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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.

Leaving the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a significant decision, whether you’ve achieved your goals, are transitioning to aged care, or experience a change in eligibility. Here’s how to navigate the process with confidence. Why Exit the NDIS? People leave the NDIS for various reasons. You might have reached your goals, gained independence, or moved into aged care after 65. In other cases, changes in residency or citizenship, or no longer meeting the disability criteria, might make you ineligible for continued support. The Process of Leaving Submit Your Request in Writing: If you decide to exit, you’ll need to submit a written request to the NDIS. This formal step is crucial—verbal requests won’t suffice. Use the “Leaving the NDIS” form, which can be sent via email, mail, or delivered in person at an NDIS office. Understand the Impact: Exiting means your NDIS plan ends, and any unspent funds become inaccessible. Make sure you have considered all your options and discussed your situation with family, friends and providers. If you later wish to rejoin, you’ll need to reapply and meet the eligibility criteria in place at that time. Plan for the Future: If you’re leaving due to a transition to aged care or a change in eligibility, consider how you’ll continue receiving support, possibly through services provided by the Department of Health. What Happens After You Exit? Once your exit is processed, you’ll receive a formal confirmation that your NDIS plan has ended. This documentation is important for future reference. If circumstances change, rejoining the NDIS is possible but requires meeting all current eligibility criteria. For Families with Young Children Children, particularly those under 7, may exit the NDIS if early intervention has sufficiently improved their capacity. The NDIS will help families connect with other supports if necessary, ensuring a smooth transition. Final Thoughts Exiting the NDIS is a pivotal step that should be approached thoughtfully. Whether you’re moving on because you’ve achieved your goals, transitioning to new types of support, or facing eligibility changes, understanding the process will help you make the best decision. For more details, visit the NDIS Leaving the Scheme page.

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 a business day of receiving them. 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.

If you receive NDIS supports at home or in the community, you may notice travel charges on your provider's invoices. These charges can sometimes be confusing, especially if you're not sure what they relate to or why they're being charged. The important thing to know is that travel costs should be discussed with you before services begin and should be included in your Service Agreement. This article explains what travel costs are, when they can be charged, and what you may see on your invoices. What Are Travel Costs? Some providers need to travel to deliver face-to-face supports to you. In certain situations, the NDIS allows providers to charge reasonable travel-related costs to be claimed from your plan. These costs should be agreed to in advance as part of your Service Agreement. Provider travel is generally made up of two categories: Labour costs (travel time) Non-labour costs (travel expenses) Any travel costs should be separate from the support itself. If the support has travel costs built in, provider travel cannot be claimed. What Are Labour Costs (Travel Time)? Travel time is the time a worker spends travelling to or from your home or the location where your support is being provided. Depending on the type of support and your location, your provider may be able to claim some of this travel time from your NDIS funding. The NDIS uses the Modified Monash Model (MMM) to classify locations, and different travel rules can apply depending on your MMM area. For example, if a support worker travels 20 minutes to your home to provide a service, that travel time may be claimable. Travel time should appear as a separate line item on your invoice rather than being included in the support charge Can a Provider Divide Travel Costs Between Participants? Sometimes a provider may support several participants in the same area on the same day. In these situations, they may be able to divide some travel costs between participants. However, this can only be possible if: The arrangement has been agreed to in advance It is included in the Service Agreement The travel time is within the NDIS allowable limit If you are unsure whether travel costs are being shared, you can ask your provider to explain how the charges have been calculated. What Are Non-Labour Costs (Travel Expenses)? In addition to travel time, providers may sometimes charge certain travel expenses, or the costs incurred when travelling to deliver your support. 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 These costs should also be agreed to beforehand and included in your Service Agreement. It should be listed separately on your invoice. Not all travel-related expenses can be charged to your NDIS funding. Costs that are not directly related to delivering your support, such as traffic fines, parking infringements, rideshare tips, or cleaning fees, should not be passed on to you. Why Are Travel Costs Itemised Separately? Travel costs are 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 need to be reviewed and clarified before they can be processed, which can sometimes delay payments to providers. To avoid this, your provider should clearly separate these in the invoice: The primary support provided Provider travel time (labour costs) Provider travel expenses (non-labour costs) This makes it easier to see how your funding is being used and what you're being charged for. It also helps prevent confusion and reduces the need for invoice reviews or corrections. Provider Travel vs Activity-Based Transport: What’s the Difference? These terms sound similar, but they mean different things. Provider travel is when a worker travels to you to deliver a support. Activity-Based Transport is when a worker travels with you in the vehicle as part of providing a support, such as attending a community activity, appointment, social outing, or other recreational activities. Final Thoughts Travel costs are an important part of providing NDIS supports, particularly when services are delivered at home or in the community. Understanding what travel charges are and why they appear on invoices can help better understand how your funding is being used. If you're ever unsure about travel charges on an invoice, it’s okay to ask questions. Having a clear understanding of your supports and associated costs can help you use your NDIS funding wisely and feel more confident managing your plan. 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.

