How to Understand Your NDIS Plan: Stated vs Flexible Budgets

When you first receive your NDIS plan, it can be tricky to understand how your funding is set up — especially when it comes to stated and flexible budgets. Knowing the difference is key to making the most of your supports and achieving your goals.

What is a Stated Budget?

A stated budget is funding that has been specifically allocated for a particular support or service. You can only use this funding for the item listed in your plan — it’s not interchangeable with other support categories.

Some stated supports require a quotation to be supplied and will be listed in your NDIS Plan at the exact amount quoted by the provider. It may also be locked to a specific line item.

Example:

If your plan lists Plan Management as a stated service, that funding must go to Plan Management services only.

Other stated supports may include:

·         Support Coordination

·         Assistive Technology

·         Interpreter Services

·         Meal Preparation,

·         Residential Aged Care

·         Linen Services

What is a Flexible Budget?

A flexible budget gives you more freedom in how you use your funds within a support category.

This means you can use your flexible funds to purchase the kinds of supports that will best help you work towards your goals or meet your needs. Just make sure the supports you choose are reasonable and necessary, and that they are allowed under your NDIS plan.

Example:

If you have $1,000 in Capacity Building, you might choose to:

·         Spend some on therapy sessions

·         Use some for a course or training

·         Invest in a skill-building program

This flexibility helps you make choices that best suit your needs and goals.

Checking Your Plan: Stated vs Flexible Supports

Your NDIS plan will outline the supports you have, and it may include a mix of both stated and flexible budgets. Stated supports are allocated for specific, clearly defined purposes, while flexible funds, often found in Core Supports, give you more choice in how you spend your money within a category.

If you’re ever unsure, don’t guess — ask your Plan Manager or check your NDIS plan on the Participant Portal to see how much funding you have and what’s remaining.

At Pacific Plan Management, we’re here to help you understand your plan and guide you on what you can (and can’t) spend your funds on. Understanding your NDIS plan is the first step to getting the most out of it. Whether your funding is stated or flexible, we’ll make sure your payments are handled smoothly so you can stay on track to reach your goals.