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The future of NDIS plan management has become one of the most talked-about topics in the disability community lately. Significant reforms have been proposed that could change how plan management services are delivered from October 2027 onwards. The Government has announced plans to introduce a panel of approved plan management providers, selected through a competitive tender process. Although many details are still being developed, plan management is expected to remain an important part of the NDIS. Understanding the changes proposed so far can help you stay informed and prepare for the future. What We Know So Far The biggest proposed change is a move away from the current open-market model towards a commissioned panel arrangement. Currently, participants can choose from a wide range of registered plan management providers. Under the proposed reforms, the NDIA would create a panel of approved plan managers selected through a competitive tender process. Participants would still be able to choose their plan manager, but limited only from providers accepted onto the approved panel. Based on information released so far, the proposed timeline includes: From April 2027, plan managers who want to join the panel would need to apply through the Request for Tender (RFT) process. From October 2027, the plan management panel is expected to begin, with a 6-month transition period for participants whose current plan manager is not selected. By April 2028, participants using plan management would generally need to access services through a panel-approved provider. The Government has stated that these changes are intended to improve service quality, strengthen integrity measures, and help reduce fraud across the NDIS. The reforms continue to recognise the important role plan managers play in supporting participants to manage budgets, process claims, and navigate the practical side of their NDIS funding. What This Could Mean for NDIS Plan Management One possible outcome of the proposed reforms is a reduction in the number of plan management providers operating in the NDIS. Australia currently has a large number of plan managers. If a smaller panel of approved providers is introduced, some level of consolidation is likely. Some providers may secure a place on the panel, while others may choose not to participate or may not meet the final selection criteria once they are released. For participants, support coordinators, providers, and communities that have built strong relationships with smaller plan managers, this could lead to changes in who they work with in the future. At this stage, no final decisions have been made, and the full impact of the reforms is still unknown. What Questions are Still Unanswered? Although the overall direction appears clearer than it was months ago, many details have not yet been released. The exact requirements providers will need to meet to join the panel have not yet been released. There is also limited information about pricing arrangements, service expectations, participant safeguards, and how applications will be assessed. There are also questions around how many providers may ultimately be selected and what the plan management market could look like once the panel is established. Another area still being developed is conflict of interest reform. The Government has indicated that it wants to eliminate conflicts of interest within the NDIS, particularly where organisations provide both plan management and other NDIS-funded services. However, the specific requirements and implementation details have not yet been confirmed. More information is expected to be released in the coming months. Will Participants Need to Change Plan Managers? For now, participants do not need to make any changes. If the proposed panel model proceeds as currently outlined, participants whose plan manager is not selected would be supported through a transition process. Based on information released so far, this transition period is expected to last 6 months. Until the tender process is completed and panel providers are confirmed, it is too early to know which organisations may be affected. For now, participants can continue working with their current plan manager as usual. The NDIA has indicated that further updates will be provided as decisions are made and implementation planning progresses. What This Means for First2Care Change has always been part of the NDIS, and the future structure of plan management may look different in the coming years as well. Since 2014, First2Care has grown into one of Australia's leading independent plan management providers, and we remain dedicated to being a trusted ally to the people and organisations we work alongside as the NDIS continues to change. The proposed reforms place greater emphasis on independence, transparency, and accountability. These are principles that have long been part of how we operate. As an independent plan manager, we focus solely on plan management and do not provide other NDIS-funded supports. Even as the NDIS evolves, we are committed to maintaining the values that have guided us since the beginning: genuine service, simple and efficient support, and helping people navigate their NDIS journey with confidence. As we continue to grow, our aim is to remain the same organisation our community already knows and trusts. We are closely following developments as more information becomes available, and we will continue sharing factual updates and practical insights to help keep you informed. For more information about the proposed reforms, visit the NDIS page on Changes to plan management.

Travel is often part of delivering quality supports, particularly when participants receive services in their homes or out in the community. If you provide face-to-face supports, you may be able to claim travel costs under the NDIS. However, travel claims can sometimes be confusing. Understanding the difference between provider travel, non-labour travel expenses, and activity-based transport can help you invoice correctly, stay compliant, and avoid unnecessary payment delays. In this guide, we'll explain what providers can claim and how travel costs should be billed. What Can NDIS Providers Claim for Travel? When travelling to deliver a face-to-face support, providers may claim travel-related costs such as the time and costs incurred. These costs should be agreed to in advance as part of the participant's Service Agreement. Provider travel is generally made up of two categories: Labour costs (travel time) Non-labour costs (travel expenses) These costs must be claimed separately from the support being delivered. If the support has travel costs built in, provider travel cannot be claimed. How to Claim Labour Costs (Travel Time) Travel time is the time a worker spends travelling to or from a participant to provide a face-to-face support. It is considered a labour cost because it relates to the worker's paid time spent travelling. The NDIS uses the Modified Monash Model (MMM) to determine the maximum travel time that can generally be claimed based on the participant’s location: MMM1-3 (metro areas): up to 30 minutes each way MMM4-5 (regional areas): up to 60 minutes each way MMM6-7 (remote and very remote areas): no time limit caps Providers should only claim the actual travel time taken, up to the applicable cap. For example: (click to show) If the travel takes 15 minutes, claim 15 minutes. If the travel takes 45 minutes in an MMM1-3 area, only 30 minutes can be claimed because the claim is capped at 30 minutes. For therapy supports, including early childhood therapy supports, additional rules apply. Travel time for therapists is generally claimable at 50% of the applicable therapy price limit, while remote and very remote loadings may still apply where relevant. Travel time should always be invoiced as a separate line item from the support itself. Can Travel Time Be Shared Between Participants? In some cases, a worker may travel directly from one participant to another. When this happens, travel time may be divided between participants. Each participant must agree to this arrangement in advance and included in each participant’s Service Agreement. The travel time allocated to each participant must still be within the applicable travel-time limits. If a participant does not agree, the travel time cannot be divided. Instead, it should be charged based on the actual travel time spent travelling to each participant. Providers may also be able to claim time spent travelling from the last participant back to their usual place of work. Depending on the arrangement, this travel may be shared among consenting participants or only charged to the last participant. Example scenario: (click to show) A support worker visits two participants in an MMM4 area: Office → Participant A: 65 minutes Participant A → Participant B: 25 minutes Participant B → Office: 40 minutes If both participants have agreed to share travel costs, the provider may divide the travel time between them. In this example, the 90 minutes of travel to Participant A and Participant B (65 + 25) could be split into 45 minutes allocated to each participant, which is within the 60-minute travel limit per participant in an MMM4 area. The 40-minute return travel from Participant B back to the office could also be divided, with 20 minutes allocated to each participant. This means the provider could claim a total of 65 minutes per participant: 45 minutes for travel to and between participants and 20 minutes for the return travel to the office. If one of the participants does not agree to share travel costs, the travel time cannot be divided. In this example, the provider could claim up to 60 minutes for the travel to Participant A, as this is the maximum claimable travel time in an MMM4 area, even though the actual travel time was 65 minutes. The