Decoding Dollars and Decisions: Understanding NDIS Stated Items

Understanding your National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plan is key to effectively utilising your funding and achieving your goals. A key aspect of this is Stated Items (or also 'Stated Supports'). 

Stated Items refer to specific supports or services that help you with everyday activities which have dedicated funding within your NDIS plan. Unlike more flexible funding categories, the funds for Stated Items are allocated for a particular purpose. 

The word "stated" means clearly defined. If a support is listed as a Stated Item in your NDIS plan, the funding attached to it can only be used for that exact support as described. 

Why the Specificity? 

The NDIS uses Stated Items to: 

• Ensure funding is directed towards supports that are deemed necessary and essential. 

• Manage complex or high-cost supports that require detailed quotes and approvals to ensure value for money and appropriate service delivery. 

• Maintain clarity and accountability to help track how funds are being used. 

Common Examples of NDIS Stated Items 

Home and Living Supports 

• Supported Independent Living (SIL): Funding for ongoing daily support to help you live independently at home, such as personal care or cooking, for people with higher support needs. 

• Medium Term Accommodation (MTA): Funding for temporary housing (up to 90 days) while you wait to move into your long-term home due to pending disability supports. 

• Individualised Living Option (ILO): Funding to design living arrangements tailored to your needs, including personal care, skill-building, and help with daily tasks, supported by both paid and informal networks. 

• Assistance in Residential Aged Care: Funding for younger people in aged care (YPIRAC) to cover additional daily support or accommodation costs due to disability-related needs. 

Key Things to Remember About Stated Items 

• Limited Flexibility: Funds for Stated Items cannot typically be used for other supports or services without prior approval from the NDIS. 

• Check Your Plan: Your NDIS plan will clearly identify any Stated Items, the allocated funding amount, and the relevant support category. 

• Specific Usage: The funding must be used exactly as described in your plan, including specific service providers, qualified personnel, or delivery methods as outlined by the NDIS. 

• Quotes May Be Required: Stated Items with higher costs or specific services often need a quote from a registered provider to be approved and allocated. 

• Plan Reviews: If your needs change, a plan review with the NDIS is needed to adjust Stated Items. 

For Participants and Nominees 

• Participants: Understand your Stated Items, the allocated funding within each category, and how that funding is intended to be used. If you have questions or think a Stated Item isn't meeting your needs, discuss this with your Support Coordinator or directly with the NDIS during a plan review. 

• Nominees: Be aware of the Stated Items in the participant's plan you are supporting, including their designated categories. Ensure that the funding is used appropriately within those categories and advocate for changes if the stated supports are no longer suitable. 

In Conclusion 

NDIS Stated Items help ensure that specific, often critical, supports are funded and delivered as intended within their categories. While they offer less flexibility than other funding categories, they play a vital role in meeting individual needs and ensuring accountability within the NDIS framework. By understanding what Stated Items are, how they function within your plan and their respective categories, you can navigate your NDIS journey with greater clarity and confidence, ultimately working towards achieving your goals. 

For more detailed information on different types of Supports, you can refer to the NDIS guidelines on How do we describe the supports in your plan?