A Beginner’s Guide to Your NDIS Plan

Welcome to the world of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)! If you’re new to this journey, understanding your NDIS plan can feel a bit overwhelming. However, don’t worry—this guide is here to help you get started.

At Truecare Support Services, we believe your NDIS plan is more than just a document—it’s a powerful tool for a more independent and fulfilling life. Let’s break down the essentials together.

What Exactly is an NDIS Plan?

Think of your NDIS plan as your personalized roadmap. Basically, it’s a document that outlines the “reasonable and necessary” supports and services you need to help you achieve your goals.

The NDIS provides funding, but your plan dictates how you can use that money. Ultimately, the scheme aims to give you choice and control over your own life.

Breaking Down Your Plan: The Three Support Budgets

Your NDIS plan is divided into three main support budgets. Crucially, each one serves a different purpose. Understanding these budgets is key to using your funding effectively.

Core Supports:

• What it covers: These are the day-to-day supports you need to live your life and participate in your community. Furthermore, this is the most flexible budget, letting you move funds between different support categories.

• Examples:

  • Assistance with Daily Life: We offer help with tasks like showering, dressing, and meal preparation. This is where our daily personal activities services come in.

  • Consumables: Everyday items like continence aids or nutritional supplements.

  • Social & Community Participation: Funding for activities like joining a local sports club, attending art classes, or going to the movies.

Capital Supports:

• What it covers: This budget is for larger, one-off purchases that help meet your disability needs. Keep in mind, you cannot move this funding to other categories, unlike the Core Supports budget.

• Examples:

  • Assistive Technology: Wheelchairs, specialized communication devices, or modifications to your home.

  • Home Modifications: Installing ramps or modifying a bathroom for accessibility.

Capacity Building Supports:

• What it covers: This budget helps you build your independence and skills so that you can achieve your long-term goals. Similarly, this funding is also fixed; you cannot move it to other budgets.

• Examples:

  • Support Coordination: A support coordinator (like the ones at Truecare) helps you understand your plan and connect with the right providers.

  • Improved Daily Living Skills: Funding for things like occupational therapy or speech pathology.

  • Improved Relationships: Supports for building positive social skills.

How Do You Manage Your Funding?

You have three ways to manage the money in your NDIS plan:

1. NDIA-Managed: The NDIS pays your providers directly on your behalf. While this is the simplest option, it means you can only use NDIS-registered providers. As a registered NDIS provider, Truecare Support Services lets you easily use your funding with us.

2. Plan-Managed: You choose a plan manager (an independent third-party) who pays your providers for you. Therefore, this gives you more flexibility as you can use both registered and unregistered providers.

3. Self-Managed: You manage the funding yourself; you pay providers and keep all receipts. Naturally, this gives you the most control but also the most responsibility.

Your Next Step: Making Your Plan Work for You

Now that you understand the basics, your next step is to put your plan into action. This is where Truecare Support Services can help. We can work with you to:

• Understand your plan: We’ll help you decode the jargon and understand exactly what your funding can be used for.

• Connect with services: We offer a wide range of services, from daily support to community nursing, that align with your plan’s goals.

• Maximize your funding: We’ll ensure you get the most out of your budget to achieve your goals for independence and progression.

Remember, your NDIS plan is a living document. Therefore, as your needs and goals change, your plan can also change. For more personalized advice or to start your journey with us, don’t hesitate to Contact Truecare Support today. We’re here to help you live a safe, non-discriminative, and fulfilling life.