Understanding Your NDIS Plan: A Complete Guide
Understanding your NDIS plan in plain English: what it contains, how budgets work, who manages the money, and what the 2026-27 reforms change.
What an NDIS plan actually is
What's inside your plan, section by section
How the budget works: the three categories today
Who manages the money: self, plan or NDIA-managed
How long a plan lasts and what a review means
What the 2026-27 reforms change — and what they don't
The new planning framework and support-needs assessment
Eligibility based on function, not just diagnosis
A real-life example: how a plan comes together
Common pitfalls to avoid
If you disagree with a decision
What to do next
Frequently asked questions
How do I find out how much money is in my NDIS plan?
Your plan document lists a dollar amount for each budget type — Core, Capacity Building and Capital. You can see your plan and track your spending in the myplace participant portal or the my NDIS app. If you're plan-managed, your plan manager can also give you a current balance whenever you ask.
Will the 2026-27 reforms cut my personal care funding?
The government has stated that critical daily-living and personal-care supports are not part of the participation budget reset that begins from 1 October 2026. That reset targets social, civic and community participation funding. How any change affects you depends on your current plan and usage, so confirm your specific situation with the NDIA.
Can I change who manages my NDIS funding?
Yes. You can ask to change between self-managed, plan-managed and NDIA-managed at your plan reassessment, and sometimes sooner if your circumstances change. You can also use different management types for different parts of your budget. Talk to the NDIA or your support coordinator about what suits you.
What happens when my plan ends?
As your end date nears, the NDIA arranges a reassessment to set your next plan. If a new plan isn't ready in time, your existing funding usually rolls over automatically so you're not left without support. Contact the NDIA well before your plan ends to avoid any gap.
What can I do if I disagree with my plan or a funding decision?
You can request an internal review by the NDIA first. If you're still unhappy, you can apply to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) for an independent look. A disability advocate can help you for free, and extra appeals-advocacy funding is available in 2026-27 through Legal Aid and NDIS appeals support.