NDIS Funding Explained
NDIS funding is the money in a participant’s plan for approved NDIS supports. The important part is not only the total amount, but how that funding is organised and what each budget or support category can be used for.
What this guide covers
NDIS funding is the money in a participant’s plan for approved NDIS supports. The important part is not only the total amount, but how that funding is organised and what each budget or support category can be used for.
This page is general information. Your own NDIS plan, support needs and current NDIS rules determine what applies to you.
The four NDIS support budgets
Current NDIS guidance groups funding into four support budgets: Core supports, Capacity Building supports, Capital supports and Recurring supports. A participant may not have funding in every budget because plans are individual.
Core generally relates to everyday supports; Capacity Building focuses on building skills and independence; Capital covers higher-cost items such as assistive technology, home or vehicle modifications and Specialist Disability Accommodation; Recurring supports currently relate to eligible transport funding.
Support categories explain what the funding is for
Each budget contains support categories that describe the kinds of NDIS supports included in the plan. Some categories are flexible and others are stated, meaning the funding must be used for the specific support described.
Do not assume funding can be moved between categories simply because money remains in the plan. Check the wording in the plan and current NDIS rules.
How your funding is managed is a separate decision
Self-managed, plan-managed and NDIA-managed funding describe how providers are paid and how claims are administered. They do not turn an unfunded item into an NDIS support.
Whichever management type applies, participants still need to use funding in line with their plan and keep track of spending so the available budget lasts for the plan period.
Use your plan as the source of truth
Before starting a service, check the support budget, support category, amount available, any stated restrictions and the funding period that applies. Ask your plan manager, support coordinator or NDIS contact for clarification when the plan wording is unclear.
Providers can explain the supports they deliver and their prices, but only the NDIA can make NDIS funding decisions for a participant.
Helpful related pages
Continue with the guide or service page that best matches the question you are working through.
Official NDIS information used for this guide
NDIS legislation, terminology, funding rules and processes can change. Check the current official information for your circumstances.
Important: This AIC Services guide is general information, not an NDIS funding decision, clinical advice or legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Does every NDIS plan have all four support budgets?
No. NDIS plans are individual, so a participant only has funding in the budgets and support categories that are included for their needs.
What is the difference between flexible and stated funding?
Flexible funding gives some choice about how eligible supports are purchased within the relevant budget rules. Stated funding must be used for the specific support or support category described in the plan.
Can a provider decide whether something is funded by the NDIS?
No. Providers can explain the services they offer and the charges that apply, but NDIS funding decisions are made by the NDIA and must be read from the participant’s current plan and rules.
Contact AIC Services
AIC Services
54 Main Road
Moonah, TAS 7009
Phone:
1300 023 456
Email:
support@aicservices.com.au
Office Hours:
Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
54 Main Road, Moonah TAS 7009
To reduce unnecessary third-party requests, interactive mapping is available from our Contact page and Moonah office page.
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