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5 Common NDIS Plan Mistakes And How to Avoid Them

How would it feel to finally walk into your next NDIS planning meeting feeling prepared, confident, and in control?

Most people don’t talk about this, but many NDIS participants walk away from planning meetings with a plan that doesn’t truly reflect their needs. And it’s rarely their fault.

Here are five common mistakes to avoid—and how to fix them.

1. Going Into a Plan Meeting Unprepared

Without clear documentation, recent assessments, or goal examples, it’s hard to advocate for the support you need.

Avoid it: Write down your goals in advance. Bring letters or reports from therapists, doctors, or support workers.

2. Using Vague or Passive Language

Saying things like “I’d like to be more independent” is too broad. Planners need specifics.

Avoid it: Be clear and outcome-driven. Try: “I want to take public transport independently within 6 months.”

3. Forgetting to Include Informal Supports

If a family member helps with daily tasks, mention it. It shows what support is already in place.

Avoid it: Be honest about what you rely on, even if it feels small. It helps justify additional supports.

4. Not Asking Questions During Plan Reviews

Many participants feel rushed or unsure and don’t challenge the planner’s suggestions.

Avoid it: Prepare a list of questions in advance. Ask about any unclear funding lines or cuts.

5. Underutilising Your Plan

NDIS funding is meant to be used. Letting it sit unused is a missed opportunity.

Avoid it: Partner with a plan manager like Nexus who helps you track spending and find service providers to match your goals.

Want to feel more in control?

At Nexus, we help you avoid the common mistakes that trip up thousands of participants. With our budget check-ins, fast payments, and free plan management, you can stop stressing about admin and focus on what matters.

Schedule a free consultation and get your plan working for you.

Related Post

How to Maximise Your NDIS Funding in 2025

With funding period changes coming into effect from 19 May 2025, are you ready to make the most of your NDIS plan?

The NDIS will now allocate funds in quarterly blocks, with new rules around how and when budgets reset. If you’re not ahead of these changes, you could find yourself short when it matters most.

Here are 7 practical ways to stretch your funding further in 2025:

1. Plan Ahead for Quarterly Spending

With quarterly budgets, pacing is key. Overspending early could leave gaps later.

Tip: Review your support needs across the year and allocate funds accordingly with your plan manager.

2. Use a Plan Manager to Track Budgets

Real-time insights mean you can spot overspending or underspending before it becomes a problem.

Nexus provides simple dashboards and regular check-ins to help you stay on track.

3. Avoid “Peak Hour” Service Rates

Did you know you might pay more for evening or weekend services? Booking weekday sessions could reduce overall costs.

4. Ask for Longer but Fewer Sessions

Some therapies offer better rates for extended appointments.

Tip: Ask your providers if 60-minute sessions are more cost-effective than two 30-minute ones.

5. Tap Into Other Funding Sources

If Medicare or community health can cover something, don’t use your NDIS funds unnecessarily.

6. Shop Around for Providers

Prices vary across providers. A good plan manager can recommend high-quality, budget-friendly options in your area.

7. Review Your Plan Before It Expires

Too many participants wait until the last minute. Reviewing early ensures your next plan reflects your current needs.

Ready to Maximise Your Plan?

Nexus takes the stress out of NDIS budgeting. With our transparent reports, smart tracking tools, and 28 years of financial experience, we help you get the most from every dollar.

Want to future-proof your funding? Talk to Nexus today—our plan management is free, our advice is practical, and our results speak for themselves.

What You Can and Can’t Claim Through NDIS

Have you ever looked at your NDIS plan and wondered: Can I actually claim this? You’re not alone. Understanding what the NDIS will and won’t fund is one of the biggest challenges participants face.

The truth is, unless you’ve experienced it firsthand, it’s hard to imagine how much it matters to get this right. Claiming something the NDIS doesn’t cover could lead to delays or even rejected invoices. And that can leave you without support when you need it most.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can (and can’t) claim through the NDIS—with clear examples and guidance to help you feel confident using your plan.

What the NDIS Will Fund

The NDIS is designed to fund reasonable and necessary supports that relate to your disability. But what does that actually include?

Here are some of the main categories:

  • Therapeutic Supports: Occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychology, speech therapy, and other professional services.
  • Assistive Technology: Wheelchairs, communication devices, specialised beds, and mobility aids.
  • Home Modifications: Ramps, railings, widened doorways or accessible bathrooms if they’re required for your disability.
  • Support Workers: Help with personal care, household tasks, or participating in community activities.
  • Transport: If you can’t use public transport due to your disability, the NDIS may cover private travel assistance.
  • Capacity Building: Training for skills like budgeting, social interaction, job readiness or learning how to use public transport.

A good rule of thumb? If the support is directly related to your disability and helps you achieve goals in your plan—it’s likely to be covered.

What the NDIS Won’t Fund

Just as important as knowing what you can claim is understanding what you can’t. Many new participants are surprised to learn that some everyday expenses aren’t eligible.

Here are a few things the NDIS generally won’t pay for:

  • Everyday Living Costs: Rent, groceries, utility bills, or internet access are considered standard living expenses.
  • Items with No Disability Connection: This includes regular furniture, clothing, or food unless specifically needed due to your disability.
  • Services Funded Elsewhere: Healthcare covered by Medicare (like GP visits or hospital care) and education supports already funded by schools.
  • Illegal or High-Risk Activities: The NDIS won’t fund anything deemed unlawful, unsafe, or not value-for-money.
  • Income Replacement: If you’re unable to work due to disability, the NDIS doesn’t provide income support—you’d need to explore Centrelink options for that.

Grey Areas: What About Holidays, Hobbies, or Driving Lessons?

Sometimes, it’s not black-and-white. You might be able to claim things like driving lessons, gym memberships or travel assistance if they are clearly linked to your goals and your disability.

Here’s an example:

  • You’ve set a goal to become more independent and get a job.
  • Driving lessons may be claimable if public transport isn’t accessible.

But a general holiday to the beach or a Netflix subscription? That won’t be covered.

Need Help Getting it Right?

Navigating NDIS claims can feel like walking a tightrope. That’s where a reliable plan manager like Nexus comes in.

With 28 years’ experience in financial services and a team of dedicated experts, Nexus takes the guesswork out of what you can and can’t claim. We make sure your invoices are processed quickly, your plan is on track, and your funding is used efficiently—all at no cost to you.

Curious how it works? Sign Up Now or Get in Touch to learn more.