Introduction:

In the NDIS system, funding is a critical factor that determines the level of support and services a participant receives. However, many participants find that their initial funding allocations don’t always meet their needs. Whether it’s due to changes in circumstances, increased care requirements, or unmet needs, increasing a participant’s funding is an important step in ensuring they receive the appropriate level of support.

In this blog post, we’ll explore strategies for increasing funding for NDIS participants. From navigating the planning process to advocating for additional support, we’ll discuss practical approaches that can help participants secure the funding they need.

Meta Description: Learn effective strategies to increase NDIS funding, from understanding your plan to submitting reviews, gathering evidence, and using advocacy. Empower your NDIS journey with the right support.

1. Understanding the NDIS Plan and Funding Allocation

Before seeking an increase in funding, it’s essential to understand how NDIS funding is allocated and what factors influence this process. The NDIS provides funding based on a participant's goals, needs, and the support they require to achieve those goals.

Key Components of NDIS Funding:

• Core Supports: Funding for everyday activities like personal care, transport, and assistance with daily living.
• Capital Supports: Funding for assets such as mobility aids, vehicles, and home modifications.
• Capacity Building Supports: Funding to help participants build skills, independence, and community participation.

Understanding these categories will allow you to assess whether a participant is receiving adequate funding for their specific needs and which areas might require additional support.

2. Review the Current Plan and Identify Gaps

To effectively advocate for increased funding, it’s crucial to assess the participant's current NDIS plan. Are the goals and support items aligned with their current needs? Have any changes occurred in the participant’s life that may not have been reflected in the plan?

Steps to Review the Plan:

• Assess Existing Supports: Look at the current services and supports being funded. Are they meeting the participant’s goals and needs?
• Identify Areas of Underfunding: Are there key areas where the participant is lacking sufficient funding, such as assistive technology, therapy, or transport?
• Evaluate Changes in Circumstances: Consider whether changes in the participant’s life, health, or living situation require additional support.

If there are gaps in the current plan, this can be the foundation for requesting a review or an increase in funding.

3. Request a Plan Review or Reassessment

If the participant’s needs have changed or if there are significant gaps in the current funding allocation, requesting a plan review or reassessment is one of the most direct ways to increase funding.

How to Request a Plan Review:

• Submit a Request: Participants or their nominated representatives can request a plan review through the NDIS portal or by contacting the NDIS.
• Provide Supporting Evidence: When requesting a review, it's crucial to provide detailed evidence of why the current funding isn’t sufficient. This can include medical reports, therapist recommendations, and evidence of changes in the participant's circumstances.
• Outline Specific Needs: Clearly outline the specific supports that are required, whether it’s additional therapy, equipment, or personal care services.

The NDIS will assess the review request based on the evidence provided, and a new plan may be issued with adjusted funding.

4. Advocacy and Support Coordination

Having a dedicated support coordinator or advocate can significantly increase the chances of securing additional funding. These professionals have the knowledge and expertise to navigate the NDIS system and ensure that participants receive the appropriate level of support.

Benefits of Advocacy:

• Expert Guidance: Advocates and support coordinators can help identify areas where funding may be insufficient and assist in drafting a compelling case for increased support.
• Communication with the NDIS: They can act as intermediaries, ensuring that all necessary documentation and evidence is submitted properly.
• Maximising Opportunities: Advocates are often skilled in identifying opportunities for additional funding or services that may not be immediately obvious to participants.

Working with an experienced advocate or support coordinator can help ensure that all relevant needs are addressed and that the participant’s funding reflects those needs.

5. Provide Evidence of Increased Needs

One of the most effective ways to increase funding is by providing evidence that the participant’s needs have increased or changed. This can be a result of changes in health, lifestyle, or personal circumstances. Whether it’s increased therapy needs, more frequent support workers, or new assistive technology, the NDIS requires detailed evidence to justify additional funding.

Types of Evidence to Provide:

• Medical Reports: Documentation from doctors or specialists indicating changes in the participant’s health or mobility.
• Therapist Recommendations: Reports from therapists (e.g., physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists) outlining the need for additional services.
• Personal Testimonies: Statements from the participant or their family about how the current funding is insufficient to meet their needs.
• Updated Care Plans: Recommendations from case managers or support coordinators about the participant’s current requirements.

The more comprehensive and clear the evidence, the higher the chances of securing additional funding.

6. Consider Specialised Supports and Services

In some cases, participants may be eligible for specialised services that are not initially included in their NDIS plan. This might include additional therapy, equipment, or home modifications that were not considered at the time of the initial planning meeting.

Examples of Specialised Supports:

• Assistive Technology: If the participant requires specialised equipment to enhance their mobility or communication, this can be included in the NDIS plan.
• Therapy Services: Increased need for physiotherapy, psychology, or occupational therapy can be grounds for additional funding.
• Home Modifications: If the participant’s living situation has changed or their disability requires new modifications, this can be supported by the NDIS.

These specialised supports may require a formal request for inclusion in the plan, with supporting evidence from professionals.

7. Maximise Utilisation of Existing Funding

Sometimes, participants may not be fully utilising the supports already funded in their plan. In these cases, adjusting the way existing funding is allocated might be an option before requesting additional funding.

Ways to Maximise Existing Funding:

• Reallocation of Funds: Consider if funds in one category (e.g., core supports) can be reallocated to another (e.g., capacity building supports) to better meet the participant’s needs.
• Reassess Support Needs: If certain services are no longer required or used, the funds can be redirected to more critical areas.
• Engage in more frequent reviews: Regularly assess the plan to ensure that funding aligns with current needs.

This proactive approach can make the most out of the existing plan and reduce the need for additional funding requests.

Conclusion

Increasing funding for an NDIS participant requires a clear understanding of the participant's needs, the NDIS funding system, and a strategic approach to requesting a review or reassessment. By providing detailed evidence, working with support coordinators or advocates, and maximising existing supports, NDIS participants can increase their funding and receive the services they need to live an independent and fulfilling life.