NDIS Support Requests: From Need to Approved Help

What a support request is (and what it’s not)

A support request is the way you ask the NDIS to fund reasonable and necessary supports so you can meet your goals. It links your need (what’s getting in the way), your outcome (what you want to be able to do), and the supports you’re seeking. In practice, it’s often written as a clear description of the support, how often it’s needed, and why it supports your plan goals. If you’re using plan management, services may bill through your plan manager such as MyMoney NDIS (www.planmanager.net.au).

It helps to think of a support request as a specific request for help, not a general wish list. For example, asking for “help to improve daily living skills” is usually too broad; asking for “weekly support for skill-building in meal preparation and budgeting” with an explanation of how this helps your goals is clearer. You can also ask for assistive technology or home modifications if they relate directly to your participant goals and functional needs.

What a support request is not is an automatic approval for anything you ask for. The NDIS considers whether the support is reasonable and necessary, not just convenient. It also isn’t the same as a complaint, a request for a budget increase, or a way to bypass your plan. If you’re comparing providers, My Care Finders can help you understand options and check what different providers can deliver, so you’re making a request that matches your needs and the provider’s service style.

Key takeaway: A good support request clearly connects your functional need to your goals and explains the exact support you’re asking for.

• Do include what you need, how it helps your goals, and the expected frequency/duration.
• Do not request supports that don’t link to your plan goals or functional impact.
• Check whether the support will be provided under plan management arrangements (for example, via MyMoney NDIS at www.planmanager.net.au).
• Use My Care Finders to compare providers and confirm services align with your request.