Understanding the NDIS
Participant Responsibilities
Being a participant gives you rights, and also responsibilities for using your plan and funding correctly.
Understand your plan
Know what funding and supports have been approved.
Use funding correctly
Only purchase NDIS supports that relate to your disability and are in line with your plan.
Keep information current
Tell the NDIA and your providers about relevant changes.
Plain language guide
The detail, broken into useful sections.
Read the sections that matter to you. The content has not been shortened or changed, only organised so it is easier to scan.
Understand your plan
The supports included, your budgets, how each part of your funding is managed, any stated supports, any funding periods, and how much remains available. Ask your NDIA contact, Plan Manager or Support Coordinator if any of it is unclear.
Use funding responsibly
Funding must be used for supports that are NDIS supports, relate directly to your disability, are in line with your plan, and are not another service system’s responsibility. Funding used incorrectly may need to be repaid.
Monitor your funding
You remain responsible even when a Plan Manager or the NDIA pays the invoices. Regularly check how much has been used and remains, whether invoices are accurate, whether supports were delivered, and whether spending will last. Contact someone early if you are worried.
Tell the NDIA when things change
Contact details, your disability or support needs, living arrangements, support network, name or identity information, compensation you receive, or extended overseas travel. A significant change may mean your plan needs reviewing.
Work openly with providers
Explain your goals and preferences, agree the service, price and schedule, ask questions before signing anything, share relevant health and safety information, give appropriate notice when cancelling, check invoices, and raise concerns when something is not working.
You never have to agree on the spot
You can ask for more information, take it away to read, or involve someone you trust. A provider who pressures you to decide immediately is telling you something.
Report problems
If funding has been used without your permission, an invoice is wrong, you did not receive support that was claimed, you feel unsafe, a provider is treating you poorly, or you suspect fraud. Call 000 if someone is in immediate danger. Concerns about provider quality or safety go to the NDIS Commission.
SCL Support Services
What SCL can help with
To provide safe and effective supports, we ask that you:
- Give us accurate and current information
- Tell us about changes affecting your supports
- Be available at agreed times, or give notice
- Treat workers and other people respectfully
- Tell us about hazards or safety concerns
- Keep funding and payment arrangements current
- Raise concerns as early as possible
We will work with you where disability, communication or another circumstance affects your ability to meet a responsibility. These are expectations, not conditions of service.
Official information
This page explains things in plain language. The NDIS is the authority on the rules, and they change. Check the official pages for the current position.
Last checked: August 2026
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