Your NDIS plan reflects your goals, your support needs, and living situation when it is approved. These can change over time. You might start a new job, move home, begin a course, or experience change in the support available from family, friends or other in your support network. If your NDIS change of circumstances affect the support you need, you may be able to use your current plan differently, request an update to part of it, or ask the NDIA to consider whether you need a new plan. This guide explains the available options, who can make each request, what information to prepare, and how the October 2026 changes may affect a reassessed plan. What an NDIS change of circumstances mean for your plan Not every change requires a formal request. If the change is temporary, you may be able to use funding differently within the flexible parts of your current plan. Supports described as stated must still be used in the way your plan describes. Your my NDIS contact, support coordinator, or plan manager can help you check how the funding in your individual plan may be used. If the change is expected to continue, a plan variation or plan reassessment may be more appropriate. If your questions relate to when funding becomes available, refer to our guide NDIS funding periods explains how they work and what to consider when your support needs change. Plan variation or plan reassessment? When a plan variation may be appropriate. A variation updates part of your plan while leaving the rest unchanged. It may be used to: add new goals change the reassessment date, or funding management method, or correct plan details Changes to goals or funding management do not usually require evidence, although NDIA may ask questions about the request. The NDIA may also use a variation to respond to eligible crisis or emergency support needs. When a plan reassessment may apply. A plan reassessment considers your plan as a whole and may result to a new plan with different supports. It may be appropriate when a significant change is expected to continue. Examples include: a lasting change in your daily support needs moving home starting or finishing work or study changes to the support provided by people around you Your my NDIS contact can help you understand which option may apply. If you have a check-in booked coming up, you can discuss the change during that appointment. Who can request a plan change? For a plan variation, you, your plan nominee, or you child representative can make the request. You may also give consent for anothe person, such as your support coordinator, to request a variation for you. For a plan reassessment, the rules changed on 27 August 2026. The request must come from you, your plan nominee or your child representative. A provider, support coordinator, or plan manager cannot submit a reassessment request for you, even with your consent. They can still help you understand the form, organise evidence, and prepare your request. The NDIA may also contact you about reassessment. This may happen when your plan is approaching its end, and significant changes may be needed, or when NDIA already has information indicating that your support needs have changed. What information should you include? Explain the change in your own words. Include: what has changed when the change happened whether the change is expected to continue how it affects your disability-related support needs why your current plan may need to be updated For a reassessment, include relevant evidence that connects the change with your ongoing support needs. This could be a letter, assessment, or report from your doctor, therapist, or support worker or another professional familiar with your circumstances. The NDIA says recent evidence will usually be dates within 4 months of your request and after your current plan was approved. Your my NDIS contact can help you understand what information may be relevant. How to submit your request The NDIA provides separate forms for a plan variations and plan reassessments. You can submit the appropriate form and supporting information: online through the NDIS service hub by post to NDIA, GPO Box 700, Canberra ACT 2601 in person through your my NDIS contact or at a local NDIS office Some changes to your personal details can be updated without requesting a variation or reassessment. Your my NDIS contact can explain which process applies. What happens after you submit a request For a plan variation, the NDIA gives its decision within 21 days once it has the required information and evidence. It will tell you if more information or time is needed. If your plan is varied, you will receive a copy within 7 days. For a reassessment request, the NDIA has up to 90 days to decide once it has the information it needs. It may: reassess your plan update part of it decide not to reassess it The NDIA will explain its decision. If a new plan is approved, you will receive a copy within 7 days. You can continue using your current plan while the request is considered. If you disagree with an eligible decision about your plan, you may be able to request an internal review of the decision. How the October 2026 budget changes may affect a reassessment A reassessment may also