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Your NDIS plan

I don't understand my NDIS plan

Most NDIS plans split your funding into three budgets: Core (everyday support and consumables), Capacity Building (building skills and independence, such as therapy) and Capital (equipment and home or vehicle changes). Your plan also says how it is managed: by the NDIA, by a plan manager, or by you. Your plan document is the final word on what you can spend.

Last reviewed 2 October 2026 · Source: National Disability Insurance Scheme (ndis.gov.au)

Video coming soon

A walkthrough of a sample plan, section by section

Filmed over a made-up sample plan (never a real person’s plan), with a pen pointing to each part as it is explained. Slides and a one-page version will sit here too.

Until then, the written answer below covers everything.

The key things to know

  • Core supports

    Help with daily activities, consumables, transport and social participation. Core funding is usually the most flexible within its budget.

  • Capacity Building

    Supports that build your skills and independence, such as therapy, support coordination or help finding work. Funding is usually tied to specific categories.

  • Capital

    Assistive technology, equipment, and home or vehicle modifications. Larger items often need quotes or approval first.

  • How your plan is managed

    NDIA-managed plans can only pay registered providers. Plan-managed plans use a plan manager to pay invoices and can use unregistered providers. Self-managed means you pay providers and keep records.

How to read your plan in five minutes

  1. 1

    Find your goals

    Your supports should connect to the goals written in your plan. They help explain why funding was included.

  2. 2

    Find the budget totals

    Look for the Core, Capacity Building and Capital amounts and any "stated" supports that must be used a particular way.

  3. 3

    Check how it is managed

    This tells you who pays providers and whether you can use unregistered providers.

  4. 4

    Note the dates

    Plans have a start date and a reassessment date. Funding is usually meant to last the whole plan.

  5. 5

    Ask if it does not fit

    If your plan does not match your needs or your situation has changed, contact the NDIA or your local area coordinator about a variation or reassessment.

Maya · AI guide

Stuck on one part of your plan?

Ask Maya, our AI guide, about the part that is confusing you — for example "what does Capacity Building mean?". Maya is AI and gives general information, not advice about your plan.

Ask Maya about my plan

Frequently asked questions

Can I move money between budgets?

Core funding is generally flexible within the Core budget. Capacity Building and Capital funding is usually tied to specific purposes. Check your plan, because some supports are "stated" and must be used as written.

What can my NDIS funding be spent on?

Since October 2024, NDIS funding can only be used for supports that are defined as "NDIS supports" and that relate to your plan. The NDIS website lists what is and is not an NDIS support.

Why does my plan look different to my friend’s?

Plans are individual, and the NDIS is moving to a new style of plan over the coming years. Always go by the wording in your own plan.

Who can help me understand my plan?

Your local area coordinator, support coordinator (if funded) or plan manager can walk through it with you. You can also call the NDIA on 1800 800 110.

Keep exploring

General information only, not legal, financial or NDIS planning advice. MyCareFinders is run by Local Knowledge Pty Ltd, which also operates MyMoney, a registered NDIS plan manager.

NDIS explained — all topics