Understanding an NDIS plan

What an NDIS plan contains

An NDIS plan is a formal document created by the NDIA that belongs to the participant official source (opens in a new tab). It records the participant’s goals, the supports the NDIA has agreed to fund, and the budget allocated to each area of support. The plan reflects what is reasonable and necessary for that individual, so no two plans are identical.

Goals sit at the centre of the plan and drive everything else in it official source (opens in a new tab). They describe what the participant wants to achieve, such as living more independently, participating in community activities, or building a specific skill. Funding decisions and support choices are made with those goals in mind.

Support budgets in the plan

Current plans can include up to four support budgets: Core, Capital, Capacity Building and Recurring Supports official source (opens in a new tab). The amounts in each budget reflect the supports the NDIA has assessed as reasonable and necessary for the participant’s individual circumstances.

• Core Supports cover everyday disability-related assistance, such as personal care, community participation, transport, and consumables. This is usually the most flexible budget. More detail on the support purposes is in the Core, Capital and Capacity Building guide.
• Capital Supports fund higher-cost, one-off items such as assistive technology and home modifications. Funding here is typically locked to a specific approved item.
• Recurring Supports cover eligible recurring transport funding. This is distinct from assuming all transport sits in flexible Core funding.
• Capacity Building Supports invest in developing skills and independence over time. This budget is divided into sub-categories (such as support coordination and improved daily living) and funds generally cannot move between them.

What funding can and cannot be used for

A support can be funded through the NDIS only if it is reasonable and necessary official source (opens in a new tab). This means the support must be directly related to the participant’s disability, represent value for money, and not be the responsibility of another service system such as health or education.

Everyday costs that have nothing to do with disability (such as groceries, rent, or general clothing) are not covered by NDIS funding. Mainstream services, such as hospitals, schools, and aged care, remain the responsibility of those systems. Where there is any doubt about whether a support is NDIS-fundable, checking the NDIS website or speaking with a support coordinator or plan manager before committing funds avoids wasted spend and potential compliance issues official source (opens in a new tab).

How long a plan lasts

Plan lengths vary. Funding can also be released in shorter periods within the plan, so check both the total budget and the amount currently available. As the reassessment date approaches, the NDIA considers the next plan to check on progress toward goals and determine what funding is appropriate for the next period official source (opens in a new tab).

Participants can also request an unscheduled reassessment if their situation changes significantly before the end of the plan period, for example if a support need increases substantially or a new disability-related need emerges. Providers can support participants preparing for reassessment by providing progress notes or reports that show the impact of supports delivered.

Where to go next

The funding category of this resource hub covers the topics that sit beneath the plan itself. The Core, Capital and Capacity Building guide explains what each budget can be used for. The stated vs flexible guide explains why some funds are locked to specific supports while others can be moved around. The plan management types guide covers who controls and pays for supports under self-management, plan management, and agency management.