bring two support categories under budget changes that started on 1 October 2026: Social, Economic, and Community Participation Improved Daily Living Skills The new budget setting applies when a plan is created or reassessed from 1 October 2026 or renewed from 1 February 2027. How the change affects you depends on your own plan and the supports you use. Which supports are protected Several groups of supports within the two categories are protected from the reductions: employment supports disability-related health supports high intensity supports intensive and complex behaviour supports customised and wearable technology hearing services Supports in other areas of your plan also sit outside this change. These include personal care, cleaning and laundry, nursing and medication support, home and vehicle modifications, personal mobility equipment, and Specialist Disability Accommodation. You can check the NDIA's full list of supports excluded from the reductions, including Easy Read resources. The budget reduction itself is not an internally reviewable decision. You can still request a variation or reassessment when a significant and continuing change affects your circumstances or support needs. How First2Care can help When your circumstances change, it can help you to know how much of your plan-managed funding has been used and what remains in each category. You can use this information when discussing your request with your my NDIS contact. The NDIA decides about plan variation or reassessments. Once your updated plan is approved and available to us, First2Care will explain how the change affects your plan-managed budget and help you plan your spending. If your providers or support arrangements have changed, you may also want to check your invoices. Our payment safeguards guide explains how to approve or pause an invoice for review. For questions about outstanding invoices, refer to our guide to the new NDIS claiming timeframe. This covers claims for supports already delivered, rather than requests to change your plan. If you are considering plan management, a variation may be used to change how your funding is managed. Refer to our guide on How plan management added to your NDIS plan explains the process. Final thoughts A change in your circumstances may require an update of your plan or a broader reassessment. People you trust can help you prepare, and your current plan remains available while the NDIA considers a reassessment request. If you would like to understand how an approved plan change affects your plan-managed budget, call us on 1300 322 273 or email support@first2care.com.au.

What Providers Need to Know About Invoicing! Over the last few months, the PACE system has slowly become the new normal for many participants on the NDIS. We have seen that most new plans have been on the PACE system as it has gradually been rolled out nationwide since November 2023. With a significant number of participants now on the PACE system, we have put together a summary in this blog of the key changes that have been made in the last few months. Some of these have been covered in previous blogs, but there is always new information to learn about the NDIA and their processes. We have also summarised some of the additional changes that are affecting all participants, not just those on the PACE system. You can see our previous checklist for PACE supports here: First2Care PACE Checklist Changes to Assistive Technology Assistive Technology has been split into two separate categories. Assistive Technology (05) remains within the Capital Supports budget where required items can be purchased. This category is now solely for the purchase of equipment. Upkeep and rental costs for assistive technology has now been transitioned to the new category of Assistive Technology Maintenance, Repair, and Rental (19). This budget category can not be used flexibly with AT05 nor any other category. There is no requirement to update how invoices are written to ensure that the correct category is utilised. If the invoice states it is for repair or rental, then it will be correctly assigned. You can see our previous blog on Assistive Technology updates here: PACE and Assistive technology Rentals (first2care.com.au) Changes to Supported Independent Living Supported Independent Living (SIL) used to be included in the Assistance with Daily Life (01) category within the Core Budget. This has now been moved to its own category – Home and Living (16). This new category is not considered to be a part of the Core Budget and is therefore no longer flexible like it was previously. Because of this, it has become more important to ensure that invoices are correctly written to ensure that funding is taken from the correct category. Incorrectly processed SIL invoices taking from the 01 category can result in the Core Budget being rapidly depleted. If you are providing SIL support to a PACE client, you must ensure that you are using the correct description and codes on invoices. 