. 

Importantly: 

• You can’t borrow from future funding periods. 

• Unused funds may carry over to the next period. 

• Each component and period is designed to promote greater control, better planning, and less stress around spending. 

What You Can Do Now 

• Look out for updates from your support coordinator or plan manager, especially ahead of your next plan review. 

• If you’re unsure what impairment category you fall into, or how it may affect your plan—ask your provider to walk you through it. 

• Talk to your plan manager about how funding periods may impact how (and when) your supports are scheduled or delivered. 

Disability Plan Services Can Help 

At Disability Plan Services, we work closely with participants, families, and support coordinators to make sure every plan is aligned with your goals – and your life. Whether you’re looking for help navigating funding updates, choosing flexible supports, or managing budgets, our Plan Management and Support Coordination teams are here to simplify the process and empower your choices.

The post Understanding NDIS Impairment Categories and Funding Updates: What It Means for Your Plan appeared first on Disability Plan Services.

Occupational Therapy (OT) is one of the most practical and empowering support services available under the NDIS. While it’s often misunderstood as simply physical rehab, OT goes much deeper – helping people overcome physical, emotional, and social barriers so they can live more independently and confidently.

Whether it’s brushing your teeth, driving to work, or managing daily fatigue, occupational therapy is about building the skills and supports you need to live life on your terms.

What Does Occupational Therapy Help With?

Occupational therapy offers practical, hands-on support tailored to a person’s specific goals and lifestyle. A qualified occupational therapist works alongside individuals to improve their ability to carry out everyday activities, and to build skills that support physical, mental, emotional, and social wellbeing.

Some of the many benefits include:

• Improved independence at home, work, or school
• Safer ways to complete daily tasks like dressing, cooking or bathing
• Increased confidence and participation in the community
• Avoiding or delaying the need for hospital or residential care

Occupational therapy is often goal-driven and person-led, meaning individuals get to identify what matters most to them and focus on practical ways to get there. This makes OT not just a clinical support, but an empowering experience.

How Occupational Therapy Works

No two people experience disability the same way, which is why OT is always tailored to the individual. Your occupational therapist will start by getting to know you – your goals, your challenges, and what “independence” means to you.

Most OT plans follow three simple stages:

1. Assessment

Your first session is all about understanding what matters to you. The OT will look at what tasks feel difficult right now and work with you to identify the ones that are most important, such as preparing meals, managing pain, or being able to return to work or school.

They may also assess the places you spend time – your home, workplace, or community – to see if any changes (like handrails, adaptive furniture, or assistive technology) could make things easier or safer.

2. Interventions

This is where the hands-on work begins. Your therapist might:

• Introduce equipment or tools to support independence (eg wheelchairs, memory aids, prosthetics)
• Help you build fine motor skills (eg grasping objects, using zippers, or typing)
• Work on emotional regulation strategies or mental health supports
• Improve coordination, pain management, or energy conservation
• Support your ability to participate in leisure activities—because play and enjoyment are just as important

Sometimes an OT session might look like a game, but there’s always a purpose behind it. For example, learning to hold chess pieces might also help you grip cutlery or a toothbrush.

3. Evaluation and Progress

As you work toward your goals, your therapist will continue checking in and adjusting your support as needed. This ongoing stage ensures that interventions are effective —and that you’re feeling confident, safe, and supported along the way.

What Can OT Help Me With?

Because every person’s needs and goals are different, an OT will always create a customised plan. This may include:

• Developing fine motor skills (eg feeding, brushing teeth, using zippers)
• Hand-eye coordination (eg playing sports, typing, or writing)
• Assistive technology and home modifications (eg grab rails, wheelchairs, adaptive kitchen tools)
• Memory support and cognitive strategies
• Managing fatigue or chronic pain
• Emotional regulation strategies for people with autism or sensory needs
• Assessments for driving or returning to work or study

OTs may also work with schools or employers to help create supportive environments that enable people to stay engaged in their communities.

Who Benefits From OT?

OT is suitable for people of all ages and levels of ability. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing a lifelong condition, or building life skills for the first time, OT gives you the tools to live more independently and do more of what matters to you.

You might benefit from occupational therapy if you’re living with:

• Autism or sensory processing challenges
• Developmental delay
• Brain injury or spinal cord injury
• Chronic illness, fatigue, or pain
• Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis or Spina Bifida
• Arthritis, amputations, or orthopaedic injuries
• Mental health conditions
• Memory loss, dementia or Alzheimer’s

Whether support is short-term or ongoing, occupational therapy is designed to meet people where they’re at and help them live the way they choose.

