Understanding Your NDIS Plan: A Simple Guide

Your NDIS plan is the document that sets out the support the NDIS will fund for you. It can look complicated at first, but once you understand how it's structured, it becomes much easier to use.

The three budget categories

Most NDIS plans divide funding into three main budgets:

• Core Supports — everyday assistance like personal care, community access, and consumables. This is usually the most flexible budget.
• Capital Supports — funding for equipment, assistive technology, or home modifications.
• Capacity Building — supports that help you build skills and independence, like therapy, support coordination, and employment help.

How your plan is managed

How you pay providers depends on how your plan is managed. There are three options:

• NDIA-managed — the NDIS pays registered providers directly.
• Plan-managed — a plan manager handles the invoices and paperwork for you.
• Self-managed — you manage the funding and payments yourself, with the most flexibility.

Making the most of your funding

A few simple habits go a long way: keep a copy of your plan handy, track how your budgets are being used, and review your goals regularly. If your needs change, you don't have to wait — you can request a plan review.

You don't have to do it alone

If any of this feels overwhelming, that's completely normal — and it's exactly what support coordinators are for. They help you understand your plan, connect with the right providers, and get the most from your funding.

Have questions about your plan? Reach out to Doeboe Care — we're always happy to help you make sense of it.