How We Help Manage Your Budget
PlanAbout can help you manage your budget by allocating funds for each provider that you use. For example, if you see a speech pathologist every week, you can allocate a portion of your funds to cover the cost of therapy for 12 months.
Allocating funds this way gives you control over your budgeting. It gives you the certainty that you have enough funds for all your providers, and allows you to consider additional services you might need if you have remaining funds.
What is a Schedule of Supports?
A Schedule of Supports is the agreed amount of service you plan to receive from your provider. It describes the type of support you need, and for how long you will need it.
If you have providers that you see regularly, you can complete our Schedule of Support form so that we can allocate funds to them from your budget.
Assigning agreed funds to a provider
You can send the schedule of supports to us, or simply give us a call, and we can set aside the right amount of funds in your plan for that provider.
You’re in control of your funds the whole time.
It’s important to remember that this does not mean that the provider gets paid the amount in full. Invoices are only paid after each service provided. If you decide you want to change the service booking with the provider or get services from another provider, then no problem. You can contact us anytime and we will change it for you. We’ll also let the provider know of the change on your behalf.
Reserving funds gives you the confidence that there will be sufficient money available to get the services you need. For providers, they will have confidence that they can provide services risk free – with no overspend issues.
What can NDIS funds be used for?
Sometimes it can be confusing to understand what your funds can go towards.
Before the NDIS funds a service or piece of equipment they must deem it “reasonable and necessary” depending on a number of reasons.
What does the NDIS take into consideration when deciding to fund something?
- Your disability support needs
- Your living arrangements
- What is reasonable for informal supports
Essentially, if you submit a request to have something funded by the NDIS it simply depends on your circumstances and whether or not they deem it reasonable and necessary.