01_801_0115_1_1 Assistance in SIL - Standard - Weekday Daytime 01_802_0115_1_1 Assistance in SIL - Standard - Weekday Evening 01_803_0115_1_1 Assistance in SIL - Standard - Weekday Night 01_804_0115_1_1 Assistance in SIL - Standard – Saturday 01_805_0115_1_1 Assistance in SIL - Standard – Sunday 01_806_0115_1_1 Assistance in SIL - Standard - Public Holiday Please note that these codes still utilise the 01 prefix, but they are allocated towards the new Home and Living 16 budget category. You can see our previous blog on SIL funding here: PACE Plans and Claiming Supported Independent Living (first2care.com.au) The NDIA also has resources on SIL supports here: Supported independent living provider guidance | NDIS Updates to Group Settings In January 2024, the NDIA completed an update to how Group Settings supports are handled. This change is for all NDIS participants, not just those on the PACE system. Claiming for group settings has been simplified to a single code. The 1:2, 1:3, etc codes have been retired from use. The following codes should be utilised based on when the supports were delivered: 04_102_0136_6_1 Group Activities - Standard - Weekday Daytime 04_103_0136_6_1 Group Activities - Standard - Weekday Evening 04_104_0136_6_1 Group Activities - Standard – Saturday 04_105_0136_6_1 Group Activities - Standard – Sunday 04_106_0136_6_1 Group Activities - Standard - Public Holiday The invoice should reflect the total hourly rate divided by the number of participants in the group activity. The combined rate from all participants must not exceed the capped price limits as set by the NDIA. All participants are still invoiced separately. For example, if you have a rate of $50/hr and provide group activities support for two clients, both would be invoiced a total of $25/hr. The NDIA have provided information on the changes to group setting supports here: Pricing arrangements | NDIS A reminder that this Group Settings update is for all participants on the NDIA, not just for those on the PACE system.

For many participants, choosing a plan manager is the easy part. What happens next is the part that feels unclear. After choosing a plan manager, the next steps are to make a service agreement, confirm access to your plan information and record your plan manager with the NDIA. You then agree on how invoices, approvals and budget updates will work. Knowing what to expect can help you prepare. This guide explains what happens after you sign up with a plan manager, step by step, so you know what to expect from the moment you decide to go ahead. Your First Conversation Your first step conversation is an opportunity to ask questions and discuss how you would like your plan management to work. Talk about your support budgets, current providers and the help you would like with invoices and payments. You should also discuss fees, budget reports, consent to access your plan and any conflicts of interest the plan manager may have. Before getting started, check that the relevant support budgets are plan-managed and that your plan includes the separate funding for a registered plan manager. If you need to request these arrangements, refer to First2Cares guide to adding plan management to your NDIS plan. What is a service agreement, and what does it cover? Your service agreement explains the arrangement between you and your plan manager. It sets out the services they will provide, how they will provide them, how long the agreement lasts and the fees. Before agreeing, discuss: how invoices and payments will be handled how you will receive budget updates what consent is needed to access your plan who to contact with questions or concerns the notice and cancellations terms if you change plan managers Read the agreement and ask about anything you would like explained. You can also ask which signing options available. At First2Care, we always do this first. For plan management, service agreements are short and straightforward. How your plan manager connected to your NDIS plan? Once your service agreement is signed, First2Care needs to be formally connected to your plan. This has to happen before we can see your funding or process claims for you. In the NDIS computer system, this is done by recording First2Care as one of your my-providers. My-providers are the providers you have told the NDIA you work with regularly. Plan managers have to be recorded this way in order to be paid. There are three ways to do this: through the my-NDIS participant portal by accepting a relationship request from First2Care in the portal by calling the NDIA on 1800 800 110, or telling your my-NDIS contact The NDIA usually processes this within a few business days. Once First2Care is recorded, your consent for us to see your plan and budget information is applied automatically. Your First2Care specialist can then see your support categories, funding amounts and plan dates. This is what lets us match every invoice to the correct budget. You do not need to manage this process yourself. Your specialist will help you with it and tell you when it is done. What happens after you sign up with a plan manager Once your plan manager is recorded, your First2Care specialist sets up your account fully. Here is what that looks like in practice. Your funding arrangement are checked. Check which support budgets are plan-managed and the separate funding allocated to plan management. Ask your plan manager to explain the