Getting started with your NDIS plan
If you have just received your NDIS plan and have no idea what to do next, you are not alone. On a day-to-day basis we speak to participants, carers and families who are thrilled to finally have funding but don’t know what the next steps are.
Here are 5 easy steps to help you get started with your NDIS plan:
- Set up your plan manager
- Find a Support Coordinator (if you have funding for one)
- Understand how to read and use your NDIS plan
- Figure out how much you can spend on supports
- Connect with services
Choose an NDIS Plan Manager
If your plan is plan-managed, or any of your budget categories are plan managed, you will need to engage a plan manager before you can start paying any bills.
For fun we asked ChatGPT how to choose the best NDIS Plan Manager, see what it said.
If you have plan management funded in your plan, it will be under your Capacity Building Supports in a category called Choice and Control.
Note: The amount of plan management funding available will cover the the duration of the plan. Choosing to be plan managed does not cost you anything because this funding cannot be used for anything else (it is stated).
If you are not sure how your plan is managed, find out how your NDIS plan is managed.
Looking for a Plan Manager? Find out a little more about Plan Hero.
Find a Support Coordinator
If you have Support Coordination funded in your plan, it will be under your Capacity Building Supports in a category called Support Coordination and Psychosocial Recovery Coaching.
The amount of funding allocated is based on the number of hours of support included in your plan.
Your Support Coordinator will help you understand and implement the funded supports in your plan. They are incredibly important to put in place at the start of your plan, as this will make your life easier.
Use our Provider Finder to find a Support Coordinator near you.
Understand Your Plan
The NDIS can feel overwhelming, and learning the ins and outs can feel like learning a new language. While it’s a relief to have funding in place, it’s vital that you understand your plan properly so that you can get the most out of your funding.
When a Participant starts supports with Plan Hero, we share our helpful resources to help you get the most from your funding. Here are our favourites:
- How do I read my NDIS plan?
- How do I use my Core supports funding?
- How do I use my Capital supports funding?
- How do I use my Capacity Building supports funding?
- What is the differene between Core and Capacity building?
- Understanding Funding Periods
Figure Out How Much You Can Spend on Supports
It’s important to spend in line with your funding periods, but how do you know how many hours of a service you can actually afford? Here are some tips:
Scenario 1: Calculate how many hours of support you can access
Use the total amount available in a funding period and divide it by the rate you will be charged (or the maximum NDIS rate).
Hours of support = Total Support Amount ÷ Hourly Rate
Example: Joe has $15,519.20 in Improved Daily Living and wants to use it for Occupational Therapy. The NDIS rate for Occupational Therapy is $193.99 per hour.
15,519.20 ÷ 193.99 = 81 hours of therapy
If his plan runs for 12 months (52 weeks):
81 hours ÷ 52 weeks = approximately 1.5 hours per week
To determine how much your NDIS support or service can charge per hour, use the NDIS Price Guide:
Connect with NDIS Services
We partner with a free community service called MyCareSpace, who can connect you with services and providers in your area.
Simply visit their website and enter your details, or give them a call on 1300 2888 93.
If you would like to speak to the Plan Hero team about plan management, call us on 1300 599 770.
