NDIS Agreement

Today, we’re going to discuss your NDIS plan. I’ll guide you through an example NDIS plan, allowing you to learn more about your plan and the key details necessary to maximise your NDIS funding.

Before us, I have an example NDIS plan. The initial two pages of your plan contain a letter from the NDIS explaining general details, including phone numbers and emails. The main takeaway from this letter should be the confirmation that your plan has been approved. Additionally, you should pay attention to the section that explains how to request a review of your plan approval decision. This is crucial because, when your plan is presented, you’re not bound to accept it entirely. If there’s something in the plan you wish to review or change, you have the option to do so within three months of receiving the notice.

For instance, if you receive a plan with $5,000 allocated for assistive technology and $2,000 for daily living, which includes services like physiotherapy, but you need more funding for physiotherapy, you can request a review. Conversely, if you only need $500 for assistive devices, you can reallocate the remaining $4,500 to your daily living budget of $2,000. If you find your plan doesn’t align with your needs, consult your plan manager to initiate a review within the first three months.

Moving on to your NDIS plan, you’ll find your name at the top. When booking appointments, you’ll often be asked for your NDIS number, which you should have on hand. You may also be asked for your NDIS contact details, located on the page, along with your plan’s start date. It’s essential to have this information ready and easily accessible for reference.

The subsequent sections include details about you or your family member, depending on who the NDIS participant is. This information encompasses date of birth, phone numbers, information about you, friends and family, and services you’ve discussed with your plan manager that you wish to include in your plan.

Further down, you’ll find your goals, whether short-term or long-term, which should have been the result of discussions and planning. Healthcare professionals, such as physiotherapists, exercise physiologists, podiatrists, and dieticians, may want to review these goals. Therefore, it’s valuable to bring your plan to any first appointment with an NDIS provider.

Next, your funded supports information is presented, explaining the three management options: self-managed, plan-managed, or NDIA-managed. If you self-manage, you pay for services and receive reimbursement from the NDIS. Plan management involves a case manager who handles invoices on your behalf. NDIA management means all funding is within the NDIA portal.

Scrolling further, you’ll find the most commonly asked question: “How much funding do I have?” This information is crucial and can be found on this page. It breaks down your funding for core supports, such as assistance with daily living, consumables, social and community support, and assistive technology and support.

Core supports are then divided into subcategories like improved daily living or CB daily activity, each with its corresponding funding amount. For example, physiotherapy, exercise physiology, podiatry, and dietetics fall under improved daily living. Understanding these categories is essential to grasp what you are covered for.

Further down, you’ll find your funding allocation for support coordination and assistive technology. The latter includes specific items like ZoomText, magnifier, screen reader, and Vision Australia, indicating what has been discussed and included in your plan.

The final page offers additional information, including a reference to “Booklet 3: Understanding Your NDIS Plan,” a resource that provides a more in-depth explanation of your plan. What I’ve highlighted today are the key aspects you need to comprehend in your plan, focusing on the most critical details and how your funding is distributed. Understanding your funding is essential to maximise its benefits.