NDIS stated supports: What are they and how do they work?

An NDIS Plan contains several different types of funding including funding allocated for specific purposes and amounts that can be spent more flexibly at your discretion.

Stated supports are one type of funding we get asked a lot of questions about here at Leap in! HQ.

So this week, we’re taking a look at what stated supports are, what to look for in your plan and what to do if you need to make changes to a stated support.

What is a stated support?

A stated support is funding in your NDIS Plan that is allocated for a specific support or service. The funding cannot be used for any item other than the one specified. In many cases, your NDIS Plan and support funding has a great degree of flexibility. However a support that has the term ‘stated supports’ before the description must be purchased as described in your NDIS Plan.

The funding cannot be swapped out or used to purchase a different item or a different version of the stated item, without approval from the NDIS.

Some stated supports require a quotation to be supplied and will be listed in your NDIS Plan at the exact amount quoted by the provider.

Stated supports are referred to as “stated items” in the NDIS Price Guide.

Examples of stated supports.

Plan management.
Plan management is one of the options you have for managing your NDIS Plan. It gives you choice and control about how you use your NDIS funds but with the added support of a plan manager who can help with the bookkeeping, paperwork and paying providers.

Support coordination.
Support coordination helps you get the most from your budgets and supports. A support coordinator can help you get access to the right supports and find the right mix of activities to achieve the goals set in your NDIS Plan.

Assistance from a live-in carer.
Provides for a person who lives in your house, or travels with you and provides assistance with, and/or supervision of, personal tasks. Can also help to develop your skills so you can live as independently as possible. A quote is required for this type of support.

On-call overnight monitoring.
Provides overnight on-call assistance with, or supervision of, personal daily living tasks. It applies to an eight hour period on any day of the week or a public holiday. Includes up to one hour of active support. A quote is required.

Linen service.
For the provision of clean linen if you are unable to do your own laundry without assistance. A quote is required.

Preparation and delivery of meals.
For assistance with the cost of the preparation and delivery of food if you are unable to do this for yourself and are not in receipt of other supports that would meet the same need. The cost of the food itself is not covered by the NDIS. A quote is required.

Individualised Living Options.
A package of supports that enables you to achieve your home and living goals. It is made up of a personalised and detailed package of primary and supplementary home and living supports that are used flexibly and combine formal and informal supports from family members and/or providers.

Specialised transport.
Specialised transport services to attend school, an educational facility, employment, or the community. A quote is required.

Specialised driver training support.
This support item provides driving lessons required due to the impact of your disability. This item should be in response to an assessment by a specialist driver trained occupational therapist.

Other stated supports may include:

• An item of assistive technology
• Interpreter services
• Residential aged care
• Some behaviour supports.

Changing a stated support.

Support needs can change over time. If you have a stated support in your NDIS Plan that no longer meets your needs, there are a couple of options.

1. If the requested change is small, such as the need to purchase a different model of an item that costs the same, you can ask the NDIS for a ‘light touch’ review. Light touch reviews cannot be used to request more funding.
2. If the requested change is more significant such as requiring additional money in one of your NDIS budgets, you’ll need to request a Plan Review.

Leap in! can help you navigate the NDIS. 

NDIS Plan budgets can be confusing but Leap in! can work through each budget with you and help you to get the most out of your NDIS Plan funding.

Call us on 1300 05 78 78 to get answers to your questions about stated supports or sign up to Leap in! plan management today.

Further reading

What is the difference between plan management and support coordination?

How to switch from agency or self management to plan management.

Is support coordination right for you?