Just like in any other journey, you may find changes in your situation and you deem that your current plan no longer suits you. When this happens, you do not have to worry and try to fit the pieces as you can always request a change in your plan. The NDIS is designed to support you in reaching your goals, so if you feel that the changes in your life will propel you to become a better version of yourself then all you need to do is to talk to your support system and discuss your options. In this article, we will tackle the things you need to do so that your plan will align with the current changes or updates you have with your life.
Let us dissect the common reasons why your current plan no longer suits you:
1.Change of circumstances
-you get a new diagnosis, and you require new supports and services
-you want to live on your own
- a change in your family’s ability to take care of you
-you want to change how your NDIS fund is being managed
In most cases, all you have to do is to fill out the “change in circumstances” form which is found on the NDIS website and submit it. Now, what happens next? There will be 2 outcomes that might happen: the NDIA will inform you that your plan needs to be reviewed which in this case, you have to still use your existing plan while waiting for your plan to be reviewed. Another outcome is that your plan does not need to be reviewed and you may use your existing plan to align with your current changes. If your plan needs to be reviewed, your LAC will get in touch with you and discuss options on how to align your plan with the current changes. If your plan does not need to be reviewed, you do not have to worry as you have the option to use your Core budget supports differently since it is flexible. To recap, your core budget has 4 categories:
Consumables – everyday use items
Daily activities – help with daily living tasks like self-care
Social and community participation – support to engage in social activities
Transport –specialized transport support for getting to activities, school, or appointments
You can use your funding in consumables, daily activities, social and community participation except for transport to pay for supports and services in other categories. When you choose to reallocate your Core budget funding you have to take note of the following:
Is there enough funding in your existing plan to support the new needs?
Is the new support something that should be funded by the NDIS and not another government service?
Will the new supports help you achieve your long-term goals?
Does it give you value for money?
This is where the role of a Plan Manager can play a critical role, most especially that you will be reallocating funds from your Core budget funding you have to keep in mind that you have to stay on track within your budget. A Plan Manager will have tools to help you not to overspend your funding, thus, giving you the confidence that there will be no out-of-pocket expense on your end.
2. Current NDIS plan is expiring
An expiring plan means a new opportunity for you to create new goals, but you have to remember that a new plan means a new budget thus, you cannot carry over your unused funds. If you strongly feel that you do not need to change anything with your plan, you have the option to automatically extend your plan. Any unutilized funds will be carried over and will be added to your new budget.
3: Not satisfied with your plan
If you are not happy with your current plan for reasons like you feel that there is no enough budget for the support you need or it does not in any way give you a clear view of how the supports will help you achieve your goals, you will always have the option to make changes too. In this case, the NDIS will have an Internal Review regarding your plan. Once the result of the Internal Review is out and you are still not happy with it, you have 28 days to appeal the decision at the Administrative Appeals Tribunals.
Do you have to change the way you manage your funds? Switch to Plan Management with Yogi Care and allow us to help you navigate your way through a stress-free NDIS journey.
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