Making Sense of NDIS Funds
NDIS funding does not always directly align with what was requested, or with a person’s stated housing needs and preferences. However, NDIS funding can often be used flexibly to meet expectations.
When reviewing NDIS outcomes, it is important to consider the dollar figure instead of the description of support. Then, ask housing and support providers the minimum funding they need to meet the person’s needs. A provider may be able to work within the person’s current NDIS budget, saving you from needing to go to a plan review prior to discharge. If the dollar figure in the person’s plan significantly falls short of what the provider needs, you will likely need to apply for more funding.
When applying for funding, be clear on exactly what is being requested. The terms ‘Specialist Disability Accommodation’ (SDA) and ‘24/7’ are too general and unlikely to result in adequate funding, as the NDIS will likely default to the most cost-effective option. Providing specific recommendations aligned to a person’s goals is more likely to result in funding that provides practical options for discharge.
Top Tips and Tricks
- Speak with the support coordinator or health liaison officer (HLO) to help with understanding funding in an NDIS plan.
- Not all SDA funding is the same. Make sure you understand and request the design category, build type, and occupancy.
- Use the NDIS SDA Price Calculator to understand the shortfall between a person’s ideal and current SDA funding.
- The Housing Needs and Preferences to Support Discharge guide and template helps to break down a person’s support requirements.
Case Study
Margaret had funding in her NDIS plan for Supported Independent Living (SIL). This support was funded at a 1:3 ratio; meaning 1 support worker is shared between 3 NDIS participants.
Margaret’s goal was to continue living with her partner, but the team thought she would need to live in a shared home due to her 1:3 funding.
After speaking with their hospital NDIS navigator, the team learnt about a housing option where a set of 4 single-occupancy villas shared 1 onsite support worker.
The social worker called the provider and confirmed the 1:3 SIL funding was sufficient for this arrangement, and Margaret was able to move in and live with her partner in their own villa.
View the PDF version of the Making Sense of NDIS Funding resource: