Understanding funding
Using Your Funding Responsibly
Funding must be used for approved disability related supports that are in line with your plan.
Check before spending
Make sure a service or item is an NDIS support and fits your plan.
Monitor your budget
Regularly review available funding, invoices, claims and funding periods.
Keep records
Evidence showing what was purchased, delivered and paid.
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.
Check whether something is an NDIS support
Before spending, check that it is an NDIS support, relates directly to your disability, is in line with your plan, helps with your goals or support needs, is not an ordinary living cost, is not another service system’s responsibility, is safe and lawful, and meets any conditions in your plan.
Something being helpful does not automatically mean funding can pay for it. There are official lists of what is and is not an NDIS support.
Use the correct budget
Core, Capacity Building, Capital and Recurring. You may not have funding in every one, and funding cannot automatically move between budgets. Some categories are flexible and some are stated.
Monitor your funding
- How much has been used and how much remains
- When the next funding period begins
- Whether spending is too fast or too slow
- Whether regular supports can continue for the full period
- Whether provider claims match supports delivered
- Whether unpaid invoices still need counting
Do not wait until funding has run out before asking for help. The portal, my NDIS app, Plan Manager reports and the NDIS budget calculator can all help.
Check invoices and claims
The provider, your details, date of support, support delivered, duration or quantity, rate charged, travel or other agreed charges, any cancellation charge, the correct support category, and the total. Ask about anything you do not recognise.
Never approve a record you know is wrong
And never share your myGov or NDIS portal password. A provider never needs it. Be cautious if someone pressures you to buy a support, offers gifts to access your plan, or asks you to sign a blank form.
If a mistake happens
Contact the provider, your Plan Manager, Support Coordinator, my NDIS contact or the NDIA as soon as you can. Explain what happened, keep a record of the conversation, and ask for the invoice or claim to be corrected. Funding used for something that is not an NDIS support may need to be repaid.
When to report a serious concern
Contact the NDIS Commission if you feel unsafe, a provider is treating you poorly, you believe they have acted dishonestly, you have quality concerns, your privacy has been breached, a complaint was handled badly, or a provider has claimed for support you did not receive. Call 000 if someone is in immediate danger.
SCL Support Services
What SCL can help with
SCL can:
- Explain our services and charges
- Provide quotes and Service Agreements
- Give you copies of invoices and service records
- Explain an SCL invoice or claim, and correct an identified error
- Discuss your support schedule and estimated costs
- Explain agreed travel and cancellation charges
- Work with your authorised Plan Manager, Support Coordinator, nominee or representative
- Tell you when we become aware of a funding concern affecting our services
SCL cannot guarantee funding will remain available, or give an official decision about how the NDIA will interpret your plan.
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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