funding amounts, dates and arrangements in your plan. Your invoice arrangements are discussed. Agree on where providers should send invoices and how you will review and authorise claims. Confirm who to contact if you have a question about an invoice or payment. Your budget updates are explained. Confirm how you will receive your monthly report and how to ask questions about it. Your plan manager should provide a monthly report showing how your funding has been used, how much remains and how your spending is tracking. How your providers send invoices Your providers send their invoices directly to First2Care at accounts@first2care.com.au in PDF format. This includes support workers, therapists, allied health professionals, and anyone else delivering services in your plan. Let your providers know who your plan manager is and where to send invoices. Confirm the invoice submission details with your plan manager before sharing them. If you start using another provider later, give them the same information. How you review and authorise invoices Agree on your invoice approval arrangements before invoices start being processed. Ask how you will receive notifications, authorise claims and request an invoice review. When checking an invoice, compare it with the support you received. Check the provider, service date, description and amount. If you would like a detail checked, contact your plan manager using the instructions provided. Confirm any response timeframe and how to pause an invoice for review. Ask your plan manager to explain how invoice notifications and claim authorisation work, including any ongoing approval arrangements you agree to. What if you are switching from another plan manager? You can change plan managers during your plan. Tell your current plan manager before making the change. Check your current service agreement Read the notice and cancellation terms. Confirm the date your current arrangement will end. Our switching guide includes a template you can use: How to Switch Plan Managers, Step by Step. Make your new service agreement Discuss the intended start date with your new plan manager and complete the agreement. Update your provider connection Confirm how your new plan manager will be recorded as your my provider and what action you need to take. Discuss outstanding invoices Tell both plan managers about invoices awaiting payment. Agree on who will check them and where providers should send new invoices. Outstanding invoices need to be checked against the applicable plan, available funding and claiming requirements. What you need to have ready Ask your plan manager what information they need. Useful details include: your NDIS number a copy of your current plan, if available your providers’ contact details any outstanding invoices your current service agreement if you are switching questions about invoices, approvals or budget updates Use the submission method your plan manager confirms when sharing personal information. How long does plan management setup take? The setup timeframe depends on the steps needed for your circumstances. These may include confirming your information and consent, recording your plan manager and arranging a handover from a previous provider. Ask which steps are complete, what information is needed and when invoice processing can begin. Frequently Asked Questions Do I need plan management included before invoices can be processed? Check that the relevant support budgets are plan-managed and that your plan includes the separate funding for a registered plan manager. Your my NDIS contact can help confirm these arrangements. Can I keep my current providers? You continue choosing your support providers. Let them know who your plan manager is and confirm where they should send invoices. Do I need to approve every invoice? Discuss how claims will be authorised when you join. Ask your plan manager to explain any ongoing approval arrangements, invoice notifications and steps for requesting a review. What if I have already paid for a support myself? Contact your plan manager with the invoice and receipt. They can check whether reimbursement can be claimed under your plan and the applicable requirements. Can I ask for help understanding my budget? Yes. Ask your plan manager to explain your report, spending and remaining funding. Check your reports regularly so you understand how your funding is being used. How First2Care can help First2Care can talk with you about plan management and what to check before getting started. Our team can explain the service agreement and discuss provider recording, invoice arrangements and budget updates. Final thoughts Getting started is a time to agree on how your plan management will work. Read your service agreement, discuss consent and invoice approvals, and give your providers the correct invoice details. If you would like to discuss plan management with First2Care, call 1300 322 273 or email support@first2care.com.au 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 and educational purposes. NDIS funding rules can change, and individual plans vary. For advice specific to your plan, please speak with your NDIA planner, Local Area Coordinator, or the First2Care team directly.

