Understanding the Components of Your NDIS Plan: A Comprehensive Guide

Navigating your NDIS plan can feel overwhelming at first. However, understanding each section empowers you to take control of your funding and supports so you can live a more independent, fulfilling life. This guide will break down the main components of an NDIS plan, including your goals, funding categories, and the vital supports like Improved Daily Living and Therapy Services.

What Is an NDIS Plan?

An NDIS plan is a document created uniquely for each participant, outlining your personal goals and the supports funded to help you reach them. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides funding to people with a permanent and significant disability to support their independence and participation in the community.

Your plan will generally be reviewed annually, but can also be adjusted as your needs change.

Reference: NDIS - Understanding your plan

Key Components of an NDIS Plan

1. Participant Profile

This section provides background information about you, including:

• Your disability and how it affects your life

• Living arrangements

• Informal supports (e.g. family and friends)

• Cultural and language preferences

This context helps the NDIS tailor supports to your specific situation.

2. Your Goals

Your plan will outline both short-term and long-term goals. These goals guide your funded supports and help track your progress. Common goals include:

• Becoming more independent

• Improving communication

• Developing life skills

• Participating in work, study, or community activities

3. Types of Funded Supports

NDIS funding is divided into three support budgets:

a. Core Supports

These help with everyday activities and can be used flexibly. This includes:

• Assistance with personal care

• Transport

• Daily living needs

• Community access

b. Capital Supports

This budget covers higher-cost items such as:

• Assistive technology (e.g., wheelchairs, communication devices)

• Vehicle and home modifications

• Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)

c. Capacity Building Supports

This budget is aimed at building your skills and independence. It includes several support categories, such as:

• Support coordination

• Improved Living Arrangements

• Finding and keeping a job

• Improved Daily Living

Spotlight: Improved Daily Living & Therapy Supports

Improved Daily Living is one of the most commonly used support categories under the Capacity Building budget. It is designed to increase your functional skills and help you become more independent in everyday tasks.

What Is Funded Under Improved Daily Living?

This category can fund assessments, therapy sessions, training, and interventions provided by:

• Occupational therapists (OTs)

• Speech pathologists

• Physiotherapists

• Psychologists

• Behaviour support practitioners

Examples of Supports You Might Receive:

• Occupational Therapy to help you improve self-care tasks like dressing, toileting, or cooking

• Speech Pathology to enhance communication or swallowing safety

• Physiotherapy to improve strength, mobility, and posture

• Psychology or Counselling to manage emotions or develop coping strategies

• Functional capacity assessments to understand what assistance you need with daily life

How These Supports Help You:

Improved Daily Living supports are tailored to build your capacity to:

• Participate more fully in home and community life

• Learn or regain skills after injury or illness

• Develop routines that support emotional well-being

• Achieve your NDIS goals more efficiently

Reference: NDIS - Capacity Building Supports

4. Plan Management Options

Your plan will also specify how your funds are managed:

• Self-managed: You control your budget and payments.

• Plan-managed: A registered plan manager pays providers on your behalf.

• NDIA-managed: The NDIA pays providers directly from your plan.

5. Informal, Mainstream, and Community Supports

Besides your funded supports, your plan also takes into account:

• Informal supports (e.g. help from family)

• Mainstream services (e.g. healthcare, schools)

• Community supports (e.g. local clubs or volunteer groups)

This ensures a well-rounded approach to your care and development.

How We Can Help

At South Coast Therapy & Support Group, our experienced team of occupational therapists, speech pathologists, and allied health assistants are here to help you understand and get the most out of your NDIS plan — especially when it comes to therapy supports.

We can guide you through:

• Understanding what therapy supports you’re funded for

• Linking supports to your NDIS goals

• Booking assessments, therapy sessions, and reviews

• Planning for future therapy needs and plan reviews

We know the NDIS can be complex — that’s why we’re committed to helping you make sense of it and use it confidently to reach your goals.

Need Support Understanding Your NDIS Plan?

If you’re unsure how to use your Improved Daily Living or therapy supports, the team at South Coast Therapy & Support Group can help. We’ll walk you through your plan, explain what’s available to you, and deliver therapy services tailored to your goals and needs.

Contact us today to book a consultation or to find out how we can support you through your NDIS journey.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional or legal advice. Always refer to the official NDIS website or speak with your planner or support coordinator for guidance specific to your plan.