At Bridge 2 Disability Care, our mission revolves around empowering individuals with disability to lead fulfilling lives. We understand the pivotal role that National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding plays in achieving this mission.  

In this blog, we delve into the various aspects of NDIS funding to provide a clearer understanding for individuals and their families. 

Understanding NDIS Funding: 

NDIS funding is not merely about financial support; it’s about granting individuals the autonomy to shape their lives according to their goals and aspirations.  

NDIS funding aims to empower individuals to achieve greater independence, develop essential skills, and actively participate in communities. 

Setting Goals and Eligibility: 

Upon the approval of a NDIS plan, individuals have the opportunity to set personalized goals that align with their unique needs and aspirations.  

These goals serve as the foundation for the allocation of NDIS funds and are guided by eligibility criteria established by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). 

 Eligibility criteria ensure that individuals with permanent disabilities, aged between 9 and 65 years, and residing in Australia can access the support they need to thrive. 

Reasonable and Necessary Supports: 

NDIS funding is allocated based on the principle of providing “reasonable and necessary” supports and services. This means that the support funded by the NDIS must be directly related to the individual’s disability and contribute to their functional capacity, independence, and overall quality of life.  

Additionally, support must represent value for money, be evidence-based, and not duplicate services available through other systems. 

Non-Funded Supports: 

While the NDIS covers a wide range of supports and services, there are certain types of supports that are typically not covered.  

These may include supports unrelated to the participant’s disability, mainstream health services, educational expenses, day-to-day living expenses, legal expenses, luxury items or services, supports not aligned with the participant’s NDIS plan, and supports incurred before plan approval. 

How is your NDIS plan funded? 

NDIS plans are funded through three main components: the Core Support Budget, the Capacity Building Budget, and the Capital Supports Budget. 

Core Supports Budget: 

This budget is flexible and can be used across various categories based on your changing needs. 

The four support categories within Core Supports are:  

• Assistance with Daily Life: Covers personal needs, cleaning, and house maintenance. 
• Consumables: Includes items like continence products, mobility equipment, and low-cost assistive technology. 
• Assistance with Social & Community Participation: Provides support for community activities. 
• Transport: Funding for transportation related to achieving your goals. 

Capacity Building Budget: 

Unlike Core Supports, this budget cannot be moved between sections. 

Categories within Capacity Building include:  

• Support Coordination: Fixed funding for a support coordinator to help you maximize your plan. 
• Improved Living Arrangements: Support for finding and maintaining suitable housing. 
• Increased Social and Community Participation: Training and assistance to improve social skills and community engagement. 
• Finding and Keeping a Job: Training and employment support. 
• Improved Relationships: Assistance in developing positive behaviors. 
• Improved Health and Wellbeing: Advice on exercise and diet (excluding gym memberships). 
• Improved Learning: Support for education 
• Improved Life Choices: Plan Management and payment for services. 
• Improved Daily Living: Assessment, training, or therapy to enhance independence and community participation. 

Capital Supports Budget: 

• This budget covers one-time purchases to promote independence. 
• Examples include higher-cost assistive technology (e.g., wheelchairs) and home modifications (e.g., handrails or Specialist Disability Accommodation). 

Bridge 2 Disability Care Plan Management: 

Managing NDIS funding can be complex, Bridge 2 Disability Care can assist you with managing NDIS Plan and funds with  Plan Management services.  

As a registered NDIS Plan Manager, we ensure that providers are paid promptly and budgets are monitored closely, allowing individuals to focus on reaching their goals and living life to the fullest. Get in touch –  

08 6119 9696 or email info@disabilityserviceswa.com.au