At First2Care, we aim to submit all invoices to the NDIA within one to two business days of receiving them. Given the NDIA then processes and releases funding within three business days of this receipt, our goal is to have invoices paid within five business days of you sending them to us. However, we do sometimes require a little assistance in this by your invoices being presented in a clear and concise manner. When submitting your invoices, we have several tips and tricks for being able to ensure that they are processed as quickly and efficiently as possible. We prefer that invoices are sent in a PDF format. This allows our system to automatically pick up much of the required details, skipping most of the manual data entry phase and speeding up the process. In addition to the format, the details that are presented on the invoice can make for a much quicker process. Provider Information Firstly, it is important to note who the invoice is for and who is being paid. To achieve this, the following information should be included on every invoice: Client Name and NDIS Number, Business Name, ABN, and Bank Details. Please note – to ensure that our automated system does not pick up the wrong details, do not include First2Care’s ABN anywhere on your invoice. Secondly, you should include the information unique to this invoice. This should be the Invoice Issue Date and the Invoice Number. Ideally, the combination of participant, provider, and invoice number are unique. Unless the invoice is an amendment, every invoice number for any given participant should be different. Supports Next comes the information about the supports provided. While all aspects of the invoice are important, the support description being incorrect or unclear is the cause of many payment delays. Therefore, by ensuring this is correct the first time around, payment processes should run smoother and faster. The Description of Service and the Support Item Code allow us to most accurately identify the support provided and which budget the invoice should be processed under. The description does not need to be detailed. It only needs to provide enough information to identify the supports, if a line code is not included. The line code should match the description and can be taken directly from the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits document. Support Hours The quantity of hours worked is a crucial piece of information for the majority of supports. In almost all circumstances, this should be provided as a quantity of 1 per hour of support given per worker. The hours of supports should be broken down further as a per day total, which each day presented as a new line. Finally, there should be the unit price (most commonly the hourly charge) and the line totals. These line totals should then all be added together to produce the invoice total. You can check out an example invoice here. Tips and Common Mistakes It is always best to double and/or triple check your invoices before submitting them. However, some areas may need more attention than others. Common areas where we have seen mistakes include: Invoice numbers aren’t unique – make sure you are correctly moving onto the next invoice number after submitting your most recent one. Repeated invoice numbers may result in invoices being deleted as a duplicate Participant name spelled wrong/NDIS number incorrect – we may not immediately recognise this invoice as belonging to one of our participants Incorrect item code – make sure the code reflects the support given. Errors may come from using a weekend code on a weekday, for example No hour quantity provided/incorrect – if we don’t know how many hours of support were provided, we can’t be sure it fits under the NDIS capped price limits. This will likely only be funded for a quantity of 1 hour of supports Incorrect date – if an invoice is future dated, we can’t process it. Likewise, if you have incorrectly put the date down as a weekday and claimed for a weekend support line code Date ranges – listing a range (e.g. 1 - 31 July) makes it look like supports were delivered every day, which may not be accurate. It can also cause confusion about whether claims have already been made within that period. Invoices should list the actual service dates, while funding periods can be referenced separately if needed Charged over the maximum price limits – the majority of NDIS supports have a capped limit that we are unable to fund over. Please ensure you are keeping within these capped limits Incorrect line totals and subtotal – please double check your calculations to ensure the provided line totals and subtotals all match the quoted hourly charge and quantity of hours worked Rounding issues – the NDIA only calculates claims to a whole cent value. If your hourly charge or quantity of hours results in claims of partial cents, this can cause small discrepancies in the total paid Having the correct details on your invoices initially, will result in fast and easy payment within our target of five business days. Any errors can cause delays as we will need to reach out to clients, representatives, or to yourselves to clarify and confirm the invoice details. If you follow these guidelines, we’re happy because there is less data entry and investigation work needed. You’re happy because you get paid in a regular and consistent manner. The NDIS is happy because the invoices are all compliant with their requirements. And, most importantly, our clients are happy because they have peace of mind that their providers are getting paid.