provider could also claim the 25 minutes travelled to Participant B and the 40 minutes travel from Participant B to the office, as both are within the applicable limit. How to Claim Non-Labour Costs (Travel Expenses) Providers may agree with participants on a reasonable contribution towards the additional expenses incurred when travelling to deliver a support. These costs may be claimed in addition to travel time and should be agreed to in advance and included in the participant's Service Agreement. Examples of non-labour travel costs include: Up to $0.99 per kilometre for a provider- or worker-owned vehicle Road tolls Parking fees Public transport costs Not all travel-related expenses can be passed on to participants. Costs that are not directly related to delivering the participant's support should not be claimed. This includes items such as taxi call-out fees, dash cam fees, driver tips for rideshare services, cleaning fees, traffic fines, parking infringements, and other similar surcharges. Non-labour costs can only be claimed when provider travel time is also claimable. Like labour costs, they must be billed separately using the relevant NDIS provider travel non-labour support item. Why Should Travel Costs Be Itemised Separately? Travel costs should be itemised separately because the NDIS treats the support delivered, travel time, and travel expenses as different claimable items. One of the most common issues we see is travel costs being bundled into the support charge. When this happens, invoices often need to be reviewed and clarified before they can be processed, which may lead to payment delays. To help ensure transparency and smoother invoice processing, invoices should clearly separate: The primary support provided Provider travel time (labour costs) Provider travel expenses (non-labour costs) Example scenario: (click to show) A support worker drives 20 kilometres to deliver a face-to-face support. During the travel, they incur a $6 toll and $4 parking fee. The participant's Service Agreement also allows vehicle costs to be charged at $0.78 per kilometre. In this example, the provider may claim: The travel time (labour costs) Vehicle costs: $15.6 (20 km × $0.78) Toll costs: $6 Parking fee: $4 Each of these costs should appear as separate line items on the invoice rather than being bundled into the support charge. This makes it easier to see how participant’s funding is being used and whether the charges align with the Service Agreement. It can also help reduce invoice queries and processing delays. Provider Travel vs Activity-Based Transport: What’s the Difference? Provider travel is often confused with Activity-Based Transport (ABT), but they are not the same thing. Provider travel is when a worker travels to a participant to deliver a support. Activity-Based Transport is when a worker travels with a participant in the vehicle as part of providing a support, such as attending a community activity, appointment, social outing, or other recreational activities. For providers delivering Social and Community Participation supports, Activity-Based Transport may include: Transport charged per kilometre Parking fees Road tolls Other reasonable transport-related costs Final Thoughts Travel costs are an important part of providing NDIS supports, particularly for providers supporting participants across different locations. Understanding the difference between travel time, travel expenses, and activity-based transport can help ensure claims are accurate, transparent, and compliant with NDIS requirements. At First2Care, we work closely with providers to support accurate invoicing and efficient claims processing. Good travel claiming practices can help reduce delays, improve transparency, and helps build trust with participants. For detailed guidance, you can refer to the official NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits 2025-26 and the NDIA’s official release on Travel claiming rules, gap fees and other costs.

As an independent boutique national Plan Manager our goal has always been to provide you (our participants) with choice and control. This includes how and when you wish to communicate with us and the steps you wish us to follow in processing invoices on your behalf. We tailor our supports and services to best suit your needs. Woman with hearing impairment sitting at desk looking at her laptop Your Invoicing Options We have four standard options available to you when it comes to the First2Care team’s approach to processing your invoices (although we can tailor additional alternative options if none of the following processes are suitable): Default option Review everything Review a selection of providers Nominate an authorised person It’s important to remember that no matter which option you prefer, you can always ask our team not to pay an invoice if there is an issue. Default Option The default option is one that works well for most of our participants because it combines choice and control without having to spend too much time reviewing every invoice. Our accounts team will send an invoice notification every time we begin to process an invoice claim from a provider. Typically, the team will send an email with the invoice attached. If our team do not receive a response within 24 hours specifically requesting that we hold back processing the invoice, then the invoice will be processed and paid. Update (September 2026): You can now also easily approve or pause an invoice directly from the invoice notification email from First2Care. Read more on: Payment Safeguards: How to Approve or Pause an Invoice with First2Care. This option is great for participants who may wish to review invoices as they come through but don’t need a specific review process in place. You can turn this on and off as your availability dictates (e.g. when you are planning to be away on holidays). This default option may not work for every participant, all of the time, which is why we ensure flexibility in our processing. Review Everything The Participant elects to review all invoices before they are processed and paid. This means that when we send an email with the invoice pending review attached, our team will not process this invoice until we have a response from the participant confirming the invoice can be processed. This option is great for participants who want total control over all of their invoice claims, but it does require you to be constantly engaged to ensure that invoices can be processed and paid in a timely manner. This process relies on you constantly monitoring your inbox to ensure there aren’t delays in payments to your providers. Our team will of course reach out to you in the event that invoices remain unpaid and awaiting participant approval. It is important to ensure the relationship with your provider is not undermined by unnecessarily slow payment. Like all businesses, receiving payment on a timely basis is important and likewise negating the need for follow ups for invoice payments. Review a Selection of Providers If reviewing all invoices is too much, there is the option to review just a select number of your providers invoices. This means you can request that invoices from certain providers are only paid once they have been approved by you. This option is good for participants who are looking for flexibility over which providers they wish to take a little more time to review and the providers they are happy to be paid without a detailed review. It is also great for new providers whom you are wanting to review more closely their invoices to ensure they match your expectation. Nominate an Authorised Person If you don’t want to review invoices yourself or you would like another person to assist you in the approval of your invoices, but you do want all or some of your invoices reviewed before they are processed and paid, you can nominate an authorised person who can approve or hold invoices on your behalf. This option is good for participants who don’t want to be involved personally with the invoice approval process or wish to have someone else help in the review and monitoring process. What to do if you notice an error If you notice an error on an invoice from your provider, like the hours are incorrect; the service date is incorrect; the fee amount is not what was agreed or there are additional fees levied that were not discussed, there are three steps that you need to follow: Step 1: Reply to the invoice approval email from our accounts team and request the invoice be put on hold. Update (September 2026): You can now also easily pause an invoice directly from the invoice notification email from First2Care. Read more on: Payment Safeguards: How to Approve or Pause an Invoice with First2Care. Step 2: Contact your provider or if you have a Support Coordinator have them contact the provider to discuss the issues you have with the invoice, request the changes that need to be made and have your provider reissue a corrected invoice. Step 3: Follow up with your friendly First2Care accounts team directly or through your Support Provider to advise us the outcome of the discussion with your provider (i.e., if your provider will reissue a new invoice). Resources that can help One of the best ways to better understand your invoices and what they should contain is to check out our resource Provider Invoicing Checklist. Although this checklist is designed to help providers better understand how to invoice in line with the NDIS invoicing rules and regulations, it can also benefit participants, so they know what to look for when reviewing an invoice. We also wrote a blog titled, Top Tips from First2Care which shares some key tips around invoicing that can help you maintain choice and control. Read more about the benefits of working with an independent, professional Plan Manager. Alternatively, contact our friendly team on 1300 322 273 or support@first2care.com.au.