How to Access OT Through the NDIS

If your NDIS plan includes funding for occupational therapy, your Disability Plan Services support coordinator can help you find the right provider and integrate those services into your broader support network. They can also help build your confidence in navigating the NDIS and ensuring your supports are well coordinated and running smoothly.

Your Disability Plan Services plan manager plays a key role too – taking care of the financial side, ensuring invoices are paid correctly and on time, and helping you stay within your plan budget.

Together, your support coordinator and plan manager make it easier for you to focus on what really matters: your progress.

If you already have OT in your plan, or you’re just getting started, we’re here to help.

Get in touch with our Disability Plan Services team today to find out how we can support you on your journey to greater independence.

The post What Is Occupational Therapy and How Can It Help? appeared first on Disability Plan Services.

The NDIS plan reassessment is a crucial step in ensuring your supports continue to meet your evolving needs. To make this process smoother, here’s a guide to help you prepare for a successful NDIS plan reassessment. 

What is a Plan Reassessment? 

An NDIS plan reassessment is a formal process to determine if any modifications to your plan are needed, to ensure it continues to meet your goals and support needs. The NDIS will conduct plan reassessments, and participants can also request a plan reassessment.  

Plan Variation vs Plan Reassessment 

It’s important to distinguish between a plan variation and a plan reassessment. A plan variation is a minor change to your existing plan, often involving adjustments to funding allocations within your existing supports. This is typically used for smaller, more immediate changes.  

A plan reassessment, on the other hand, is a more comprehensive review of your entire plan, leading to potentially significant changes in funding, supports and goals. It’s conducted when there’s been a significant change in your circumstances, or when your current plan is nearing its end date. 

How a Support Coordinator Can Help

It’s incredibly beneficial to have the assistance of a Support Coordinator in the reassessment process. Support Coordinators are especially helpful if you find the NDIS complex or difficult to navigate. If you don’t have a Support Coordinator but you’d like to have one, contact us for more information.  

Key Steps to Prepare for a Plan Reassessment 

Involve Your Support Coordinator  

Your support coordinator has expert knowledge of the NDIS system and can help you navigate the process with confidence. 

• They can assist in gathering the necessary documentation, ensuring it aligns with NDIS requirements.
• Their expertise can help you to properly articulate your needs, and make sure that your goals are clearly explained.

Attend the Meeting with Your Support Coordinator 

Having your support coordinator present at the reassessment meeting can significantly enhance your experience: 

• They can act as your advocate, ensuring your voice is heard and your needs are accurately represented. 
• They can also help to clarify any questions you may have, and ensure that you understand the process. 

Review Your Current Plan 

• Take time to thoroughly review your current NDIS plan. Identify what’s working well for you and what isn’t. 
• Consider if you’ve made progress towards your goals, or if they have changed. 

Gather Evidence 

• Collect relevant reports and documentation from your service providers. This includes therapists, support workers, and other professionals who contribute to your support network. 
• These reports should demonstrate how your current supports are helping you achieve your goals and highlight any areas where adjustments may be needed. 
• It is very important that these reports are detailed, and meet the NDIS requirements. 

Reflect on Your Needs 

• Think about any changes in your circumstances, needs, and goals. 
• Consider if you require new supports or if your existing supports need to be modified. 
• Consider future goals, and if current supports will assist with those goals. 

Prepare for the Meeting 

• Organise your documentation and prepare a list of questions or concerns to discuss during the reassessment meeting. 
• Be prepared to discuss what has, and has not, worked with your current plan. 

Understand NDIS Guidelines 

• Familiarise yourself with the NDIS guidelines and price guides to ensure your requested supports align with NDIS funding criteria. 
• Understanding what is deemed “reasonable and necessary” is very important. 

Key Considerations 

• Communication: Open and honest communication with your NDIS planner is essential. 
• Documentation: Clear and detailed documentation is crucial for supporting your requests. 
• Advocacy: Don’t hesitate to advocate for your needs and ensure your voice is heard. 

By following these tips, and working with your support coordinator, you can approach your NDIS plan reassessment with confidence and ensure your plan continues to support your individual needs. 

If you don’t have Support Coordination in your plan, contact us to see how we can help you to make the most of your NDIS funding. 

The post Tips for a Successful NDIS Plan Reassessment appeared first on Disability Plan Services.

The NDIS recognises the significant role AT plays in supporting people with disability. Funding for NDIS assistive technology is available when it is deemed reasonable and necessary to help you pursue your goals and participate in daily life. This means the AT must be related to your disability, represent value for money, and be the most appropriate option for your needs. 

What Kind of Assistive Technology Can the NDIS Fund? 

The range of aids and equipment that the NDIS can fund is broad and varied, tailored to individual needs. This can include: 

• Mobility aids: Wheelchairs, scooters, walking frames. 

