Whether you’re new to the NDIS or have been on a plan for a little while, it’s likely that ‘reasonable and necessary’ have come up in conversation. But what exactly does that mean? And how can it affect you and your future plan?
What is ‘Reasonable and necessary’?
Reasonable and necessary is a term used to determine what kind of funded supports you might need. Simply put - reasonable is something that is considered fair, and necessary is something that you need because of your disability.
For the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to fund a support in your plan, they will assess if it fits the criteria outlined in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Act 2013.
Get the low-down on 'reasonable and necessary' criteria
Understanding what is considered to be ‘reasonable and necessary’ can help you know how to ask for what you might need in your plan.
For a support to be reasonable and necessary, it should:
Relate to your disability
Help you pursue your goals and aspirations
Increase your independence
Increase your community, social and workplace involvement
Be considered value for money (this is especially true if the support is priced above the NDIS Price Guide)
Be effective and work for your needs
Take into account your current formal and informal supports
There are some things that may not be considered as ‘reasonable and necessary’, like:
Day-to-day living costs that are not related to your disability support needs
Supports that can reasonably be given by a family member, carer, or the broader community
Supports already funded by other areas of government
Make the most of your NDIS funding
Armed with the knowledge of what is considered to be a ‘reasonable and necessary’ support, you’ll be able to better ask for the supports you need included in your plan. When discussing your NDIS plan with your planner, consider the types of supports that can be funded within the NDIS, your personal support needs, and how those needs can tie back to your goals to be considered ‘reasonable and necessary’ supports.
Types of supports that can be funded within the NDIS:
Help with personal care activities
Transport that helps you to participate in community, social, economic and daily life activities
Help to find or maintain employment
Therapeutic supports, such as occupational therapy, speech pathology or behaviour support
Assistance with household tasks so you can maintain your home
Aids or equipment to help you be more independent
Home modification design and construction
Mobility equipment
Vehicle modifications
Who can help
The NDIS can feel a little overwhelming sometimes. So, having some guidance throughout your journey can reduce stress associated with navigating the ins and outs of the NDIS. A Plan Manager can be an excellent addition to your team. Plan Managers are included in your NDIS plan upon request at no extra cost to you.
At First2Care, you are our number one focus. Which is why we won’t just manage the financial side of your plan but we can also help you understand what supports could be considered as ‘reasonable and necessary’. All you need to do is contact a First2Care Plan Manager to find out more.
Read more about the benefits of working with an independent, professional Plan Manager. Alternatively, contact our friendly team on 1300 322 273 or support@first2care.com.au.