The NDIS has made some changes to the rules about how people can spend their budgets. The aim is to make it easier for people to meet their goals.
Warning! There is a lot of information in this blog
We want you to have all the details. But, if it is easier to chat with someone about this - call us for free on 1800 029 904. Our Information Officers can take you through your questions step by step.
The changes to the NDIS rules means that everyone can use their core supports flexibly
You can now
- move funds around the different core areas to suit your needs
- do this however your plan is managed
You do not need
- plan review to do this
- to do anything
Your total budget amount stays the same.
In this section, we share the information from the NDIS on "Using your budget"
These are questions that were added on June 15, 2020.
How will I know my plan is now flexible across all four support categories?
From 13 June, all participants with Core supports can use all four Core funding categories under their Core supports budget, without the need for a plan review.
Participants who already receive periodic transport payments will continue to have these paid into their bank account, to cover transport costs connected to activities included in their plan. These funds cannot be used towards other Core supports.
If you receive periodic transport payments, you will be able to use your funding across the three Core support budget categories, not including the transport category.
Participants who do not receive periodic transport payments can use their overall funding flexibly to pay for transport-related costs to access NDIS supports and services.
You do not need to do anything.
This system change will be applied to all new and existing participant plans with Core support funding.
This means flexibility in accessing the disability-related supports you need to achieve your goals.
My plan is part NDIA managed, and part Plan managed. Will all of my core support categories be flexible?
Yes, this update will mean you can use your funding flexibility across all Core support categories.
You are, however, restricted to the amount allocated to the plan management type.
Can I use my transport funding flexibly?
Participants who already receive periodic transport payments will continue to have these paid into their bank account, to cover transport costs connected to activities included in their plan. These funds cannot be used towards other Core supports.
Participants who do not receive periodic transport payments will still be able to use their core funding flexibly across all four support categories for transport funding.
If you have periodic transport funding already in your plan, you will be able to use your funding across three Core support categories, not including transport.
These changes follow on from news details about pricing
Some of the price changes that will happen from July 1 include:
- Cancellations
- Psychosocial recovery coach
- High intensity supports
- Low-cost Assistive Technology
- Group based supports
- Provider travel
Find out more here
Not sure what it all means for you?
The NDIS website has loads of information and details about how things will work.
You can speak to your Local Area Coordinator, Coordinator of Supports or Service Provider about these changes.
IDEAS Information Officers can also help with any questions you have.
Because we are independent, we don't shape your decision one way or the other.
But we will make sure you have all the details and know-how so that you can confidently decide what is going to work best for you.
Our Info Officers have helped many people with their NDIS questions.
Common questions we get are:
- can you help me find a therapist such as a Speech Pathologist or Occupational Therapist
- can I spend my budget on this item or this service
- I need to find a service
- How can I change services
Please contact us if we can help in any way.
Free Call: 1800 029 904Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
