What Can I Purchase with My NDIS Funding?
Published at 31-03-2025 13:31:57
Tags: #ForParticipants
Navigating NDIS funding can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to figure out what you can and cannot buy with your allocated funds. Even once you understand the different parts of your plan, knowing what services and supports your funding can cover is crucial. This guide will help you answer the question, “Can I spend my NDIS funds on that?”
Understanding Stated Supports
Let’s start with the most straightforward aspect of NDIS funding: stated supports. These are specific supports that must be used for the particular purpose listed in your plan. For instance, if you have funding for Support Coordination or Plan Management, you are only allowed to spend that money on those supports.
How to Identify Stated Supports: Look for specific mentions in your plan that explicitly say how the funds must be spent. If it says something like, “$3,000 for Plan Management,” you cannot use that money for anything else.
Capacity Building Supports
This part of your NDIS plan includes funding for capacity building services such as therapy. Your plan might allocate a general amount of money for therapy, like $5,000, which you can divide across various types of therapy as you see fit (e.g., occupational therapy, physiotherapy, etc.).
Example: If your plan states, "$5,000 for therapy," you can spend $3,000 on occupational therapy and $2,000 on physiotherapy. However, if it specifies "$3,000 for occupational therapy" and "$2,000 for physiotherapy," you cannot interchange the funds.
Flexible Supports
The majority of your plan will likely consist of flexible supports, meaning you have more freedom in deciding how to spend your funds. These supports can cover a wide range of areas like education, employment, social activities, independence, and health. The goal is to help you increase your independence, improve community participation, and work toward your aspirations.
How to Determine What You Can Spend NDIS Funds On
Before making a purchase, ask yourself these questions to see if the support or service meets the NDIS criteria:
- Is the support related to your goals? The support you purchase must be linked to the goals in your current NDIS plan and directly related to your disability.
- Is it reasonably priced and good value? The support should represent good value compared to other available options. Consider both the cost and benefits of different options when making your decision.
- Can you afford it within your budget? Your NDIS funding must last throughout your plan's duration. It's important to track your spending and budget accordingly.
- Will it help you connect with your community and improve relationships? The support should enable you to participate more actively in your community by reducing disability-related barriers.
- Is the support funded by the NDIS and not another government service? The NDIS doesn’t fund services that other government programs cover, such as healthcare, education, housing, or public transport.
- Is the support safe and beneficial? Any support you purchase must be legal, safe, and beneficial to your well-being. It should not pose any risk to yourself or others.
What Can’t You Spend NDIS Funding On?
According to the NDIS Act and its rules, certain supports will not be funded. These include:
- Supports that are not related to your disability.
- Supports that duplicate services already provided by the NDIS.
- Day-to-day living costs that are unrelated to your disability support needs (e.g., groceries, rent).
- Supports that are unsafe or illegal.
In Summary
By ensuring that your purchases meet the NDIS’s reasonable and necessary criteria, you can use your funding effectively and confidently. Always remember to check your plan and the outlined supports to ensure you're making the most of your NDIS budget.