From December 2026, there will be less time to claim the NDIS supports. A claim will need to be submitted within 90 days from the day the support was delivered. The current timeframe is 2 years. For most participants, this will be an administrative change. Your funding stays the same, so do your supports. Your providers and plan manager are the ones working on the new timeframe. This article explains what the change means to you, who submits claims, and how to check whether an invoice has come through. What is changing? The new 90-day timeframe is counted from the day your support was delivered. It does not start from the date the invoice was created or received. So, if a provider delivers support on 10 December, the 90 days begin on 10 December. The change comes from the Securing the NDIS for Future Generations Act 2026. Parliament passed the Bill on 19 August 2026, and it became law the following day. This affects the time available to submit a claim. Other NDIS changes have their own start dates. What does this mean for you? If you have a plan manager, you will not usually submit claims yourself. Here is how it normally works: Your provider delivers a support. A provider sends the invoice to your plan manager. Your plan manager checks the invoice. Your plan manager submits the claim. Your provider is paid once the NDIA processes it. The 90 days cover that whole process, not just the invoice arriving. So, an invoice that reaches us late in the window leaves less time for checking, any corrections, and submitting the claim. This is why providers will need to send invoices soon after delivering supports. If you pay for a support yourself and claim it back, the same 90 days apply. Sending us your receipt or invoice soon after the support is delivered gives us time to process it. The same goes for any invoice a provider hand to you directly. Managing each invoice is your plan manager's job. Looking over your processed invoices every month or so can help you see which supports have been claimed. One step you can take now Think about the support you have received recently. If a provider delivered a support but has not sent an invoice, you can ask them to send it to your plan manager. This is worth doing for supports delivered several weeks or months ago. You can also ask your plan manager which invoices have arrived from your providers in recent weeks. What we do when an invoice arrives We check and correct invoices within 1 to 2 business days. This is our internal processing aim. The NDIA then process the claim, which adds to the overall payment timeframe. We check details such as: date the support was delivered the support item the rate charged your details as the participant the funding currently available If an invoice needs more information, we will contact the provider and explain what is required. The provider can then update the invoice for further review. If we need to follow up, it may take longer to process the invoice. Older NDIS claims may already need more time Since 16 July 2026, the NDIA began applying extra checks to older claims. A claim that reaches them 6 months or more after the support was delivered goes through an additional round of checking. Those checks can take up to 28 days, and the NDIA may ask for more information. The same applies to claims from self-managed participants, plan managers, and providers. This is separate from the new 90-day claiming timeframe. Both point in the same direction: the sooner an invoice arrives, the more time there is to process it. For more information, refer to the NDIS update Increasing integrity check on older claims. How to check for an outstanding invoice Your First2Care Plan Magic portal shows the invoices we have received and processed. Look for: providers you have used recently supports you expected to see listed services you receive regularly invoices still being checked Your Monthly Budget Statement also shows information about processed invoices and your plan-managed budget sits. If you would like help checking this information, contact your First2Care team. We can confirm which invoices we have received and follow up with a provider where appropriate. How First2Care can help The new 90-day timeframe changes how long providers and plan managers have to complete the claiming process. It does not change your funding or your supports. We will keep checking invoices and submitting claims for you, and we will let you know if something needs your attention. Plan management is funded separately by the NDIA under Improved Life Choices in the Capacity Building Budget. It does not come out of the funding for your other supports, and it costs you nothing out of pocket. If you would like us to check whether an invoice has arrived, call 1300 322 273 or email accounts@first2care.com.au. We are happy to look into it with you. Frequently asked questions about the 90-day claiming timeframe When does the 90-day claiming timeframe start? It applies from December 2026. What date does the 90 days count from? The date the support was delivered. It does not count from the day the invoice was written or received. Does the 90 days include the time it takes to process my invoice? Yes. The 90 days cover the whole process, from the support being delivered through to the claim being submitted. This is why it helps for invoices to arrive soon after a support. Do I need to submit claims myself? Not if you have a plan manager. Your provider sends the invoice to them, and they check it and submit the claim. What if I paid for a support myself The same 90 days apply. Send your receipt or invoice to your plan manager soon after the support is delivered so there is time to process it. Does this change my plan funding? No. Your funding, your supports and your choice of providers all stay the same. Can I still choose my own providers? Yes. Who you work with and who manages your plan do not change.

Many of our clients will have noticed a change in how invoice notification emails from First2Care appear, with the option to quickly approve an invoice or pause it. We want those approvals to feel straightforward, and this is one of the ways we are making it easier to stay across what is being claimed against your plan. We can set up ongoing approval for providers you use regularly, so their invoices can be processed straight away. For clients who would prefer more control, you can choose which providers can continue without interruption and which invoices are held for you to review first. For more information about invoice approval preferences, read our previous article, Choice and Control Over Your Invoicing Process. These safeguards build on our existing approach and make it quicker and easier to review invoices when needed. This article explains what you need to know about these changes and how they help protect your NDIS plan funds. What is changing? You can now approve or pause an invoice directly from the email from First2Care Each invoice notification email includes two options: Proceed with payment: Select this if everything looks correct. Do not pay this invoice: Select this if you would like us to pause processing so you can review the invoice with us. If you do not select an option within 24 hours, we will continue processing the invoice in line with your existing arrangements. You can also approve or pause an invoice by calling our support team on 1300 322 273. What happens when you pause an invoice When you select Do not pay this invoice, the invoice is paused directly from the email and the reason is recorded. This gives our team clear information about why the invoice has been put on hold. We can look into your concern, follow up with the provider if needed, and confirm the next step with you. Remember, invoices can't stay paused for too long. Once the service is more than 90 days old, the NDIS cannot pay for it. Read more on: NDIS Claims Will Have a New 90-Day Timeframe. More safeguards Over the coming weeks, we will introduce additional verification steps for invoices that require further review. We will soon ask for your approval before paying an invoice from a new provider. We cannot pay that first invoice until we hear from you, so it is important to review the email when it arrives. Once you have approved that first invoice, later invoices from the same provider follow your usual arrangement. We may also ask you to specifically review and approve other invoices that look unusual or require your confirmation, even if they come from a provider you already use. You may receive an email asking you to review the invoice first before we continue processing it. Why is this change important? The purpose of this change is to help protect your plan funds and make sure payments are going to the right place. You are often in the best position to notice when something on an invoice does not match the support you received. There may be an issue with the services listed on the invoice, you may no longer be working with the provider, or the invoice may need further review before payment is made. Providers, supports and arrangements can change over time. These additional checks help us confirm that an invoice has come from the right provider and that the supports claimed are the ones you expected. This helps reduce the risk of incorrect payments and ensures any concerns can be identified before funds are released. How First2Care helps protect your NDIS plan funds These safeguards provide a faster and more convenient way to review invoices when needed, as part of our ongoing commitment to simple and efficient plan management. Instead of relying on back-and-forth communication, you can approve or pause an invoice directly from the notification email. This makes it easier to respond quickly and helps reduce delays when an invoice requires attention. We understand this is a change, and we have made the process as simple as possible. Protecting your plan is a shared responsibility. If you have questions or concerns about this update, email us at support@first2care.com.au or call 1300 322 273.