Most rejected NDIS invoices have nothing to do with the quality of your work. They come down to something far less interesting: the claim was made against the wrong support category, or against a budget that has already been fully used. If you support plan managed participants, knowing how the NDIS support categories are structured protects your cash flow and saves everyone extra emails. This guide to NDIS support categories for providers covers exactly what you need to invoice accurately and be paid on time. How a plan is structured Every NDIS plan is built around four support budgets, though not every participant has all four: Core Supports. Everyday supports: daily living assistance, community participation, transport and consumables. Usually the largest budget, and the most flexible. Capacity Building Supports. Skills and independence over time: therapies, support coordination, employment supports. Each category can only be used for its own purpose. Capital Supports. Assistive technology and home modifications. Funding can only be used for the specific items that were approved. Recurring Supports (under PACE). Some plans pay certain supports such as transport, as regular recurring payments. The practical point: a participant's funding is not one single amount. Your service must be claimed against the category and support item that match what you delivered. Why this affects your payment When your invoice reaches a plan manager, it is claimed against a specific NDIS support category. Three things commonly go wrong: The support item number does not match the service, so the claim cannot be processed until it is corrected. The category does not have enough funding left. A plan manager cannot claim against a budget that has already been fully used. The support is stated, which means it is set aside for a defined purpose, and the invoice does not match that purpose. None of these are about your work. All of them are avoidable with the right details on the invoice and a plan manager who communicates. Getting the category right, first time Choosing the right support item is the provider's responsibility. The correct NDIS Pricing Schedule and the NDIS provider line 1300 311 675 are your best references. Once your invoice reaches First2Care, if a claim does not match, we will contact you promptly so it can be corrected. Match your service description to what was delivered. Therapy under Improved Daily Living, daily living assistance under Core, and so on. Check your rates against the current NDIS Pricing Schedule. From 1 July 2026, the Pricing Schedule, replaced the Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits. It sets out the maximum prices the NDIA considers appropriate for NDIS supports. Talk to the participant before you change a price. Where a current service agreement quotes a price, the participant must agree before the new amount applies. Have a service agreement in place before supports begin. It is the quickest way to avoid invoices being delayed. Send the service agreement to the plan manager before delivering supports so that any issues can be identified early For assistive technology, know the tiers. Items under $1,500 are usually claimed through Core Consumables. Between $1,500 and $15,000 needs written evidence from an assistive technology advisor. Over $15,000 needs an assessment from a qualified assessor and a formal quote before approval. Delivering before approval risks not being paid. Coming on 1 December 2026: the timeframe to claim for a support shortens from two years to 90 days for plan managed and self-managed claims. If your billing runs on monthly or quarterly cycles, that is worth planning for now. A note on plan management funding Some providers worry that recommending a plan manager reduces a participant's support budget. It does not. Plan management is funded under Improved Life Choices, which appears as Choice and Control under PACE. The NDIA adds it specifically for that purpose. It never comes out of the funding available for your services. How First2Care works with providers First2Care's brand promise is that compliant, invoices in line with the participant's plan received before midday are lodged with the NDIA by close of business the following day, so providers working with First2Care participants can be confident that invoices will be lodged quickly. The NDIA typically pays claims within 2 to 3 business days of submission but may take longer if they conduct a pre-payment review. If something on an invoice needs correcting, an item number, a rate or a date, we contact you directly rather than leaving it for later. If you are new to plan managed participants, our team will the setup: where to send invoices, what to include, and how the participant’s categories work. When invoicing runs to plan, participants keep their supports steady and you are paid for work already done, without following it up. Send your invoices to accounts@first2care.com.au. If you are ever unsure which support item applies, the current NDIS Pricing Schedule and the NDIS provider line on 1300 311 675 are the best places to check. You can also call us on 1300 322 273 for help with anything on the payment side. A real person