Read the current document
Check the participant details, plan dates, goals, funded supports and any stated conditions. Make sure you are using the current plan, including any approved variation, rather than an old budget summary.
Check funding periods
Funding may be made available in periods within a plan. A plan’s total amount is not necessarily available to spend immediately. Check the dates and available amount for each relevant component before committing to services.
Understand the support category
Ask which support category applies to the proposed service and whether the funding is flexible or restricted. Do not assume that a therapy, item or activity can be paid from a budget simply because a provider offers it.
Use actual prices and agreements
Request the current service rate, support hours, travel charges, cancellation arrangements and other applicable costs. Estimate commitments using your actual available budget and agreed prices. Generic examples on a website are not a quote or a funding decision.
Check unused funding carefully
Rollover between funding periods, a continued plan and the start of a new plan are different situations. Confirm what applies to your current plan with the NDIA or your plan manager. Do not assume a balance can always be carried forward.
Ask for an explanation
Your NDIS contact, plan manager or support coordinator can help clarify the relevant arrangements. If needs have changed, ask about the appropriate plan change process rather than committing to support without confirmed funding.
Official information
Use the latest official guidance and confirm what applies to the participant’s circumstances.