Your NDIS Plan Explained: Buckets, Budgets, and Line Items

Why Understanding Your NDIS Plan Matters

Knowing how your plan works isn’t just about paperwork; it’s about control and choice. When you understand your plan, you can:

• Make decisions that suit your life and goals
  
• Plan ahead for big expenses
  
• Avoid running out of funds partway through your plan
  
• Understand what services you’re entitled to
  
• Help providers claim payments correctly, avoiding delays
  
  

It’s also more important than ever, as recent changes mean funding is now often released in periods over the life of your plan rather than all upfront. So knowing how to read your plan and how to manage your budgets is key.

What’s Inside an NDIS Plan?

While everyone’s plan is unique, they all share some common parts:

Goals

This section lists what you’d like to achieve over the next 12 months or longer. Goals might include improving independence, learning new skills, or connecting with your community.

Budgets

Your plan will outline the total funding available, categorised into distinct areas. These are sometimes referred to as funding “buckets.”

Funding Rules and Notes

Your plan may also include special notes about how your funding can be used or limits on certain types of support.

The Three Main Funding Buckets

Let’s look at the three big funding categories you’ll see in every NDIS plan.



Core Supports funding helps you with everyday activities related to your disability. It’s often the most flexible part of your plan and can pay for a wide range of things, such as:

• Assistance with personal care (e.g. showering, dressing)
  
• Transport to get to appointments, work, or community activities
  
• Support workers to help you join social or community events
  
• Consumables, like continence products, low-cost aids, or everyday items related to your disability
  
  

Flexibility: Many line items under Core Supports can be swapped around to meet your changing needs. For example, if you need more help with community participation this month, you might use funds from another Core category to cover it.

2. Capacity Building Supports

Capacity Building Supports are designed to help you develop skills, increase independence, and achieve long-term goals. Funding in this bucket is usually more specific, allocated for particular types of support. Examples include:

• Therapy services like speech therapy, occupational therapy, or physiotherapy
  
• Support Coordination to help you understand and manage your plan
  
• Training for daily living skills, employment preparation, or social skills
  
• Improved health and wellbeing services, like exercise physiology

Flexibility: Unlike Core Supports, Capacity Building funding is often not interchangeable between categories. If budget is allocated for Support Coordination, for instance, it generally can’t be used for therapy without NDIA approval.



3. Capital Supports

Capital Supports cover one-off, significant purchases that help you live safely and independently. These are typically large-scale items and often require quotes and NDIA approval before purchase. Examples include:

• Assistive technology like wheelchairs, communication devices, or special beds
  
• Home modifications such as ramps, bathroom renovations, or widened doorways
  
• Vehicle modifications to make cars accessible
  
  

Flexibility: Capital Supports are the least flexible budget area. Funds allocated here are tied to specific items and can’t be moved around.

What Are Line Items?

The NDIS uses line items to identify specific services, supports, or products in the pricing guidelines. Each line item comes with:

• A unique code (like 04_104_0125_6_1)
  
• A name and description of the support
  
• How it’s measured (hourly rate, daily rate, per item)
  
• A price cap, if one applies
  
  

Example:

• Support: Assistance with Social and Community Participation
  
• Code: 04_104_0125_6_1
  
• Description: Support workers help you engage in community activities
  
• Rate: Up to a specific dollar amount per hour (depending on the region and day of the week)



Why Do Line Items Matter?

Understanding line items helps you:

• See exactly what types of services you can pay for with your funding
  
• Check that invoices from providers match what’s in your plan
  
• Make sure your funding is being used correctly
  
• Avoid delays in payments to your providers
  
  

Although providers are responsible for knowing the correct codes for invoicing, it’s also helpful for participants and their families to have a basic understanding.

How to Read Your Plan

When you look at your plan, focus on these key areas:

• Goals: What do you want to achieve?
  
• Budgets: How much is allocated in each funding bucket?
  
• Notes and Conditions: Are there limits or rules on how funds can be used?
  
  

If you’re unsure how your goals relate to specific support or funding categories, please consult with your Support Coordinator or Plan Manager. They’re there to help you navigate the details.

Flexibility Between Budgets

One of the most common questions is: Can I move funding between categories if my needs change?



Here’s a quick guide:

• Core Supports: Often flexible between subcategories, unless your plan says otherwise.
  
• Capacity Building: Generally fixed for specific services.
  
• Capital Supports: Locked in for approved purchases only.
  
  

Tip: Always check with your Plan Manager or Support Coordinator before moving funds between budget areas.

How Providers Use Line Items

Providers use line item codes when submitting invoices. This ensures:

• Payments come out of the correct budget in your plan
  
• The NDIA can track how funds are spent
  
• Claims are processed smoothly, without delays
  
  

With recent changes to plan management funding, providers may be responsible for ensuring invoices are correct, so understanding line items helps everyone stay on the same page.

Where to Find Line Item Information

If you want to dig deeper into specific line items, you can find information in:

• The NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits, available on the NDIS website.
  
• Your Plan Manager or Support Coordinator can help interpret codes and ensure you’re using your funding properly.
  
• Trusted providers who should be familiar with the right codes for the services they offer.
  
  

Don’t worry if it all seems complicated; that’s precisely what support professionals are there to help with.

Final Thoughts

Your NDIS plan is there to help you live the life you want. The more you understand how it works, the more empowered you’ll feel to make decisions that suit your needs and goals.

Remember:

• Don’t hesitate to ask questions.
  
• Keep a copy of your plan handy for reference.
  
• Use your support team to help clarify anything that feels confusing.
  
  

Plan Management and Support Coordination can play a big role in helping you navigate your NDIS plan:

• Plan Managers help you keep track of your budgets, pay invoices, and make sure services are billed correctly. They’re also there to answer questions about how your funds can be used and help you avoid overspending.
  
• Support Coordinators work alongside you to understand your plan, connect you with services, and help you solve problems that might come up. They’re especially helpful if you’re feeling overwhelmed or want help making the most of your supports.
  
  

If you’re unsure about anything in your plan, talk with your Plan Manager or Support Coordinator. They’re there to help you feel confident and in control of your NDIS journey.