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NDIS Guide

How does an NDIS plan work?

Last reviewed 1 July 2026 · 6 min read · By Sarah M., Support Coordinator
In short

An NDIS plan is your personalised agreement with the NDIA that records your goals and the funded supports you can use. It sets out three budget types, how your funds are managed, and how long the plan lasts. You use the plan to choose providers and pay for reasonable and necessary supports.

What is inside your plan?

Your plan opens with your personal details and your goals, both short and longer term. It then lists your funded supports across three budgets and explains how your plan is managed and how your community and mainstream supports fit in.

The funded supports section is what most people focus on, because it shows the budgets available and the categories you can spend them on to pursue your goals.

The three budget types explained

Funding sits in three buckets, each with different rules about flexibility. Knowing which budget pays for what helps you make the most of your plan.

Budget
What it covers
Core
Everyday supports such as assistance with daily life, social and community participation, consumables, and transport.
Capacity Building
Building skills and independence, including support coordination, improved daily living, and finding or keeping a job.
Capital
Higher-cost items like assistive technology, home modifications, and specialist disability accommodation.

How is your plan managed?

You choose how your funding is handled. With NDIA-managed, the agency pays your registered providers directly. With plan-managed, a plan manager handles invoices and claims for you. With self-managed, you take full control of paying providers and keeping records.

Plans run for a set period and are reviewed before they end. If your needs change sooner, you can request a plan reassessment rather than waiting for the scheduled review.

See what your plan can pay for

Check support prices and how budgets translate into real services using our NDIS price guide tool.

Open the price guide →
SM
Sarah M., Support CoordinatorReviewed by TQN.Care's NDIS support team · 8+ years in disability support coordination.
Common questions

Questions, answered.

How long does an NDIS plan last? +
Plans typically run for around 12 months, though the NDIA may set longer durations when your situation is stable. A review happens before the plan ends.
Can I change my plan during its term? +
Yes. If your circumstances or needs change, you can request a plan reassessment so the NDIA can consider adjusting your supports or budgets.
Is funding flexible between budgets? +
Core funding is generally flexible across its categories, but Capital and Capacity Building funds are usually tied to specific approved supports and cannot be freely moved.
What happens to unspent funds? +
Unspent funding does not roll over into your next plan. Your new budget is based on your goals and reasonable and necessary needs at the time of review.
Who decides how my plan is managed? +
You choose your management option during planning. You can self-manage, use a plan manager, have the NDIA manage funds, or combine these across budgets.
Keep reading

Related guides.

TYPE D · Resource/Guide · /resources/understanding-your-plan/