Maximizing Your NDIS Funding: Tips and Strategies for Participants and Families

When it comes to the NDIS, understanding how to use your plan effectively can make all the difference in reaching your goals. Whether you’re new to the NDIS or managing a renewed plan, making the most of your budget means more support, more progress, and fewer gaps in service.

In this blog, we’ll explore strategies to help you make informed choices, avoid common funding pitfalls, and ensure every dollar works toward your goals.

Understand What Your Plan Covers

NDIS plans are divided into three categories of funding:

1. Core Supports: Daily living, transport, social participation.

2. Capacity Building Supports: Therapy services, skill development, employment support.

3. Capital Supports: Assistive technology and home modifications.

Tip: Review each section and ask your LAC or Support Coordinator to explain what’s available under each line item. You might have more flexibility than you think!

Build a Strong Team

Your team is your greatest resource. This includes:

• Therapists (occupational therapists, speech pathologists, psychologists)

• Allied Health Assistants (AHAs) who deliver therapy under the guidance of a therapist

• Support Coordinators

• Plan Managers

Tip: Choose providers who communicate regularly, review progress, and adjust supports based on your needs—not just based on availability.

Prioritise Services That Align With Your Goals

Your NDIS funding is tied to your goals, not just the type of service. You’re more likely to receive funding and support for therapy when it clearly relates to:

• Building independence

• Enhancing communication

• Increasing mobility

• Participating in community life

Tip: Make sure each provider clearly documents how their support is helping you move closer to your goals.

Use Allied Health Assistants (AHAs)

Many participants don’t realise they can stretch their therapy funding further by including AHA support. AHAs can:

• Run therapy programs designed by your OT or speech pathologist

• Help implement home-based strategies and exercises

• Assist with functional skill-building in real-world settings

Tip: AHAs are a lower-cost support that can increase the number of sessions you receive—without compromising outcomes.

Track Your Budget

It’s easy to lose track of how your plan is being spent. To avoid running out of funding early:

• Set a monthly budget for each support category

• Use budget tracking tools or ask your Plan Manager for regular reports

• Schedule regular check-ins with your therapy team

Tip: Review your usage every 6–8 weeks to ensure you’re on track for the full plan period.

Plan Ahead for Reviews

Start preparing 3 months before your plan ends. Collect:

• Progress updates and reports

• Letters from therapists and providers

• Evidence of what worked (and what didn’t)

This will help you build a strong case for maintaining or increasing supports.

How We Can Help

At South Coast Therapy & Support Group, we:

• Help you align services with your NDIS goals

• Offer Allied Health Assistant sessions to extend your funding

• Provide regular reviews and planning meetings

• Write clear, evidence-based reports for NDIS plan reviews

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to make your funding stretch further, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Want to get more from your plan? Contact us today to speak with our team and book a goal-setting or planning session.