How to Get More NDIS Funding

Before you can identify opportunities for additional funding, it's crucial to understand how your NDIS plan is structured. Your plan is divided into three main budgets: Core Supports (flexible funding for daily activities), Capacity Building (skill development and independence), and Capital Supports (equipment and home modifications).

Each budget contains specific support categories with allocated amounts. For example, Category 15 (Improved Daily Living) typically covers personal care and household tasks, whilst Category 7 (Support Coordination) helps you navigate and implement your plan. Understanding these categories helps you identify which areas may be underfunded for your needs.

Many participants don't realise that Core Support funds can be used flexibly across different support types within that budget. If you have unused funds in one Core category, you can often redirect them to areas where you need more support, maximising your existing allocation before seeking additional funding.

Section 34 of the NDIS Act 2013 outlines the fundamental criteria that all NDIS supports must meet to qualify for funding. Understanding these criteria is essential when building your case for additional funding. Supports must be related to your disability, represent value for money, and be likely to be effective in meeting your goals.

The criteria also require that supports help you pursue your goals, maintain your functional capacity, or prevent deterioration. When requesting additional funding, you must demonstrate how the proposed supports meet these requirements. This isn't just about wanting more services – it's about proving genuine need based on your disability and circumstances.

Documentation is key here. Reports from allied health professionals, evidence of changing needs, or demonstrations that current funding levels aren't meeting reasonable and necessary requirements all strengthen your case. The NDIA must consider whether supports are reasonable in the context of what would be considered normal daily living expenses for someone without a disability.

Section 48 of the NDIS Act 2013 gives you the right to request a plan review when your circumstances change or when your current plan isn't meeting your reasonable and necessary support needs. You can request a review at any time – you don't have to wait until your scheduled annual review.

To request a plan review, contact the NDIA on 1800 800 110 or submit a request through the myplace participant portal. The NDIA typically responds to review requests within 28 days, though complex cases may take longer. During this process, they'll assess whether your support needs have changed and if additional funding is justified.

The review process involves reassessing your functional capacity, goals, and support requirements. Be prepared to provide updated assessments from healthcare professionals, evidence of changed circumstances, or documentation showing why your current funding is insufficient. The more comprehensive your evidence, the stronger your case for additional funding.

Many NDIS participants experience funding shortfalls in specific areas. Therapy supports often run out quickly, particularly given current pricing – psychologists are funded at $214.41 per hour, and with weekly sessions, annual allocations can be exhausted within months. If you're facing this situation, document the medical necessity for ongoing therapy and how it relates to your NDIS goals.

Transport funding is another common gap. Many participants find their transport allocation insufficient for accessing community activities, employment, or essential services. When requesting additional transport funding, provide specific examples of activities you cannot access due to funding constraints and how this impacts your independence and community participation goals.

Successful funding increases rely on strong evidence that demonstrates unmet reasonable and necessary needs. Start by gathering current reports from all healthcare professionals involved in your care. These should specifically address how your disability impacts your daily functioning and what supports are required to address these impacts.

Functional capacity assessments are particularly valuable, as they provide objective measurements of your support needs. If your circumstances have changed since your last planning meeting, ensure you have professional reports documenting these changes and their impact on your support requirements.

Keep detailed records of how you're currently using your funding and where gaps exist. If you're consistently running out of funding in specific categories before your plan period ends, this provides concrete evidence of underfunding. Screenshots of your plan utilisation from the myplace portal can support these claims.

If your plan review request is unsuccessful or you disagree with the NDIA's decision, Section 100 of the NDIS Act 2013 provides the right to request an internal review. This is a formal process where a different NDIA officer reviews the original decision and all supporting evidence.

Internal review requests must be submitted within three months of receiving the original decision. You can submit your request by calling 1800 800 110, through the myplace portal, or by sending a written request to the NDIA. Include your participant number, the specific decision you're challenging, and reasons why you believe the decision was incorrect.

The internal review process typically takes 60 business days, though complex cases may take longer. During this time, you can submit additional evidence that wasn't considered in the original decision. If the internal review is unsuccessful, you have the option to appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

Support coordinators funded under Category 7 can be invaluable allies when seeking additional NDIS funding. They understand the system's complexities and can help you build a compelling case for increased funding. Many support coordinators have established relationships with NDIA planners and understand what evidence resonates most effectively.

Plan managers can also provide detailed reports on your funding utilisation patterns, highlighting areas where you're consistently exceeding budgets or unable to access necessary supports. This data-driven approach often proves more persuasive than subjective complaints about insufficient funding.

If you don't currently have support coordination in your plan, consider requesting this as part of your review. Support coordination can be funded at various levels depending on your needs, and the investment often pays for itself through more effective plan utilisation and successful funding increases.