Since it was first rolled out in 2020, the National Disability Insurance Scheme or NDIS has provided over 400,000 participants with vital and life-changing supports.
And whether you’re new to the NDIS, or looking to change your plan, you may be wondering what supports are covered by the NDIS.
This article will answer that question and more:
What kinds of supports are available?
The NDIS breaks down different types of supports into three categories:
- Core supports (assistance with daily living, and reaching one’s goals)
- Capital supports (investment in the future – a laptop, computer learning programme or home modifications)
- Capacity building supports (funding that improves a participant’s community engagement, work, and independence)
Transport and mobility
The NDIS provides supports for people living with disabilities that affect their ability to move around and complete day-to-day activities. Being able to move around your home, work, and in public is vital to being able to reach your goals. Therefore the NDIS can include mobility and transport supports for those who qualify.
Consumables
Living with a disability could mean you need extra consumables to carry out various activities. For example, someone may need disposable pads, nutritional supplements, or other items for daily use.
Home modifications
Eligible NDIS participants can receive funding for home modifications such as design, construction, and additional equipment that will directly assist with a participant’s disability. Typical home modifications can include:
- Railings and ramps
- Non-slip treatment
- Relocating bathtubs, or other sanitary equipment
- Modifications to the height and accessibility of household amenities such as kitchen benches, laundry, etc.
Assistive technologies
Assistive technology helps many people living with a disability with daily activities – from mobility support to achieving goals such as education. While not all assistive technologies can be included in your NDIS plan, here are some common examples:
- Hearing aids
- Mobility support (wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs, scooters)
- Cognitive aids
- Tools and devices
- Computer programmes
- Learning aids
Social and relationship supports
Our social lives and relationships are a key part of our mental health and well-being. The NDIS includes funding to improve relationships at home, work and elsewhere, through counselling or community outreach.
Education, job and community participation
The main goal of the NDIS is to help people achieve their goals. Education, jobs, and meaningful community participation are important to reaching these goals and are a key part of a participant’s NDIS plan.
What supports aren’t funded by NDIS?
Not everything is funded by the NDIS. In fact, there are strict criteria on what can be included in a plan and what can’t. Here are some examples of what can’t be funded:
- Daily living expenses
- Holiday money
- Any supports that are unrelated to the participant’s disability
- Supports that could cause harm
- Supports that would be better funded by another entity – like a school or hospital
What other supports are available within my plan?
While supports related to everyday life, community involvement, and work may be critical to reaching your goals, so is the important job of managing your NDIS plan. That’s why funding can be made available to those who need help managing the ins and outs of their plan, budget, and allocation of supports.
Different ways of managing your NDIS plan
But plan management isn’t the only way of taking care of the admin. NDIS participants have a range of ways they can claim their funding, each with varying levels of control:
Self-managed
You have complete control (and responsibility) for paying invoices and claiming back through the NDIS portal. All reporting, admin, and communication with supports are up to you.
Managed by a third party
It’s easy to have your NDIS plan managed by a third party – such as a family member, or a chosen representative. They can work with you to ensure your plan is managed effectively.
Managed by the NDIA
The National Disability insurance Agency (NDIA) can manage your plan on your behalf. However, this method only gives you access to a limited number of support providers.
Plan managed
Plan management is where a qualified plan manager takes care of the admin associated with a participant’s plan. This could be paying monthly invoices, reporting, or following up with supports. Plan managers also give you more flexibility with what supports you can include in your plan. For example, a plan manager can include supports that are not NDIS registered – like a helpful neighbour or other informal support.
Get a plan manager today
For anyone receiving multiple supports, it’s easy to get overwhelmed if you’re managing it yourself.
With a plan manager on board, you can have peace of mind knowing a qualified accountant is on top of your invoices, coordinating support, and completing mandatory reporting.
With plenty of NDIS registered plan managers to choose from, make sure you’re jumping on board with someone who cares. Find a plan manager who you can call anytime and wants to know you personally. Reach out to NDIS plan managers Adelaide today.
