Claiming reimbursements can sometimes be a perplexing task, and because they arise in situations where you have already paid for something with your own money, it’s important to consider several factors before doing so. Here are some top tips to help you effectively claim reimbursements.
Tip #1: Understand your plan
Familiarise yourself with your NDIS plan and budget. It is essential to know which supports are funded and whether or not you have allocated funds for specific categories. This knowledge will help you determine which expenses you can claim reimbursements for. Knowing what you have been funded for reduces the chance of purchasing supports or services that are not funded in your plan, or otherwise unable to be claimed.
Tip #2: Keep receipts and invoices
Organise and keep all receipts and invoices related to your NDIS supports. It is important to have physical or digital copies of these documents, as they serve as proof of payment and are necessary for reimbursement claims. Store them in a safe place so that they are easily accessible when needed.
Tip #3: Submit claims promptly
Submit your reimbursement claims as soon as possible to avoid delays in receiving your funds. Typically a reimbursement can be made within 24 hours of the claim being submitted to the NDIS.
Tip #4: Be aware of claiming restrictions
It's important to understand that certain restrictions may apply to reimbursement claims. For instance, if you pay for a support or service in advance, such as booking a therapy session, make sure that it aligns with your NDIS plan, the reasonable and necessary criteria, and the Pricing Arrangements All reimbursement claims must be made with a legitimate tax receipt.
Tip #5: Submit a reimbursement form
To make reimbursement claims more streamlined, you can submit a reimbursement claim through our website. The reimbursement form helps us ensure that the claim is processed correctly. Before submitting any reimbursement claim, thoroughly review the claim form to ensure accurate and complete information. Remember to include all necessary details, such as the service provider's name, the amount paid, the date of payment, and your bank details. Any errors or missing information could cause delays in processing your claim.
If your preference is to email the information rather than use the online reimbursement form, please ensure you include the word ‘reimbursement’ in the email subject and include a message advising who is to be reimbursed.
Tip #6: Seek clarification if needed
If you are unsure about any aspect of claiming reimbursements or have concerns about a specific expense, seek clarification from our team, your support coordinator, or your NDIA representative. It is always better to seek guidance rather than assuming anything, as this can prevent potential issues down the line.
Tip #7: Keep track of your remaining budget
Regularly monitor your NDIS budget and track your expenditure to ensure that you stay within your allocated funds. Our team provide monthly reports detailing your budget status as well as providing an in-real-time update through our online platform. This allows you to keep an eye on your spending so you can make informed decisions about the supports or services you may need.
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.