answers. Frequently Asked Questions About NDIS Budget Categories Which support category should I invoice against? The category and support item that match the service you delivered. Choosing the correct support item is the provider's responsibility, so the current NDIS Pricing Schedule and the NDIS provider line on 1300 311 675 are your best references. Getting it right the first time is quicker than resubmitting a rejected claim, and if something does not match when your invoice reaches us, we will contact you promptly. It is important to work with the participant and support coordinator to understand how the plan has been funded. What happens if the participant’s budget category is exhausted? A plan manager cannot claim against a category with no funding left. Good plan managers keep track of budgets and work with participants to understand the expenditure patterns. Do I need to be registered to work with plan managed participants? Not for most supports. Plan managed participants can use both registered and unregistered providers. Some higher risk supports, including Supported Independent Living, Specialist Disability Accommodation, and behaviour support, do require registration. Pricing should still follow the current NDIS Pricing Schedule. Why was my invoice rejected when the price and service were right? Most often the support item number did not match the service or the participant’s funding structure. At First2Care, we contact you promptly to correct details, so payment is not delayed longer than necessary. Sometimes, the participant may decline the invoice, or pause processing to allow them time to review. How long do I have to claim for a support? From 1 December 2026, claims must be lodged within 90 days for plan managed and self-managed claims, so it is worth reviewing your billing cycle before then Related reading: Invoicing and Record Keeping for NDIS Providers · For Providers: What to Do if an Invoice Isn’t Paid · NDIS Pricing Changes 2026/27: What Providers Need to Know 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 for providers. For claims specific guidance, please refer to current NDIA guidance or contact our team.

When a NDIS participant’s plan doesn’t meet their needs, it can cause frustration and confusion. Sometimes, this might lead to an appeal. While appeals are an important part of the NDIS process, they can also be stressful and take time for both participants and providers. As a provider, you play an important role in helping participants avoid the need for an appeal. Here are some simple ways on how you can help. 1. Help participants set clear goals Many participants rely on their providers to help them describe what they want to achieve. Take time to talk about their goals and make sure they’re clear and specific. When goals are specific, it’s easier for NDIA planners to understand how the supports you provide help the participant reach those goals. This makes it less likely that funding will be misunderstood or missed in their plan. 2. Write clear, evidence-based reports Good reports can make a big difference. When writing reports or recommendations, keep them clear, factual, and easy to read. Link each support directly to the participant’s goals and explain how it helps them in their daily life or builds their skills. Use examples wherever possible and include what might happen if the support isn’t funded. Reports written in plain language with clear outcome help NDIA planners understand the purpose and value of each support. 3. Encourage open and honest communication Remind participants that their planning meeting is a chance to talk about what’s working, what’s not, and what’s changed since their last plan. Encourage them to raise concerns early and offer to share supporting information if it helps. Open and honest communication can prevent misunderstandings and help create a plan that truly fits their needs. 4. Keep track of progress and changes Participants’ needs and goals often change over time. Regularly reviewing progress and keeping records helps make sure supports stay relevant. If you notice a change in a participant’s needs, update your documentation and discuss it before their next review. Taking these steps early helps prevent issues that could lead to appeals later on. 5. Work collaboratively with plan managers and support coordinators Working closely with plan managers and support coordinators helps create a smoother experience for participants. Plan managers can help participants monitor their budgets and spending, while support coordinators can help gather evidence and prepare for reviews. In summary Many NDIS appeals can be avoided through good communication, clear evidence, and proactive planning. As a provider, your role in supporting participants and helping them prepare well can make the process smoother and more positive for everyone. At First2Care, we work closely with providers and participants to make plan management simple, transparent, and stress-free. Together, we can help participants get the most out of their NDIS funding and prevent unnecessary appeals.

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

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.