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The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides necessary funding for supports and services for an estimated 750,000 Australians who have permanent and significant disability. In Victoria alone, there are 202,704 people with an NDIS plan. (https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/ndis-each-state)
The NDIS system can feel overwhelming, even when you’re already in an NDIS plan or have been helping your family member or loved one navigate the system for some time.
We at SpotOnCare aim to make it simple. To empower you with practical strategies and knowledge to make sure your NDIS plan works for you. We have put together this review to help you confidently navigate your plan, take control, and make the most of your funding.
Goal setting is an integral part of your NDIS plan. You were asked to explain and clarify what you wanted to get from your plan at the start that helped form the foundation of your plan and funding to make sure these are aligned to meet your needs.
These outcomes reflect your personal aspirations: from gaining more independence in your daily life by making repetitive tasks easier and building networks or engaging with your community, to more ambitious goals such as pursuing career progression. Among key supports that the NDIS also provides are services that will help improve your overall health and well-being.
Setting these clear goals helps providers focus on how you could overcome disability-specific barriers that are stopping you from living more fulfilled. These goals are not set in stone. You can review, change, and update your goals to fit your individual progression or for your loved ones.
The NDIS plan is the written agreement that outlines all the key details of funding and support services. It is important to familiarize yourself with some of the aspects included in your or your loved one’s individual plan.
One key element that you need to decide on is the way your funds are managed. Do you prefer the choice and autonomy that self-management provides? Do you want the ease and guidance from hiring a plan manager? Or is a hands-off approach, where the NDIS pay for your providers on your behalf, the best fit?
Each management option comes with its own advantages. What is important is that you retain choice and control to ensure services are working for you and your budget.
Another important aspect of your NDIS plan is your budget breakdown. This section provides the clear view of the allocated funds for the different types of support you can get: Core Supports, Capacity Building, and Capital Supports. Each of these categories has their own purposes and rules on how they can be spent. Knowing what your funding can and cannot be used for can avoid rejected claims or overspending in wrong categories. (https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/becoming-ndis-provider/am-i-ready/supports-and-services-funded-ndis)
Understanding your budget breakdown and knowing how to effectively use this funding makes all the difference in making sure that your NDIS plan works to your advantage.
At the heart of this review is to help you answer one key question: how to make sure you are using your funding efficiently in a way that truly supports your needs?
A key takeaway is to compare prices from different support providers to get the most bang out of your buck. Different providers have different rates for similar services, and you can shop around for reasonably priced services using NDIS tools.
It also goes without saying that the NDIS funding should not be left unused and unutilised. Being aware of your current plan period and end date, alongside regularly checking your balance, can help you avoid losing those unutilised funds in the future.
It’s important to be aware that the NDIA may reassess your funding level if your allocated supports are constantly underutilised. The authority may determine that your funding and supports aren’t needed at the level it was originally intended. Take a more proactive approach to ensure that your plan reflects your needs.
In the same way, your current funding may no longer meets the level of support that you need. We recommend getting a support coordinator that truly understands and cares for you and your loved ones’ situation. Our support coordinators at SpotOnCare have the experience and expertise to help you identify current gaps in your support and maybe increase your funding. In case of changes to health, living situations or safety risks, they can help submit a plan review request and put you in a stronger position to receive increased funding.
It is vital to avoid both common pitfalls: underspending and overspending your funding. To avoid this, make it a habit to track your spending regularly. The goal is to balance your funding, spending steadily and strategically, towards the entire duration of your plan. Proactive financial management: that is to track, review, and compare, ensures that you’re getting the best possible support.
A provider is any person, business, or organization that will deliver NDIS-funded supports and services to you. It is vital to find and choose the right providers who will meet your needs and while strictly adhering to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards.
There are two types of providers: registered or unregistered. All providers, even if not formally registered, must still adhere to the NDIS Code of Conduct to ensure ethical and safe practices.
Beyond registration status, you also need to be aware of how your provider operates. They are classified under different structures: agency-employed, independent/sole traders, or even individual support workers. Knowing the employment category of your provider could help you balance trust, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness while getting your support.
Note that if you choose to go through a NDIA-managed plan, you may only use NDIS-registered providers, while those who self-manage or have a plan manager can choose any.
Verifying your provider’s credentials is essential when choosing who to get. Always ask for qualifications and certifications to ensure that the company and individual staff have the necessary training and experience to deliver safe and quality services. You can verify their status directly with the NDIA, tap a third-party verification service, or even check reviews on consumer platforms and Google to ensure the provider’s credibility.
Ask your support coordinator if they will be able to provide the type of service that fits your goals, daily routines and specific support requirements. You as a participant or your loved ones will always have unique needs, so it will be necessary to ask if they can align their services to ensure your wellbeing.
Transparent communication builds trust between you and your providers. Not only should they have an explicit pricing guide aligned with NDIS guidelines, but they should also be able to give regular invoices to ensure that services are being billed accurately under your plan.
(https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/pricing-arrangements) (https://spotoncare.com.au/pricing/)
Transparency in disability support also means that your complaints and suggestions are taken into account whatever the issue. They should have a clear complaint and feedback system in place.
Building relationships with your providers will bring you the biggest peace of mind. Choosing the right service provider, making sure that they are reliable, transparent, and aligned with your goals, will make the most impact.
Choosing established and trusted providers like SpotOnCare (https://spotoncare.com.au/) makes a meaningful difference in the level of care and support you receive while navigating the complex NDIS system.
SpotOnCare has the strong credentials and employs the tailored care and transparent practices that ensure quality and consistency of support you deserve.
The NDIS system is designed to give you choice, flexibility, and control. Use it intentionally and make use of this practical tool to support your independence, wellbeing, and long-term goals.
This short review outlines how tracking your goals, reviewing how your supports and funding work, and ultimately partnering with the right service provider can help ensure that your NDIS plan truly works for you.
Remember: Your NDIS plan works for you and your life – not the other way around. Your NDIS plan, supports, and services should fit how you want to live your life with utmost choice, control, and confidence.
Reach out to us via info@spotoncare.com.au and let our experienced team members help you understand your options and access support that will truly work for you and your loved ones.
