Understanding Your NDIS Plan
Your NDIS plan is a personalized funding package designed to help you achieve your goals and live more independently. Understanding how your plan is structured is the first step to getting the most from your funding.
Every NDIS plan contains three main budget categories, each with different rules about how funds can be used:
Core Supports (Most Flexible)
Funds everyday assistance including personal care, community access, transport, and household tasks. These funds are generally flexible—you can move money between subcategories (e.g., from transport to daily activities) unless your plan states otherwise.
Capacity Building (Goal-Specific)
Funds for building your skills and independence—therapy, employment support, social skills, and more. These funds must be used for their stated purpose and cannot be transferred between categories.
Capital Supports (Equipment & Modifications)
Funds for assistive technology, equipment, and home or vehicle modifications. These are allocated for specific items and require quotes and assessments before purchase.
Pro Tip: Review your plan document carefully to understand which budgets are "stated supports" (locked) versus flexible. Most participants have more flexibility than they realize.
Preparing for Your Planning Meeting
Your planning meeting is your opportunity to explain your needs and goals. Good preparation can significantly impact the funding you receive. Start preparing at least 4-6 weeks before your meeting.
Essential Preparation Checklist
Get updated reports from all treating professionals (therapists, doctors, specialists)
Complete your two-week support diary (template below)
Write down 3-5 clear goals you want to achieve
List specific supports you need to achieve those goals
Review your current plan usage—what worked, what didn't
Bring a support person to help advocate for your needs
Important: Don't downplay your needs. Many participants minimize their challenges, which can result in inadequate funding. Be honest about your worst days, not just your best.
What to Say at Your Planning Meeting
The language you use matters. Planners assess funding based on your functional capacity and support needs. Here are example scripts to help you communicate effectively:
Example Script: Describing Daily Support Needs
"Every morning, I need someone to help me get out of bed, shower, and get dressed. Without support, I cannot complete my morning routine independently. This takes approximately 1.5 hours each day. On bad days, I also need help with meal preparation because I cannot safely use the stove due to my tremors."
Why this works: Specific, focuses on what you cannot do, includes time estimates, and mentions variability in needs.
Example Script: Explaining Goal-Related Funding Needs
"My goal is to work part-time. To achieve this, I need weekly occupational therapy to build my work tolerance and stamina. My therapist recommends 10 sessions over the plan period. I also need employment support to help me find suitable roles and support me during the initial training period."
Why this works: Links support directly to a goal, includes professional recommendation, and specifies quantities.
Example Script: Requesting Increased Funding
"My current plan doesn't provide enough support hours. My support diary shows I needed assistance for 35 hours per week, but my plan only funds 20 hours. The gap means my mum has to reduce her work hours to help me, which isn't sustainable. I've brought a letter from my doctor explaining why I need increased support."
Why this works: Uses evidence (support diary), quantifies the gap, explains impact on family, and brings professional support.
Two-Week Support Diary Template
A support diary is one of the most powerful pieces of evidence you can bring to your planning meeting. Record everything for at least two weeks before your review. Here's a template to follow:
Daily Support Diary Template
Morning Routine (6am - 12pm)
- What help did you need getting up, showering, dressing?
- Who provided assistance and for how long?
- What couldn't you do without help?
Afternoon Activities (12pm - 6pm)
- Meal preparation and eating assistance
- Transport or community access support
- Appointments, activities, or therapy sessions attended
Evening Routine (6pm - Bedtime)
- Dinner preparation and household tasks
- Personal care and bedtime routine
- Overnight support needs (if applicable)
Daily Summary
- Total support hours today: ______ hours
- Pain/fatigue level (1-10): ______
- Things I couldn't do today: ______
Budget Tracking Tips
Tracking your spending helps you use your funds effectively and builds evidence for future plan reviews. Here's a simple approach:
Remember: Unused NDIS funds do not roll over. If you're consistently underspending, talk to your support coordinator about finding services or adjust your providers.
When to Ask for a Plan Review
You don't have to wait for your scheduled annual review. You can request an unscheduled plan review at any time if your circumstances have changed. Here are common triggers:
Changes to Your Disability or Health
Your condition has progressed, you've received a new diagnosis, or your functional capacity has changed significantly.
Changes to Your Living Situation
You've moved house, your carer is no longer available, or your informal supports have changed.
Your Goals Have Changed
You've achieved your current goals and want to set new ones, or your priorities have shifted.
Your Current Funding Isn't Meeting Your Needs
You're consistently running out of funding, or you need supports that weren't included in your original plan.
You Need Assistive Technology or Equipment
You require equipment, home modifications, or assistive technology that wasn't in your original plan.
Note: A plan review can result in funding going up, staying the same, or going down. Ensure you have strong evidence supporting your request for any changes.
Real Examples: How Families Got Better Plans
These examples are based on real families we've supported (names changed for privacy). Each shows how preparation and clear communication led to better outcomes:
Sarah's Story: From 15 to 32 Hours Weekly Support
Sarah has autism and anxiety. Her first plan only included 15 hours of support worker time per week, but she was struggling to access the community independently.
What she did: Sarah kept a detailed diary for 3 weeks before her review, documenting every time she needed help but didn't have funded support. Her OT wrote a letter explaining how increased community access would help her build independence. She brought her mum to the meeting to help explain her needs.
Result: Her plan increased to 32 hours per week, plus additional capacity building funds for social skills therapy.
Marcus's Story: Getting Equipment Funded
Marcus has cerebral palsy and uses a manual wheelchair. His old wheelchair was worn out and no longer suitable, but equipment wasn't in his current plan.
What he did: Marcus requested an unscheduled plan review, citing changed circumstances. His physiotherapist provided a detailed assessment explaining why his current wheelchair was unsafe and recommended a power wheelchair for improved independence. He got quotes from two suppliers.
Result: His plan was amended within 6 weeks to include $18,000 in capital funding for a new power wheelchair.
The Chen Family: Securing Support Coordination
The Chen family has a son with intellectual disability. They were struggling to navigate the NDIS and find suitable providers, but their plan didn't include support coordination.
What they did: They documented every challenge they faced—providers who didn't call back, services they couldn't access, time spent searching for help. Their LAC helped them compile this evidence and request a review.
Result: Their son's plan now includes 30 hours of support coordination annually, which has helped them find quality providers and use their funding more effectively.
Working with a Support Coordinator
A good support coordinator can transform your NDIS experience. They help you understand your plan, find quality providers, and prepare for reviews. Here's how to make the most of this relationship:
Regular check-ins—schedule monthly calls to review progress
Be clear about goals—tell them exactly what you want to achieve
Ask for budget reports—request monthly updates on spending
Involve them in reviews—they can advocate for your needs
Get provider recommendations—they know who delivers quality services
Share your feedback—let them know what's working and what isn't
At The Well Team, our support coordinators help families optimize their plans, prepare for reviews, and connect with quality providers across Australia. Learn more about our approach.