5 tips for making the most of your NDIS Plan budget.

Tips for using all of your plan budget.

1. Understand how your funding is allocated.

The role of the NDIS is to help you cover the cost of services and supports related to your disability. Saving everything for the end of your plan can mean missing out on supports that would genuinely help you.

For all new and reassessed plans, funding is released in funding periods. Funding periods are designed to help keep your budget on track for the length of your plan.

Some funding may be available monthly or quarterly, while other funding may be provided upfront or for a specific support. That means budgeting is not always as simple as dividing your total funding by 12.

When you first get your plan, check how your funding is allocated, including any stated supports, support hours or reports that have been included. This can help you understand what funding is available, when it can be used and what it needs to cover.

Read NDIS Plan funding periods: What you need to know.

A note on proposed NDIS reforms: Proposed NDIS reforms will end plan rollovers. This means any unspent funding from your current plan won’t be available in your next NDIS Plan, so it’s important to use your funding to access the supports and services you need throughout your plan period.

2. Track your spending.

Keeping track of your spending is the best way to ensure you’re not underspending or overspending your NDIS funds.

The Leap in! app gives Members real-time budget updates with clear, colour-coded graphics showing what’s been spent and what remains.

If you aren’t a Leap in! Member with access to the app, you could record your expenses in a spreadsheet or a notebook.

3. Use a plan manager.

Over 60% of people on the NDIS use a plan manager. Plan management gives you the freedom to use both registered and unregistered providers, and that means more flexibility and choice when looking for supports.

With Leap in! you get 24/7 access to your plan-managed budgets through your Member app. You’ll also receive a monthly Budget Health Check via email to help you keep track of your spending.

You’ll also get tailored advice from our experienced team. If you have questions about your budget, we’re always here to help.

4. Make your NDIS funds go further.

There are other things you can do to make your NDIS funds stretch a little further so you get more value from your budgets.

While the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits set maximum price limits for supports, it is often possible to negotiate lower rates.

A few helpful things to keep in mind:

• Check your service agreements to see whether providers are charging the same amount for non-direct supports such as travel and administration
• Shop around for assistive technology and consumables, as prices can vary greatly
• Give enough notice if you need to postpone or cancel an appointment. Short notice cancellations may still be charged to your plan
• Consider group-based or centre-based supports where they suit your goals, as they generally cost each person less than individual supports
• If you have funding for assistive technology, home modifications or vehicle modifications, start the process early as these supports can sometimes take time to organise

5. Use Core supports flexibly.

Core supports is the most flexible budget in your NDIS Plan. You can generally use funds from one Core support category to make purchases under another. Some exceptions apply, including transport and stated supports.

For example, you may be able to use remaining Consumables funding towards your Assistance with Daily Living goals.

Depending on what you want to achieve, you could use this funding to support your personal care, using public transport or learning a new skill.

Proposed NDIS reforms may affect social and community participation supports in the future. If your plan includes funding in these areas, it’s a good idea to keep up to date with any changes and how they may apply to you. Bookmark our NDIS changes page.