• Communication aids: Speech-generating devices, communication boards. 

• Personal care aids: Equipment for showering, dressing, and toileting. 

• Household aids: Modified utensils, kitchen equipment. 

• Technology: Adapted computers, software, environmental control systems. 

• Therapeutic supports: Specialised seating, positioning devices. 

• Vehicle modifications: Changes to vehicles for accessibility. 

How to Access NDIS Funding for Assistive Technology 

The process for getting equipment with NDIS funding typically involves these steps: 

1. Identify Your Needs: Discuss with your support coordinator, therapists, and other professionals the AT that could help you achieve your goals and address your functional limitations. 

1. Gather Evidence: Obtain assessments and reports from qualified professionals (eg occupational therapists, physiotherapists) that clearly outline your AT needs, the recommended equipment, and how it will benefit you. This evidence is crucial to demonstrate that the AT is reasonable and necessary. 

1. Include AT in Your NDIS Plan: Work with your planner during your plan development or review to ensure your AT needs are clearly articulated and included in your goals and support strategies. 

1. Request Funding: Once AT needs are identified, funding will be considered under the appropriate budget category in your NDIS plan, often within Capital Supports or Core Supports (for lower-cost items). Your support coordinator can assist with this process. 

1. Provide Quotes and Justification: For higher-cost AT, you will likely need to provide quotes from suppliers and further justification outlining the benefits and value for money of the requested equipment. 

Tips for a Successful AT Funding Request 

• Be Specific: Clearly describe the AT you need and how it will directly support your goals. 

• Provide Strong Evidence: Comprehensive reports from qualified professionals are essential. 

• Demonstrate Value for Money: Obtain competitive quotes and explain why the chosen AT is the most appropriate and cost-effective solution. 

• Highlight Long-Term Benefits: Emphasise how the AT will contribute to your long-term independence and reduce reliance on other supports. 

• Work with Your Support Coordinator: Experienced coordinators can provide invaluable guidance and assistance throughout the process. 

Navigating the process of NDIS assistive technology funding can seem complex, but understanding the key principles and steps involved can empower you to access the aids and equipment that can significantly enhance your life.  

Disability Plan Services can help support you in understanding your NDIS plan and advocating for the assistive technology funding you need to achieve your goals. Contact us today for guidance and assistance in getting your AT equipment NDIS approved. 

The post Assistive Technology NDIS Funding: Understanding What’s In Your Plan appeared first on Disability Plan Services.

Understanding Why Funding Might Seem Insufficient 

Sometimes, the initial plan doesn’t fully capture the complexity of your needs or your goals. Or, if your circumstances have changed since your assessment, you may be looking for additional support. Understanding the reasons behind the NDIS funding amount you’ve received is the first step towards finding a solution. 

Your Options for Seeking More Funding 

1. Request a Plan Variation: For smaller, more immediate needs that weren’t initially included, you can request a plan variation. This involves contacting your Local Area Coordinator and providing evidence for the additional support required. This is often used for specific, short-term needs or minor adjustments to existing supports.

2. Request a Plan Reassessment: If the shortfall is more significant, or reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of your needs, you can request a full plan reassessment. This involves a more comprehensive review of your situation, often requiring updated assessments and reports from your support team. This is a chance to present a stronger case for increased funding based on your current needs and goals.

3. Gather Strong Evidence: Regardless of whether you pursue a variation or reassessment, robust evidence is key. This can include: 

• Updated assessments and reports from therapists, doctors, and other professionals, clearly outlining your needs and the recommended supports. 
• Detailed goal statements clearly articulating your goals and how the requested funding will help you achieve them. 
• Daily living needs assessments providing a clear picture of the level of support you require for everyday tasks. 
• Impact statements explaining how the lack of adequate funding is affecting your well-being and participation.

4. Seek Support Coordination: If you have support coordination included in your plan, your support coordinator can be invaluable in navigating this process. They can help you gather evidence, understand the NDIS processes, and advocate effectively on your behalf. They can also assist in preparing for, and attending, meetings with the NDIA.  If you don’t have a Support Coordinator, contact our team to see how we may be able to help. 

5. Understand Your Right to Appeal NDIS Decisions: If your requests for a variation or reassessment are unsuccessful, you have the right to appeal NDIS decisions. The NDIA will provide information on their internal review process. If you’re still not satisfied, you can further escalate your appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). 

6. Advocating for Your Needs: Don’t be afraid to advocate for more NDIS funds. Clearly and calmly explain your situation, provide evidence, and highlight how the requested supports will enable you to pursue your goals and live a more inclusive life. 