Your NDIS plan set out how much funding you have for the whole plan. If your plan uses funding periods, you get that funding a bit at a time rather than all at once. NDIS funding periods do not affect the total funding allocated for your plan. They only change when you access each part of it. This article explains how funding periods work, what happens to funding you do not use, and what to do if you need more support than expected. It also covers how we keep track of what is left, and what we do when an invoice comes in. What is an NDIS funding periods? A funding period is block of time. During that time, you can use a set amount of your funding. Your plan is organised in three parts: Your total funding: the full amount for your whole plan Funding components: your total split into groups, such as core, capacity building, capital or recurring supports Funding periods: when each part of a component becomes available Each component has its own funding period. This means the timing for one type of support may be different from another, even in the same plan. Most funding periods run for 3 months. The NDIA decides how long yours are, and how much is in each one, based on your needs and situation. You can see all of this in your plan, the NDIS participant portal or the my NDIS app. They show what you have now, what you have spent, and when your next amount arrives. When can you use your funding? You can use the funding released for you current funding period. A new funding period is not a new plan. It simply releases the next part of the funding you already have. Nothing starts over, and no extra funding is added. It helps to keep your spending in line with what has been released. Once a funding period is used, no more claims can be paid from it until the next period starts. What happens to funding you do not use? You do not lose it. Anything left over at the end of a funding period moves across to your next period, as long as you are still in the same plan. The end of your plan is different. When a plan finishes, leftover funding does not move into your new plan. Your new plan comes with its own amounts. You can refer to the NDIA explanation in What is NDIS funding. You can keep buying items and supports as you need them. There is no need to rush. Each purchase must still be an NDIS support and fit your plan. What if you need more than your period allows? Funding periods cannot be released early. If you need funding sooner, this has to go to the NDIA, and it is only approved in certain situations. Until the next funding period opens, an invoice cannot be processed. Your supports needs will not always fit neatly inside one funding period. If you need more support than expected, you may still be able to claim against your next funding period. Two things need to be in place. You and your provider agree to claim against the next period. There also needs to be enough funding for the supports you need for that period, and across the rest of your plan. It is worth knowing what this means for later. Anything claimed against your next period reduces what is available when that period opens. If this happens more than once, your funding may not stretch to the end of your plan. If you do this, it is worth going over your service agreement and delivery schedule with your provider. Adjusting them keeps your supports covered right through to the end of your plan. Can a new period pay an older invoice? Often, yes. Once your next funding period opens, we can look at an earlier invoice using the plan and funding information available. We check: the date the support was delivered whether the date falls within your current plan which funding component it belongs to how much funding is available right now whether the support fits your plan whether the invoice has everything we need to process it Keep in mind that paying an older invoice from a new period uses funding meant for that period. It is worth thinking about how this affects the supports you have planned. Published guidance covers the general rules, but not every situation. We may need to check the details with you. Claiming timeframes are changing too. For more information about invoice and payment stages, refer to First2Care's NDIS Payment Timeframes: What They Mean for you. How to keep track of what is left The amount shown in your portal may not include everything you have already used. That can happen when: a provider has not sent an invoice yet an invoice is still being checked a claim has not been processed yet you have a booking coming up that has not happened yet So when you are working out what is left, count in the invoices you know are coming. If most of your funding is already spent or committed, check your upcoming bookings before you arrange anything more. Changing your plan or releasing funding early from a future period is up to the NDIA. Your my NDIS contact can talk you through what is possible. How First2Care can help When an invoice comes in, we will check it for you. If something is missing or looks wrong, we contact the provider and explain what needs fixing, then check it again when it comes back. We handle the financial side of your plan: checking invoices, submitting claims, and keeping your records straight. You stay in charge of who provides your supports. Plan management is funded separately by the NDIA under Improved Life Choices in the Capacity Building budget. It does not come out of your other supports and costs you nothing out of pocket. If you would like help making sense of your funding periods, email supports@first2care.com.au or call 1300 322 273. Frequently asked questions about NDIS funding periods Do funding periods reduce my total NDIS funding? No. Funding periods change when you can access each part of it. The total in your plan stays the same. Are funding periods separate NDIS plans? No. They are stages within the one plan. Can funding be released early? Not usually. Releasing funding ahead of schedule is a decision for the NDIA, and it is only approved in certain situations. Until then, an invoice waits for the next period to open. What happens to funding I do not use? It moves across to your next period in the same plan. It does not carry over into a new plan. Can I claim against my next period early? Sometimes. If you need more support than expected, a claim may be made against the next period, if you and your provider agree, and there is enough funding for that period and the rest of your plan. Keep in mind this reduces what is available when that period opens. What if I have used all the funding in this period? No more claims can be paid from that period. We can explain the options, including whether something can be claimed against your next funding period. Where can I check my funding periods? In your NDIS plan, the NDIS participant portal or the my NDIS app. These show the funding available; how much you have spent and when the next amount becomes available.

Important Update (September 2026): At the time this article was written, changes to NDIS funding for Social and Community Participation supports had been proposed but not yet confirmed. The NDIA has now confirmed that from 1 October 2026, some budgets for Social and Community Participation and Improved Daily Living supports will be reduced over time as plans are created or reassessed. These changes are also expected to apply when plans are renewed from 1 February 2027. The impact will vary for each participant based on their individual goals, circumstances, and support needs. Some supports will not be affected by these changes. Changes to funding can be challenging to navigate. The information in this article remains relevant for understanding Social and Community Participation funding and how it can support meaningful participation in everyday life. For many people on the NDIS, social and community participation funding is about much more than hobbies or outings. It supports everyday connection, independence, confidence, and the ability to take part in the community around them. This might include attending a class, catching up with friends, learning new skills, or getting out into the community. NDIS Supports can help make these everyday experiences more accessible by covering the costs of a support worker to assist you to actively participate. Recent announcements for changes to the NDIS are putting a stronger focus on how this funding is used. Current government announcements and proposed amendments suggest participant budgets for social, civic and community participation supports, are expected to be progressively reset from October 2026 as plans are renewed or reassessed. This aligns with the Government’s broader effort to improve the quality of supports and reduce misuse across the NDIS. So, what could this mean for you, and how can you use your funding wisely? What’s changing It is expected, following Minister Mark Butler’s announcement in May that social and community participation funding is being “reset” as part of a progressive roll out from October, pending legislation. For some participants, this may mean lower funding for social and community participation supports when a plan is reviewed or renewed. The exact impact will depend on individual circumstances and the final design of the reforms. There is also a stronger focus on accountability. This includes tighter pricing rules and efforts to reduce poor-quality or non-delivered supports. The aim is to help make sure your funding is used for supports that are genuine, useful and delivered properly. With this, comes the announcement of the Inclusive Communities Fund to rebuild the capability of community organisations to deliver genuine participation opportunities. The aim is to support more inclusive, accessible activities in everyday settings, creating additional options for people with disability to take part in their local communities beyond individual NDIS plans. How to use your funding wisely Even with these changes, there are practical ways to continue getting value from your plan where you have been funded for assistance with social and community participation. Be clear about your goals. Think about what social participation looks like for you. It might be building confidence, learning new skills, or staying connected to your community. Clear goals can help make sure your supports are focused on what matters most. Review provider value. Look for providers who deliver quality, person-centred supports that are engaging, practical, and aligned with your needs. Plan your supports carefully. If your funded hours are limited, prioritising the activities that have the biggest impact can help. Sometimes fewer supports, used well, can still achieve strong outcomes Explore community options. Mainstream community programs, group activities, or local initiatives may offer more cost-effective ways to stay socially connected and active. Keep track of your budget. Regularly reviewing how your funding is being used can help avoid surprises and make adjustments early if something is not delivering the right outcomes. If you haven’t got access to your First2Care Portal, please contact us so that we can set this up for you. Moving forward These changes may feel uncertain, especially when social and community participation supports play such an important role in everyday life. These supports help maintain connection, independence, and participation in the wider community. While funding levels may change, focusing on quality supports, thoughtful planning, and meaningful participation can help you continue making the most of your NDIS plan. Read the latest reforms about social and community participation on Securing the NDIS for future generations.

