According to the federal budget, approximately 30% of all NDIS funding isn’t being used. What does this mean? It means that a great number of NDIS participants aren’t using their plan and funding to its full potential. This might mean that there are participants missing out on all the advantages of the NDIS.
We’ve rounded up some of the main reasons why NDIS funding isn’t being spent and outline what you can do to change that if you find you’re not using all of your funding.
Why should I spend all my NDIS funding?
Your funding has been allocated to you in line with the level of support the NDIA believes you need. This means that you’re entitled to spend the entire funding.
Each year your plan renews and your funding refreshes. It does not roll over, instead, it is passed back to the NDIA funding pool. This means that there is no point “saving” your NDIS funding for a rainy day.
Your NDIS funding is there to help you work towards independence. Don’t feel guilty about spending it!
Why don’t people spend all their NDIS funding?
There are a few reasons why people may not spend all their NDIS funding:
The supports aren’t available in my area - rural participants and participants outside major city hubs might find that they can’t find the supports they need
I can’t decide on the right provider - it’s a pretty big decision to choose providers to work with but remember that you have full control over your providers and you can change if you don’t gel well
My plan doesn’t meet my needs - if your circumstances and your plan no longer covers the support you need, it may be tricky to use your funding
How to I spend more of my NDIS funding?
Here are our top suggestions:
Know your plan! Knowing where your funding is allocated will help you make sure none of it goes unspent
Don’t understand your plan? Reach out to the NDIS to go over how your plan works. Remember, once you receive the plan, the ball’s in your court when it comes to utilising to finding providers and using your funding
Look into alternate providers or transport options if you can’t find local providers
Do your research when it comes to choosing providers, but be ready for a process of trial and error
Get a plan manager to help with all the invoicing and admin!
Your NDIS funding is there to help you lead a healthy, independent life. The key to making the most out of your NDIS plan is to use the funding allocated!
Want to know how we can take the stress out of NDIS funding? Get in touch with the Bright Plan Management team today.
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