How NDIS Funding Works

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides funding to help Australians with disabilities access the support they need to live independently, participate in the community, and achieve their goals. But how NDIS funding works can be confusing. Here’s what you need to know.

Who Can Get NDIS Funding?

To access NDIS funding, you must:

• Be under 65 years old when you apply.
• Have a permanent and significant disability that affects your daily life.
• Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa.

If you meet these criteria, you can apply through the NDIS Access Request process.

How NDIS Funding Works: The Three Types of Funding

Understanding how NDIS funding works starts with knowing the three types of support available:

1. Core Supports

Core Supports help with everyday activities, transport, and social participation. This funding is flexible and can cover:

• Daily living assistance – Support workers to help with personal care, cooking, cleaning, and meal preparation.
• Transport assistance – Funding for taxis, rideshare services, or disability-friendly public transport options if you cannot travel independently.
• Social and community activities – Support to attend social events, recreational activities, or join local groups.
• Consumables – Everyday disability-related items like continence aids, low-cost assistive technology, or therapy supplies.

2. Capacity Building Supports

Capacity Building Supports help you gain skills and independence. Unlike Core Supports, this funding is not flexible and must be used for specific services, such as:

• Therapy sessions – Occupational therapy, speech therapy, or physiotherapy to improve daily function.
• Employment support – Training, job coaching, and workplace assistance to help you find and maintain employment.
• Life skills programs – Cooking classes, money management workshops, or independent living training.
• Health and wellbeing – Personal training, dietitian services, and mental health support.

3. Capital Supports

Capital Supports cover high-cost items and modifications to improve independence and accessibility. These may include:

• Assistive technology – Wheelchairs, communication devices, prosthetics, or adaptive computer equipment.
• Home modifications – Installing ramps, handrails, stairlifts, or bathroom modifications for accessibility.
• Vehicle modifications – Adjustments like hand controls, wheelchair lifts, or modified seating for easier transport.

How NDIS Funding Works: Managing Your Budget

There are three ways to manage your NDIS budget:

1. NDIA-Managed (Agency-Managed)

• The NDIS pays registered providers directly.
• You can only use NDIS-registered providers.
• Example: If you want personal care support, you must choose an NDIS-registered provider.

2. Plan-Managed

• A Plan Manager handles payments and budgeting.
• You can use both registered and unregistered providers.
• Example: You can visit a local physiotherapist, even if they are not NDIS-registered.

3. Self-Managed

• You pay providers directly and claim reimbursement from the NDIS portal.
• You can choose any provider, including mainstream businesses.
• Example: You can pay for an art class and submit a claim if it fits within your goals.

How NDIS Funding Works: Getting Started with Your NDIS Plan

1. Prepare for Your Planning Meeting

Congratulations! Your NDIS plan is approved, and you can now access the support and services you need. The first step is to prepare for your planning meeting. This meeting helps determine what goes into your NDIS plan, so it’s important to understand your current support and what additional help you might need.

Start by thinking about:

• What do I do every day? Consider where you go, what activities you do, and who helps you.
• What support do I need? List any help you get for activities, including transport, personal care, or meal assistance. Include paid support, family help, aids, and equipment.
• What are my goals? Your plan is based on goals, so think about what you want to achieve in different areas of your life.

Your NDIS planner will discuss your goals with you because funding is linked to helping you achieve them.

2. Using your NDIS Plan

Once your plan is approved, you need to take a few steps before you can start using your NDIS funding.

• Receive Your Plan – You will get your NDIS plan by mail or email. Read it carefully to understand your funded supports. If you need help, contact your NDIS representative.
• Access Your Plan Online – Log into myGov and link to the NDIS myplace portal. This lets you view your plan, manage your supports, and track spending.
• Talk to Your NDIS Representative – If you have Support Coordination funding, a Support Coordinator will contact you to help set up your plan. If you don’t have Support Coordination, a Local Area Coordinator (LAC) can assist you in finding providers and using the myplace portal.
• Connect with Service Providers – Decide who you want to deliver your funded supports.Sign Service Agreements with your chosen providers before you can start using your funding.
• Start Using Your Supports – Once your Service Agreements are signed, you can begin receiving your supports. Your NDIS plan usually lasts 12 months, unless significant changes in your life require an update.

Lifely Supports Your NDIS Journey

Navigating the NDIS can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Lifely is here to help you make the most of your NDIS plan, offering a wide range of services to support people with disabilities in regional Victoria and border communities in New South Wales and South Australia.
Whether you need one-on-one support, social groups, in-home care, support coordination, plan management, or supported independent living, we are ready to assist.

Our team understands how NDIS funding works and can guide you through the process, from accessing your plan to choosing the right supports.

We are committed to empowering people with disabilities to live independently, connect with their communities, and achieve their goals. If you’re looking for trusted, high-quality NDIS services, Lifely is here for you.

Lifely’s NDIS Services

1. Core Supports

• One-on-One Support – Personalised assistance with daily activities, hobbies, and appointments.
  Learn more about One-on-One Support
• In-Home Support – Help with household tasks like cooking, cleaning, and grocery shopping.
  Find out how we can support you at home
• Personal Care – Support with dressing, showering, grooming, and medication reminders.
  Discover how we can assist with personal care
• Shared Support – Support workers assisting small groups with shared activities or tasks.
  Learn more about Shared Support
• Community Participation and Day Programs – Social and recreational activities to encourage community involvement.
  Explore our Community Participation programs
• Social Groups – Group outings and events to foster friendships and build confidence.
  Join a Social Group near you
• Supported Independent Living (SIL) – Ongoing support in shared or individual housing to develop independent living skills.
  Find out more about SIL options

2. Capacity Building Supports

• Support Coordination – Helping you understand and manage your NDIS plan, connect with services, and get the most from your funding.
  See how our Support Coordinators can assist you
• Plan Management – Helping you keep track of your funds, pay providers, and ensure you stay within your budget. This allows you to focus on achieving your goals without worrying about administrative tasks. Find out more about our plan management service.

Now You Understand How NDIS Funding Works, What’s Next?

Now that you understand how NDIS funding works, you can start making the most of your plan. Whether you need support with daily activities, therapy, assistive technology, or community participation, knowing how to use your funding means you can access the services that best support your goals and independence.

At Lifely, we’re here to help you every step of the way. We provide a wide range of NDIS-funded services across regional Victoria and border communities in New South Wales and South Australia, including one-on-one support, in-home care, social groups, supported independent living, plan management, and support coordination.

If you’re ready to start using your NDIS plan or need guidance on accessing the right supports, we’d love to help. Call us on 1300 799 421 or visit the services page on our website to get started today!