Important Update (September 2026): At the time this article was written, changes to NDIS funding for Social and Community Participation supports had been proposed but not yet confirmed. The NDIA has now confirmed that from 1 October 2026, some budgets for Social and Community Participation and Improved Daily Living supports will be reduced over time as plans are created or reassessed. These changes are also expected to apply when plans are renewed from 1 February 2027. The impact will vary for each participant based on their individual goals, circumstances, and support needs. Some supports will not be affected by these changes. The information in this article remains relevant for providers seeking to deliver meaningful and compliant supports in a changing NDIS environment. Social and community participation has long been an important part of many NDIS plans. It supports people with disability to build everyday connection, independence, confidence, and the ability to take part in ordinary life. This might include engaging with a support provider to assist participants in attending a class, catching up with friends, learning new skills, or getting out into the community. But with recent reforms focused on reducing overall NDIS spending and adjusting social and community participation budgets, providers may soon be working in a very different environment. What’s changing? The Australian Government has made announcements and propose through legislation changes that social and community participation funding will be “reset” to more closely reflect earlier funding levels, with changes expected to roll out progressively from October. For some participants, this may mean lower funding for social and community participation supports when a plan is reviewed or renewed. There is also a stronger focus on accountability, particular in government oversight of service providers. This includes tighter monitoring, record-keeping and action to address poor-quality, unsafe or non-delivered supports. The aim is to help make sure NDIS funding is used for supports that are genuine, useful and delivered properly. For providers, these reforms mean every hour of support may need to show stronger value. Delivering supports that matter As reforms continue, providers of social and community participation who focus on meaningful, participant-led outcomes are likely to be better positioned than those delivering generic or passive support. Providers may need to think more carefully about how supports are planned, delivered, and documented. We all have a responsibility and obligation to be delivering services in accordance with an individual’s NDIS Plan. Purposeful engagement. Supports should align with participant goals and clearly contribute to skill development, independence, or community inclusion. Quality over quantity. More hours do not always lead to better outcomes. Participants and families may increasingly look for supports that deliver real, measurable benefits. Community connection. Exploring partnerships with local groups, programs, or inclusive activities may help participants continue accessing meaningful opportunities. Transparency and compliance. Clear invoicing, accurate records, and genuine service delivery are likely to become even more important as reforms continue. Moving Forward While these reforms may create uncertainty, they also give providers an opportunity to build trust and demonstrate real impact. Providers who prioritise authentic engagement, ethical service delivery, and participant outcomes can play an important role in ensuring social and community participation remains valuable, even in a tighter funding environment. Read the latest reforms about social and community participation on Securing the NDIS for future generations.

From December 2026, claims must be submitted within 90 days of the date the support was delivered. Providers currently have up to two years to submit a payment request. The change comes from the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Act 2026. Parliament passed the Bill on 19 August 2026 and it received Royal Assent the following day. This article explains how the shorter claiming timeframe affects providers, why invoice timing matters and what you can do before the change. The NDIA has not yet published every detail about how the change will work in practice, including how it will apply to supports delivered before the new timeframe begins. What providers need to know The 90-day timeframe is counted from the date the support was delivered. It is not counted from the invoice date, the date we receive the invoice, or the date the provider is paid. Each support date has its own claim deadline. If one invoice covers supports delivered on several dates, each service date has a separate claim deadline. For plan-managed funding, the 90 days cover the full claiming process. This includes the provider sending the invoice, us checking it, any correction being completed and the eligible claim being submitted. For example, an invoice received on day 80 leaves limited time for checking, correction and submission, even when the invoice is complete and correct. Sending invoices soon after supports are delivered gives each stage enough time. The current NDIS Guide to getting paid sets the present limit. It also advises providers to ask for payment as soon as possible after delivering an NDIS support. That guidance remains useful as providers prepare for the shorter timeframe. The NDIA has not yet explained how the new timeframe will apply to every support delivered before December 2026. Until official guidance is published, review any outstanding invoices and send them as soon as possible. Older NDIS claims may already need more time Since 16 July 2026, the NDIA has applied additional checks to claims submitted six months or more after a support was delivered. The NDIA may hold these claims for up to 28 days while completing its checks. It may also request more information. These checks apply to claims submitted by self-managed participants, plan managers, and providers. These checks are separate from the new 90-day claiming timeframe. Both changes make it important for providers to send invoices soon after delivering supports. For more information, refer to the NDIS update Increasing integrity check on older claims. What providers can do before December 2026 Review your records. Compare the supports you have delivered with the invoices you have issued and the payments you have received. Check for: supports delivered but not yet invoiced invoices sent but not confirmed as received invoices returned for correction payments requiring follow-up subcontractor invoices your business has not yet received This review can help identify supports that still need to be invoiced. Send outstanding invoices promptly. Prioritise invoices for supports delivered earlier in the year. Include accurate service dates, so these are used to work out each claim deadline. If First2Care provides the participant's plan management, we can confirm which invoices are recorded as received or submitted. You can compare this information with your own records. Invoice regularly. A weekly or fortnightly invoicing leaves more time to check information and correct errors before a claim deadline. It also gives you a more current record of the supports delivered and amounts invoiced. Check your subcontractor arrangements. If subcontractors deliver supports through your business, set a clear timeframe for them to send their invoices. Ask them to include accurate service dates and enough information to identify each support delivered. Receiving their invoices promptly gives your business more time to prepare and send its own invoice. Make sure invoices meet NDIS requirements. This includes your ABN, the participant's name and NDIS number, the service date or dates, a clear description of the support, the correct support item or claiming code and a price within the NDIS Pricing Schedule for that support and location. If information is missing or appears incorrect, we may need to contact you before we can complete the invoice check and submit an eligible claim. This may increase the time needed to process the invoice. For further guidance, refer to Invoicing and Record-Keeping for NDIS Providers. How First2Care works with providers First2Care checks each invoice against the participant's plan-managed funding, the funding currently available and the NDIS claiming requirements that apply. We aim to check complete and correct invoices and submit eligible claims to the NDIA within 1 to 2 business days of receiving them. If any information is missing or appears incorrect, we contact the provider and explain what needs to be updated. The provider can then send a corrected invoice. We may also send follow-up reminders while we are waiting for information or a corrected invoice. If you already invoice soon after delivering supports, your current process is likely to meet the new timeframe. However, if you have outstanding invoices, now is a good time to review and send them. If you are not sure whether you have any unsubmitted invoices with participants whose plan is managed by First2Care. We are here to help. You may call our team at 1300 322 273 or email accounts@first2care.com.au. Frequently asked questions about 90-day claiming timeframe When does the 90-day claiming timeframe start? It applies from December 2026. What date does the 90 days count from? The date the support was delivered. It is not counted from the invoice date, the date the plan manager receives the invoice, or the date you are paid. What is the current claiming timeframe? The NDIS Guide to getting paid states that payment requests must be submitted within two years after an NDIS support has been delivered. If one invoice covers several service dates, which deadline applies? Each service date has its own claim deadline. The earliest date on the invoice carries the earliest deadline. How long do providers need to keep claim records? From 27 August 2026, providers must keep records relating to NDIS claims for 7 years. Participants and plan managers keep records for 3 years.