Disability Plan Services Can Help 

Navigating NDIS funding concerns can be overwhelming. Our team at Disability Plan Services understands the complexities of the system and can provide guidance and support to help you explore your options. We can assist you in understanding your plan, gathering evidence, and preparing for discussions with the NDIA. 

If you’re feeling that your NDIS funding isn’t enough, don’t lose hope. Contact Disability Plan Services today for clear advice and support in understanding your options and advocating for more NDIS funds to meet your individual needs. 

The post Help! My NDIS Funding Isn’t Enough. What Are My Options? appeared first on Disability Plan Services.

NDIS and Mental Health: Eligibility 

The NDIS provides funding to people with disability, to pay for the supports and services they need because of their disability.  

To be eligible for the NDIS, you need evidence that your disability is permanent, significant, and affects your ability to do everyday tasks like going shopping, working or taking care of yourself. There are some mental health conditions that cause a psychosocial disability, which can meet this criteria, including: 

• Schizoid disorders such as schizophrenia 

• Anxiety disorders including obsessive compulsive disorder, agoraphobia, post-traumatic stress disorder 

• Mood disorders, including depression and bipolar disorder 

The illness can be ongoing or episodic (meaning you might have good times and bad times), but for NDIS eligibility it must be a lifelong condition that causes a ‘functional impairment’ and you’ll have to provide evidence that you need help with everyday tasks. 

A Focus on Functionality 

The NDIS looks at how your mental health condition affects your ability to manage daily activities in at least one of these areas: 

• Self-care: Dressing, bathing, toileting, eating, and taking medication. 

• Communication: Expressing your needs and understanding others. 

• Social interaction: Participating in social activities and forming relationships. 

• Learning: Participating in education or training, or learning new skills. 

• Mobility: Moving around safely and independently, at home or in the community 

• Household tasks: Managing chores like cleaning and cooking. 

If you are eligible, the NDIS may fund ongoing capacity-building supports, and supports for daily living, when needed. The NDIS does not fund clinical treatment services or therapy to address mental health symptoms. 

Getting the Support You Need with Disability Plan Services 

If you are given access to the NDIS, Disability Plan Services can help you navigate the process of getting the support you need. Our team can offer services including: 

• Psychosocial recovery coaching to help you increase your independence and social and economic participation 

• Support coordination to connect you with service providers 

• Plan management to take the hassle out of handling your NDIS funding 

If you’re accessing NDIS support for psychosocial disability, contact Disability Plan Services today. We can help you understand your options and access support to help you start living the life you want. 

The post Mental Health Conditions and the NDIS: Understanding Eligibility appeared first on Disability Plan Services.

What is NDIS Support Coordination? 

An NDIS Support Coordinator is a skilled professional who works alongside you to get the most out of your NDIS plan. They act as your guide and advocate, helping you with a variety of tasks, including: 

• Understanding Your Plan: They’ll explain the intricacies of your plan, deciphering funding categories and ensuring you understand how your resources can be used. 

• Goal Setting and Planning: They’ll work with you to define your goals, big or small, and develop a plan to achieve them using your NDIS funding. 

• Finding the Right Supports: They’ll connect you with a network of qualified NDIS providers who offer the specific services and supports you need. 

• Communication: They can be your voice, communicating your needs effectively with the NDIS and other stakeholders. 

• Plan Reviews and Updates: They’ll assist you in reviewing your plan regularly and advocating for adjustments as your needs and goals evolve. 

The Difference Between Support Coordination and Plan Management

It’s important to understand the distinction between NDIS Support Coordination and Plan Management. While both services aim to support you in utilising your NDIS plan, they focus on different aspects: 

• Support Coordination: Focuses on the “what” and “why” of your NDIS plan – understanding your goals, exploring options, and connecting you with providers. 

• Plan Management: Handles the “how” of your plan – managing your NDIS funding, paying providers, and dealing with paperwork. 

How Does Support Coordination Empower You? 

By providing guidance, support, and advocacy, NDIS Support Coordination empowers you to take control of your NDIS journey. Here’s how: 

• Increased Independence: You gain the knowledge and confidence to navigate the NDIS system and make informed decisions about your care. 

• Goal Achievement: Support coordinators help you define clear goals and develop strategies to achieve them, fostering a sense of accomplishment. 

• Choice and Control: You have a say in what services you receive and who provides them, ensuring your plan aligns with your preferences. 

• Reduced Stress: Knowing you have a dedicated professional by your side can alleviate the burden of managing your NDIS plan. 

Ready to Take Charge of Your NDIS Journey? 

If you’re looking for a partner to empower you on your NDIS journey and help you achieve your goals, Disability Plan Services can connect you with experienced and qualified NDIS Support Coordinators. 

Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s discuss how we can help you put your NDIS plan into action! 

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