Funds Switching in the NDIS: What You Need to Know
- First2Care Team
- Sep 24
- 2 min read
The supports you first budgeted for in your NDIS plan sometimes aren’t the ones you need most later on. Your situation might change, you may need more hours in one type of support and fewer in another, start a new job, or recover from illness.
The good news is, depending on your plan and how it’s managed, you may have some flexibility to switch funds between certain budget categories.
What is funds switching?
Fund switching, also called budget flexibility, is when you reallocate funding within your NDIS plan to better meet your current needs. This isn’t possible across all budgets, but in some cases it can give you more choice and control over how you use your funding.
Which ones are flexible?
The NDIS has three main budget categories, and each has different flexibility rules:
Core Supports are the most flexible. It covers support like daily activities, transport, consumables, and social participation. You can usually move funds between Core categories, unless they’re for a “stated item” or pre-paid service.
Capacity Building Supports are less flexible. These funds are generally fixed for the purpose they were allocated, such as therapies, training, employment support, and more. You can choose how to spend funds within each area, but you generally cannot move them to another category.
Capital Supports are not flexible. These funds are approved for specific items or quotes, such as assistive technology or home modifications, and must only be used as outlined in your plan.
Why is this important?
Your needs and goals may change over time, so the way you use your plan might also need to change. Being able to switch funds where the rules allow can help you:
Adjust to changes in your circumstances.
Reduce stress by making your plan work better for you.
Stay focused on your goals while using your budget effectively.
How to switch funds in your NDIS plan
If you’re considering fund switching, here are the steps to take:
Check your plan. Review your NDIS plan or portal to see which of your supports are flexible and which are fixed.
Speak to your plan manager. They can explain what’s possible and make sure the changes are within NDIS rules.
Request a plan variation if needed. If you need to move funds outside the standard flexibility rules, you can apply for a variation without going through a full reassessment.
Final thoughts
Fund switching can give you control and let your NDIS plan adapt with you as your needs change. But knowing the limits matters. If you’re unsure about your options, speak with us, your plan manager.
For more detailed information, you can refer to Support budgets in your plan.
