What to Know About Your NDIS Plan if You Don't Use It
WHAT IS NDIS PLAN
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides support and assistance to Australians with a disability. It is an important program that allows disabled people to access services and supports they may not otherwise be able to afford. But what happens if you don’t use your NDIS?
Not Using Your NDIS Plan
If you have an NDIS plan but don’t use it, it does not expire or become inactive until the plan end date listed on the plan. You are still entitled to all of the supports and services included in your plan during this time, and can start using them any time before your plan ends. If you do decide not to use your plan, there are some things you should keep in mind.
First, although there are no expiration dates for NDIS plans, it is important to remember that funds allocated for each of your Support Categories will only last until the end date of your current plan. This means that if you do not use up these funds by the end date, they will be lost. Therefore, it is important to ensure that you make full use of your funding while it is available so that you can get the most out of your NDIS plan.
Second, unused funds from one Support Category cannot be transferred over into another Support Category or saved for future plans. That said, if you do have unused funds remaining at the end of your current plan, you can apply for a new NDIS plan which will provide you with additional funding for further supports and services.
Finally, if there are significant changes in your needs or circumstances between now and when your current plan ends, contact an NDIA representative or Local Area Coordinator as soon as possible so that they can update your details and adjust the funding accordingly. This will help ensure that you get the best value from both your current and future plans.
Important to remember with your NDIS funding
Your National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) gives Australians with a disability access to essential services and support they may not otherwise be able to afford. Although there is no expiration date on NDIS plans, it is important to remember that any unused funds will expire when the current plan ends; therefore, it’s essential that individuals make full use of their funding while it’s available so they can get maximum benefit from their NDIS plans. Additionally, any changes in needs or circumstances should be reported immediately so adjustments can be made appropriately in order for individuals to get the best value out of their plans both now and in the future.