If you have ever wondered what your NDIS funding can actually be used for, you are not alone. It is one of the most common questions participants ask, and the most important to get right. Your NDIS funding exists to support your independence, your goals, and your participation in everyday life. It can be used for supports that are related to your disability, meet the reasonable and necessary rules, and fall within the categories in your plan. This guide explains what NDIS funding can be used for, and how to check whether a specific support is included in your plan. What can NDIS funding be used for across the Support budgets Every NDIS plan has four support budgets: Core Supports Capacity Building Supports Capital Supports Recurring Supports. Your plan includes the budgets and support categories that match your needs, so not everyone has funding in all four. Most participants have Core, Capacity Building and Capital Supports. Some also have Recurring Supports, which usually covers transport paid to you on a regular basis. There are two words you will see throughout this guide. Here is what each one means. Flexible funding. You can choose how to spend it, and you can move it between support categories inside the same budget. Stated funding. You use it for the exact purpose stated in your plan, and it stays in that support category. What can Core Supports funding be used for? Core Supports is usually the largest and most flexible budget in your plan. It pays for supports that help you with everyday life and with taking part in your community. Assistance with Daily Life. Help with personal tasks in day-to-day life so you can live as independently as possible. It may include personal care, help at home, and support with everyday routines. Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation. Supports to take part in community, social, recreational, or work-related activities. Consumables. Everyday items you need because of your disability. The NDIA gives two examples: continence products and low-cost assistive technology. Transport. In this budget, transport means transport provided by a provider, such as a provider driving you to an activity. Everyday transport works differently. If you have funding for taxis or public transport, this is usually paid from the Transport category in your Recurring Supports budget. What can Capacity Building Supports funding be used for? Capacity Building Supports help you build or keep your skills and independence over time. This funding is stated, so it stays in the category it was funded for. Your Capacity Building budget can have up to nine categories. These are the ones most often included in plans. Support Coordination. Helps you understand your plan, connect with providers, and use your funded supports. Some participants have Specialist Support Coordination instead which is for participants with more complex support needs. Improved Daily Living. One of the most used categories. It pays for therapy and skills-based supports that build your independence. It can include: occupational therapy speech pathology physiotherapy psychology and counselling, where it relates to your disability behaviour support skills training to help you manage daily tasks on your own Improved Health and Wellbeing. Supports that improve your physical and mental wellbeing, where the need relates to your disability. It can include: exercise physiology dietetics, where it relates to your disability personal training, where the trainer holds the qualifications, the NDIA requires This category works alongside the healthcare system rather than replacing it. Services covered by Medicare are funded through Medicare. Gym memberships are not treated as an everyday cost, so they are not funded. If you are on a PACE plan, this category may appear as Health and Wellbeing. It is the same category. Improved Learning. Support to move from school into further education or adult life. Most often included in plans for younger participants. Improved Life Choices. This category pays for plan management. It is funded separately by the NDIA, does not come out of the funding for your other supports, and costs you nothing out of pocket. This is why plan management does not cost you anything. Refer to: Is NDIS Plan Management Really Free? Improved Relationships. Behaviour support and social skills support, helping you build positive relationships and manage situations you find difficult because of your disability. Improved Living Arrangements. Support to find and keep suitable housing, including help when you move to a new home. Finding and Keeping a Job. Employment supports, such as help to look for a job, supported employment, and building skills for the workplace. What can Capital Supports funding be used for? Capital Supports pays for higher cost items, usually one-off purchases or equipment you will use for a long time. This is the least flexible budget, as the funding is tied to specific approved items. Assistive Technology Assistive technology means equipment, devices and tools that help you do everyday things more independently. What you need to provide depends on the item costs. Low-cost, under $1,500 per item. Usually paid from your Core Consumables budget. No quote, written evidence or approval before you buy. Mid-cost, $1,500 to $15,000 per item. You need written evidence from your allied health practitioner or another assistive technology advisor. It does not have to be a formal assessment, but it does need to be in writing. The evidence should explain the type of assistive technology you need, why it is the best value for your support needs, how it helps you work towards your goals, and an estimated cost. High-cost, over $15,000 per item. You need an assessment report from a qualified assistive technology assessor, plus a quote including delivery, installation and any training costs. If you need to try an item before you know it suits you, the NDIA can include funding in for the trial. Home Modifications If your home is not safe or accessible for you, Capital Supports can pay for changes such as: ramps and accessible pathways bathroom and wet area changes grab rails and safety supports wider doorways for wheelchair access other changes recommended by an occupational therapist These usually need an assessment from an occupational therapist, and quotes from qualified builders, before approval. Specialist Disability Accommodation Specialist Disability Accommodation, also called SDA, is housing designed for participants with very high support needs. SDA funding is included in a small number of plans. What NDIS funding cannot be used for? Your NDIS funding is for supports connected to your disability. The following sit outside that. Everyday living costs. Rent, food, bills, and general household costs are not covered. If a cost is one that a person without disability would also have, it is usually not funded. The exception is where your disability creates an extra cost on top of the usual one. Supports another service provides. The NDIS works alongside other government services. Hospital care, appointments covered by Medicare, and mainstream school education are funded through other government programs. Items priced above the NDIS price limit. The NDIS Pricing Schedule sets maximum prices for most supports. Services priced above those limits usually not funded. Anything illegal or unsafe. Supports involving illegal activity, or creating an unreasonable safety risk, cannot be funded. Income replacement. NDIS funding cannot be used to replace income or wages. If an item you need is not on the NDIS supports list, it may still be possible to have it funded as a replacement support. You need to apply to the NDIA and be approved before using your funding this way. Your plan manager can explain the steps. What are the reasonable and necessary rules? Every support in your NDIS plan meets the reasonable and necessary rules. This is not an exam and it is not something you have to pass. It is a set of rules the NDIA uses to decide what your NDIS funding can be used for. A funded support needs to: relate to your disability help you pursue your goals help you take part work, study and social activities be value for money, meaning the cost is reasonable for the benefit you receive be likely to be effective and beneficial for you take into account support from family, carers, and other government services be an NDIS support, or an approved replacement support These rules are applied when your plan is made, so the supports already in your plan have met them. If you want to add a new support, or use your funding in a new way, your plan manager can help you understand whether it is likely to meet these rules. How do you know if a support is covered by your plan? The simplest way to check is to ask your plan manager before you book a service or buy something. As your plan manager, First2Care can tell you: whether the support fits one of your funded support categories whether the price sits within the NDIS Pricing Schedule whether you need a service agreement in place before an invoice can be paid This step matters. If you start with a provider and the support turns out not to be covered, you