Your Role in Managing Your NDIS Budget – Kismet

As an NDIS participant, you are at the heart of your plan. The NDIS is built on the principles of choice and control, which means you have a key role to play in managing your budget and ensuring your funding is used effectively to achieve your goals.

As a Plan Manager, we're here to make this process as smooth as possible. We handle the administrative side of things—paying invoices, tracking your spending, and keeping records. However, a successful NDIS journey is a partnership, and your understanding of your responsibilities is crucial.

Key Responsibilities

Here's a breakdown of the key responsibilities you have as a participant in managing your NDIS budget:

Responsibility	What It Means
🎯 Know Your Goals	Your NDIS plan is not just a list of funding; it’s a roadmap to your personal goals. Every support you purchase must be in line with the goals outlined in your plan. Whether it's to increase your independence, get a job, or participate more in your community, your spending should directly contribute to these aspirations.
💰 Understand Budget Categories	Your NDIS funding is divided into three main budgets: Core, Capacity Building, and Capital. Each has specific rules about what you can spend money on: Core Supports: This is for everyday assistance. It's the most flexible budget and can be used for things like assistance with daily life, transport, and social participation. Capacity Building: This is for supports that help you build your skills and independence. Examples include therapy, support coordination, and employment-related supports. Capital Supports: This budget is for one-off, large-ticket items such as assistive technology (e.g., a wheelchair) or home modifications. Your plan document will clearly show how much funding is in each category.
📜 Be Aware of Stated Supports	Some plans include 'stated supports' which are specific, itemised supports you can only spend your funding on. In contrast, other parts of your plan may be more flexible, but they still must meet NDIS guidelines and align with your goals. If you have a question about whether a support is covered, it’s always best to check.
⏳ Know Your Funding Periods	Since May 2025, many new and reassessed NDIS plans include 'funding periods.' This means your total funding is not released all at once. Instead, it is made available in smaller, manageable portions over set timeframes, often quarterly. This is designed to help you budget more effectively and ensure your funding lasts for the duration of your plan. Don't worry, any unspent funds from one period will roll over to the next (within the same plan).
✅ Spend in Line with the Plan	Ultimately, all supports you purchase must meet the NDIS 'Reasonable and Necessary' criteria. This means the support must: Be related to your disability. Help you pursue your plan goals. Be a good value for money. Be effective and beneficial for you. Take into account what is reasonable for families, carers, and the community to provide. Be something the NDIS would fund.

Want Further Support?

If you're wanting some more advice to ensure you're spending within the plan, the best point of contact is your 'My NDIS Contact' who has access to the most accurate information. Your plan manager or support coordinator can also assist in understanding the basics of your NDIS Plan.