We get it. Applying for your National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding can be daunting, let alone trying to make sure you spend your funding as efficiently as you can. Don’t worry, we’re here to help! With all the info, tips and tricks in this article, you’ll be able to maximise the funding you receive so you can live life the way you’ve always wanted to. So, let’s get started –
Understand your plan
First things first – it may seem obvious, but understanding your plan is key to getting the most out of it. To make things easier, have a look at the breakdown below, it’ll give you a bit more insight into how the funding is allocated –
Core Funding
This covers support for everyday tasks like bathing, getting dressed, cooking, managing medications, and household chores such as cleaning, gardening, shopping, and attending appointments. It also features an allowance for social and lifestyle-based activities aimed at your health and well-being.
Capacity Building Funding
This category is designed to enhance your daily life skills. Here, the funding lets you access assessments, therapy, and training services to improve your independence, abilities, and involvement in the community. It also features an allowance for social and lifestyle-based activities.
In the Funded Supports section of your plan, you’ll find out exactly what funding you’ve got for each support category and what it’s meant to cover. Your plan might not cover every support category, and that’s okay. Some people have funding for just one or two categories, while others might have more. It all comes down to your individual needs and the goals you’ve set for yourself. Your funding is allocated based on what is essential to help you, based on the categories above. Remember, your NDIS funding should only be spent on support and services directly tied to your disability.
Choosing the right providers
Now, let’s talk about assembling your dream team of NDIS super-helpers. Choosing the right providers is really important if you’re going to make the most of your NDIS funding. It’s best to look for experienced providers who specialise in supporting individuals with disabilities.
Get to know providers as much as you can by doing a bit of research and gathering insights from the reviews of other people who have used them. Meeting with potential providers also allows you to get an idea of how compatible you’ll be with them. By meeting them, you’ll also be able to make sure they have the skills and experience they need to meet your unique needs. Try and lean towards providers who offer a comprehensive range of services outlined in your support plan and prioritise trust and transparency. This way, you’ll be able to build a relationship with a single person, knowing that they’re trustworthy and dependable. It’s kinda like a long-term friendship when you think about it.
Ask for help
Trying to understand every detail of your NDIS funding can get very overwhelming, very quickly. Luckily, you don’t have to know it all. Too many NDIS-funded members feel like they have to manage it all themselves, which is not the case at all. If you need help, lean on your plan manager or service providers, or reach out to someone in your community who has personal experience with NDIS funding. You won’t have to look very hard to find that there are experts available, who can help you understand it all and get the most out of your funding. Remember, there’s no shame in asking for help, in fact, it often leads to the best outcomes.
Accessing transportation allowance
Too many people overlook this neat little trick! Stop paying for assisted transport yourself and start using your funding instead. If you require transportation assistance, whether it’s on taxis or private rides, your NDIS plan has got you covered for getting where you need to go. Have a look at the NDIS travel budget tiers for more info on how it all works, and how it can enhance your mobility, so you can join in on everything happening in your community.
Download the NDIS Price Guide
This is another simple little tip. Think of your NDIS Price Guide as your trusty sidekick in the world of NDIS funding costs and budgeting. Download the Price Guide, and you’ll be equipped to make more informed decisions on your spending, as well as being able to keep your budget in check.
Check in on your plan
Life’s like a rollercoaster – it moves quickly and always changes direction. That’s why keeping tabs on your NDIS plan is crucial. Some people do annual check-ups, while others do it when they’re prompted to by major life changes. Either way, a quick review ensures that your plan aligns with your current needs, which can only be a good thing.
Remember, your plan is tailored to help you achieve your goals, so it’s essential to reassess things when you need to. Checking in also helps you keep tabs on your spending. Overspending too early or not using enough of your funding can be an issue, so as a rule of thumb, check to see that you’ve spent around half of your total budget by the midpoint of your plan. Makes sense, right?
The perfect partner for you
There we have it – the best tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your funding. Try them out, you’re bound to see a difference in how much further your funding goes, as well as how much more you get out of it. At the end of the day, it’s not just about the funds, but aligning them with your goals and aspirations, so that you can live the life you’ve always wanted to.
If you’re looking for a caring children’s service provider who prioritises your plan and who believes in the importance of helping you find the right assistance, get in touch with a member of the Puzzle Support Services team today. We’ll help you seize every opportunity, and make every dollar work towards your goals.