may have to pay for it yourself. Checking first avoids that. Your plan manager is there to help you use your funding with confidence, not only to process invoices after the money has been spent. Frequently asked questions about NDIS funding Can I spend my NDIS funding on anything I want? Your funding is for supports that relate to your disability, fit the support categories in your plan, and meet the reasonable and necessary rules. Can I move funding between NDIS support categories? If your Core Supports funding is flexible, you can usually move it between Core Supports categories. Capacity Building and Capital funding is stated, so it stays in the category it was funded for. What happens if I spend funding on something that is not covered? If a purchase or service turns out not to be covered by your plan, the NDIA may not pay for it. In some cases you may need to repay the amount. This is why it helps to check first. What if I need something that is not on the NDIS support list? It may still be possible to have it funded as a replacement support. You need to apply to the NDIA and be approved before using your funding this way. Does plan management funding come out of my other supports? No. Plan management is funded separately by the NDIA under Improved Life Choices in the Capacity Building budget. Choosing a plan manager like First2Care does not reduce the funding available for your other supports. What if I need a support that is not in my plan? You can ask the NDIA for a plan reassessment or a plan variation. A variation changes part of your current plan. A reassessment replaces it with a new one, and it applies when there has been a significant and ongoing change to your support needs. Your my NDIS contact can help you work out which suits your situation. Can I use NDIS funding for a support worker who is not registered with the NDIS? If you are plan managed, you can use both registered and unregistered providers for most supports. This gives you more choice than agency management. Your plan manager can help you set up a service agreement and process their invoices correctly. Know your funding and use it with confidence Your NDIS plan is there to support your independence and your goals. Understanding what your funding covers makes a real difference, and so does having a plan manager who helps you use it. At First2Care, we take time to help every participant understand their plan. We check budgets through the Plan Magic portal, and we answer questions whenever they come up. Whether you are new to the NDIS, or you have had a plan for years, we are here to help. If you would like to talk something through, call us on 1300 322 273 or email support@first2care.com.au

Your providers send invoices after they deliver your supports. Your plan manager checks each invoice, submits an eligible claim and pays the provider after the NDIS releases the funds. Most invoices move through this process without you needing to do anything. If a payment takes longer, there may be a simple reason that needs to be checked. Knowing what can affect an invoice can help you ask the right questions without taking responsibility for resolving the issue yourself. How provider payments work For plan managed funding, the usual process is: Your provider sends an invoice to your plan manager. Your plan manager checks that the invoice matches your plan, available funding and NDIS claiming requirements. Your plan manager submits an eligible claim to the NDIA. After the NDIA pays the claim, your plan manager pays your provider. The NDIS says plan managers should pay providers or reimburse participants in a timely manner, and that this should be within 2 business days of receiving payment from the NDIA. Read the NDIS guidance for plan managers. What can affect an invoice timeframe An invoice may take longer when: Information is missing or needs correcting, such as the service date, support item or provider details. The invoice does not match your plan, available funding or the support delivered. You ask for the invoice to be checked before it is paid. The NDIA selects the claim for additional review. An older claim needs extra evidence or information. Your plan manager should explain what is happening clearly and contact the provider of information needs to be corrected. Your private budget information should not be shared with a provider unless you have agreed to it. Older claims may take longer From 16 July 2026, the NDIA began extra checks on claims submitted 6 months or more after a support was delivered. These checks apply to claims from self-managed participants, plan managers and providers. An older claim may be held for up to 28 days while the NDIA completes its checks. The NDIA will contact the person making the claim if more information is needed. Read the NDIS update on older claims. This is separate from the new 90-day claiming timeframe. Prompt invoicing remains useful because it gives everyone a clearer and more current view of your plan spending. A confirm change to claiming timeframes Under the Securing the NDIS for Future Generations Act 2026, the timeframe to claim for a support reduces from two years to 90 days. The Parliament passed the Bill on 19 August 2026, and it received Royal Assent the following day. The new claiming timeframe applies from December 2026. This changes how long your provider and plan manager have to complete the claiming process. It does not change your plan funding or the supports you can use it for. What you can do if a provider is waiting for payment You do not need to manage the payment issue on your own. You can: Ask your plan manager whether the invoice has been received, checked and submitted. Ask whether the plan manager or the NDIA needs more information. Check your latest monthly statement to understand your plan spending and remaining funding. Ask your plan manager to explain any action you need to take. You can choose a different plan manager You can choose to change your plan manager. Before ending the arrangement, check your service agreement for any notice period and tell your current plan manager that you want to change. A new service agreement can then be set up with your chosen plan manager. How First2Care can help First2Care checks each invoice against your plan-managed funding, the funding currently available and the NDIS claiming requirements that apply. If information is missing or appears incorrect, we contact the provider and explain what needs to be updated. Plan management is funded separately by the NDIA under Improved Life Choices. It does not come out of the funding for your other supports and costs you nothing out of pocket. If you have a question about an invoice, you may call us on 1300 322 273 or email support@first2care.com.au. Frequently Asked Questions About NDIS Payment Timeframes Select each question to show or hide the answer. You can read them in any order and open only the answers you need. How long should it take for my providers to be paid? A reasonable standard is 2 to 5 business days for your plan manager to process a correct invoice, plus 2 to 3 business days for the NDIA to pay the claim. Most providers are paid within about a week. If the NDIA reviews a claim before payment, it can take longer. What affects how quickly a provider is paid? Payment involves several stages: your provider sends the invoice, your plan manager checks it against your plan and available funding, the claim is submitted, and the NDIA processes it. Most of the time is usually taken up before the claim is submitted, so an invoice that needs correcting will take longer. The NDIA also reviews some claims before payment as part of its integrity checks. Why is one of my providers taking longer to be paid than the others? Providers set out their invoices differently, and some include everything needed the first time. If one provider is regularly slower that the rest, we can work with them on what to include so their invoices are ready to process. What happens with older invoices? From 16 July 2026, the NDIA applies extra checks to claims submitted 6 months or more after a support was delivered. These claims may be held for up to 28 days while checks are completed, and the NDIA will make contact if more information is needed. Is the claiming timeframe is changing? Yes. Under the Securing the NDIS for Future Generations Act 2026, the timeframe to claim reduces from two years to 90 days from the date the support was delivered. Parliament passed the Bill on 19 August 2026, and it received Royal Assent the following day. The new timeframe applies from December 2026. Can I change plan managers if payments are slow? Yes, at any time. You do not need to wait for a plan reassessment. Check your service agreement for any notice period, let your current plan manager know, and sign a new service agreement with your chosen plan manager. First2Care is a registered NDIS plan management provider (ABN: 24 601 046 155), registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. This article is general information only. For advice specific to your plan, please speak with your my NDIS contact, your Local Area Coordinator, or the First2Care team on 1300 322 273.

