Your NDIS plan funding categories are typically considered as flexible or not flexible. If a category is flexible, it means funding can be moved around as needed within that category. If it’s not flexible, then it means you can only use funding on supports or services that fall under that specific funded category. But what about stated supports? Where does it fit in to an NDIS plan and what is it for?
What is a stated support under the NDIS?
Your NDIS plan has different levels of funding support, some supports are flexible, and some are not. A stated support is not flexible and can only be used for a specific support or service. If you notice that ‘stated support’ is listed before a support description in your NDIS plan, then you’ll need to use the funding for that support or service.
Without approval from the NDIS, funding cannot be used to purchase a different item or different version of the stated item. In some cases, the stated supports may require a quotation to be supplied during your planning meeting or plan review meeting so that it can be listed in your NDIS plan at the exact amount quoted by your provider.
It’s important to note that stated supports are listed as ‘stated items’ in the NDIS Price Guide.
What are the main types of stated supports?
There are several different stated supports that you may be included in your NDIS plan. It’s a good idea to understand what stated supports are available so that you can mention any that you would like included in your NDIS plan during your planning meeting or plan review meeting. The NDIA will still need to determine whether you are eligible for these supports, but by discussing your support needs with your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or NDIA planner during your meeting it can help to ensure you receive the right support for you.
Stated support examples
Plan Management
Plan Management is one of the main stated support options. When you go to your planning meeting or plan review meeting, you’ll be asked how you would like your plan to be managed financially. One of your options is to have a Plan Manager take care of the financial and administrative tasks of your NDIS plan (the other two options are Agency Managed or Self-Managed). With Plan Management, you maintain choice and control over your plan and can access both registered and unregistered providers without having to worry about the day-to-day management and paying of invoices, paperwork and bookkeeping.
Support Coordination
Support Coordinators can help you to make the most of you NDIS plan by assisting with accessing the right supports for you, helping you to target your supports and daily activities towards achieving your goals and to help you to build you capacity to manage your NDIS plan.
Live-in carer assistance
If you need a live-in carer, you may be allocated stated support funding for a person who lives in your house, travels with you and/or provides assistance with or supervision over personal and daily living tasks. They can also help you to develop your skills and capacity so that you can work towards living as independently as possible. This type of stated support typically requires a quote.
On-call overnight monitoring
This stated support is for people who need overnight on-call assistance or supervision with personal and daily living tasks. This covers an eight-hour period on any day of the week or public holiday and includes some level of active support. Again, this stated support requires a quote.
Linen service
Some participants may require linen service, which is a stated support available to those who are unable to do laundry without assistance. A quote is required.
Meal preparation and delivery
For those who need assistance with the cost of the preparation and delivery of food as they are unable to do this themselves, and do not have other supports that cover this need, may be able to access support for the preparation and delivery of meal (the food cost is not covered under the NDIS). For this support, a quote is required.
Individualised Living Options
Individualised Living Options (ILO) is a package of supports that assists with achieving your home and living goals. This support is tailored to your needs as an individual.
Specialised Transport
Specialised transport services to attend school, an educational facility, employment, or the wider community may be required. To access this stated support a quote is required.
Specialised driver training support
If driving lessons are required due to the impact of your disability, and you have been assessed by a specialist driver trained occupational therapist, you may be able to request the inclusion of this stated support in your NDIS plan.
There are other stated supports like an item of assistive technology, interpretation services and some behaviour support that can be listed in your NDIS plan.
Be sure to have as many supporting documents as possible and required quotes available to share with your LAC or NDIA planner during your planning meeting or plan review meeting.
How to change your stated supports
During your planning period, you may find that your support needs change. Small changes, such as the need to purchase a different model of an item that costs the same can be assessed as a ‘light touch’ review if more funding is not required. If you have a more significant change, like additional funding under one of your NDIS support categories, an early plan review may be required.
If you have a stated support in your NDIS plan that no longer meets your needs or a stated support that you would like included in future plans (pending NDIA approval) you can discuss this with your LAC or NDIA planner. You can also reach out to our friendly support team or your First2Care Client Manager for more information.
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.