When people look into NDIS plan manager benefits, they often expect help with paperwork and provider payments. Those services matter, but plan management can also give you clearer budget information, regular funding updates and practical help to understand how your plan is being used. At First2Care, we combine invoice administration with budget visibility, clear explanations and a team that keeps shared records. Because the team can see your history, you can pick up the conversation where you left off each time you get in touch. What are the benefits of an NDIS plan manager beyond paying invoices? The NDIS says a plan manager can help you understand your plan, manage and monitor your budget, check and submit claims, pay providers, keep records, and share regular statements and funding updates. A plan manager must also make sure you are aware of and approve claims. In practice, this means you can see how your funding is being used, follow the status of invoices and claims, and ask for a plain explanation whenever you would like one. The real value is practical: having useful information ready when you want to make a decision. How First2Care help you understand your plan NDIS plans include support budgets, funding periods and rules about what can be claimed. We explain the financial administration of your plan in everyday words, while the NDIA remains responsible for decisions about your funding and what is included in your plan. Our team can explain: how your plan-managed funding is organised what your current budget information shows how an invoice or claim is being processed what information may be needed from you or a provider For a plan reassessment, we can provide spending records and explain how your funding has been used. Your my NDIS contact, Local Area Coordinator or support coordinator can help you prepare for the reassessment itself. How First2Care helps you keep track of your funding Clear budget information makes it easier to plan ahead. First2Care provides two complementary views of your plan-managed funding: Plan Magic portal. You can check the balances shown by support category, review processed invoices and view copies of paid invoices. Monthly Budget Statement. You receive a summary of how your plan-managed funding has been used and what remains. The NDIS requires plan managers to provide monthly financial statements and to keep participants informed about how their spending is tracking. Your portal gives you a current view, and the statement gives you a monthly record. If you are unsure whether a purchase can be claimed from your plan, contact us before buying it. We can explain the available budget information and relevant claiming requirements. The NDIA decides what is an NDIS support. How invoice approval works at First2Care When an invoice arrives, our team checks the information and lets you know. Under First2Care’s current process, you can reply to our accounts team within the stated review period if you would like the invoice paused or checked before it is submitted. We will hold it while we confirm the details with you. This supports your right to know about and approve claims. The NDIS states that plan managers must obtain participant authorisation when managing claims and paying providers. How First2Care works with your providers Good invoice administration helps providers understand what information is needed and where an invoice is in the process. Our team: checks invoice details against the information available to us contacts the provider when information needs to be corrected or clarified checks pricing and available plan-managed funding before submitting a claim explains the invoicing process to providers who are new to plan management A service agreement can help you and your provider record the supports, prices and other agreed terms. The NDIS explains that the service agreement with your plan manager should describe the supports, how they will be delivered, how long they will be delivered for and what they will cost. How First2Care helps when something changes Plans, providers and support arrangements can change. When that happens, we focus on the financial and administrative information within our role. For example, we can: Explain how an NDIA plan update affects the budget information available to us. Explain how invoicing can be set up for a new provider. Show how current spending compares with the remaining plan-managed funding. Provide records and statements for a plan reassessment or a change of plan manager. We work alongside your my NDIS contact, Local Area Coordinator or support coordinator. Decisions about the funding in your plan stay with the NDIA, and we focus on explaining the records, budgets and claiming process we manage. What you should expect from plan management You should expect: clear information about invoices and claims monthly financial statements and clear updates on how your spending is tracking records showing how plan-managed funding has been used a clear way to contact the team and ask a question or request help support if you decide to change plan managers If you would like anything reviewed, contact the First2Care team and ask for the current status, the information being checked and the next step. Frequently Asked Questions About NDIS Plan Manager Benefits What are the main benefits of having a plan manager? A plan manager can manage and monitor your budget, check and submit claims, pay providers, keep records, and provide regular statements and funding updates. Plan-managed participants can generally choose registered or unregistered providers, except where a support must be delivered by a registered provider. Can a plan manager help me understand my funding? Yes. A plan manager can explain the budget and spending information they manage. The NDIA decides what funding is included in your plan and what is an NDIS support. Can a plan manager help with a plan reassessment? A plan manager can provide statements and spending records and explain how your plan-managed funding has been used. Your my NDIS contact, Local Area Coordinator or support coordinator can help you prepare for the reassessment itself. Can First2Care help if I want to use a new provider? Yes. We can explain how the provider should send invoices and what information is needed for claim processing. You remain responsible for choosing and managing your providers. Does standard plan management cost me anything out of pocket? If your support budgets are plan-managed, the NDIA includes separate stated funding in your Capacity Building Supports budget to pay for a registered plan manager. This funding can only be used for plan management. Can I check my budget on my own, any time? Yes. First2Care provides Plan Magic portal access and a Monthly Budget Statement. The portal and statement show the plan-managed funding information available to First2Care. Will I always speak with the same person? Our team supports your account and works from shared records. You may not always speak with the same person, but whoever you speak with can see your plan, so you are not starting the explanation over each time. How First2Care can help The most useful NDIS plan manager benefits are practical: clear budget information, accurate records, claim approval, provider payments and straightforward explanations. These services help you understand how your plan-managed funding is being used and give you confidence to ask questions whenever you would like more detail. First2Care is an independent, registered NDIS plan management provider operating across Australia. We can explain our invoice process, budget information, communication arrangements and service agreement, so you can decide whether our approach meets your needs. Contact the team today. Join First2Care today → Contact us with any questions → Or call us on 1300 322 273. Your dedicated specialist is ready when you are. First2Care is a registered NDIS plan management provider (ABN: 24 601 046 155) registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. This article is for general information purposes. For advice specific to your individual plan, please speak with your NDIA planner, Local Area Coordinator, or the First2Care team directly.