Ever, a question crept into your mind whether you’re using your NDIS plan the right way or not? Your concern is understandable. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can be a challenging program to navigate. It includes lots of paperwork, complex regulations, and terms & conditions that can feel overwhelming. Support coordination in NDIS can assist you with all this. If you are among those trying to find a way through your NDIS journey, this blog post is for you. 

Especially as a beginner participant in NDIS, it is common to make mistakes unknowingly. So, here you are provided with information on such common mistakes you need to avoid as a participant in an NDIS plan.

Common Mistakes To Avoid In An NDIS Plan As A Participant

Here are the common mistakes that you might be making without even realising that you need to avoid for a seamless and smooth NDIS journey ahead. 

• Not Understanding Your Plan Clearly: As a beginner, you might not be well aware of what all that there is that your plan covers. You might not be sure how to use your money to your advantage. That’s because every plan has specific categories like capacity building, core & capital support, etc. 
• Ask your support coordinator or a plan manager to guide you through the planning process. They will make you understand the details and simplify them for you.

• Not Tracking Your Spending: You must keep track of how you are spending your NDIS money. Not tracking the money might put you at risk of running out of money too early. Or, you might miss it on the support service as well. You may use spreadsheets, use apps, or take the help of your service provider. 
• Reviewing your budget once a month will help you stay within your spending limits.

• Don’t Miss Invoices: Paperwork holds utmost importance in the NDIS process. Your payment may get delayed if you forget to ask your support provider for an invoice. This is a common issue faced by the participants, where their NDIS gets rejected due to the missing information in the invoice. And, it also takes time to fix.
• Make sure your invoice doesn’t miss important information like the exact date, service details, and cost. You can ask a plan manager for help if you want.

• Causing Delay in Your NDIS Application: It’s important to start your NDIS journey as early as possible. Many people keep delaying the process due to the intricacies they have to face. But, delaying the process too much will put you in a situation of loss of proper support. This is because the NDIS plan has its rules & regulations, due to which it takes time. 
• Ask for help. A trusted service provider, like an NDIS plan manager, can assist you in the process.

• Not Using All Your Funds: Some people, especially as a beginner, are not aware of all the services NDIS provides. Or, they get too overwhelmed in organising them. But, not using your funds doesn’t save them for the next plan, which means your money gets lost. 
• Explore all options and use all the support you have the opportunity to use. Or, you can ask your support team to do it for you.

• Preparing for Your Plan Reviews: NDIS plans come with an expiry date. They won’t last forever. Your plan needs to be reviewed annually. If you don’t do this, you are at risk of losing your governmental support next time. Collecting reports and feedback is needed. 
• Prepare 2-3 months before your review. Find out what works and what doesn’t for you.

• Trying to Handle Everything on Your Own: This is a huge mistake you make as a new participant, trying to navigate the intricate process on your own. An NDIS plan manager is especially trained to assist or handle all these tasks on your behalf. They send reports, pay bills, and keep track of funds.
• Ask for help. Clear your doubts. Hire an expert to assist you with the process.

• Ignoring Plan Details: Ignoring crucial details, not understanding the plan properly, may lead to big issues later. It can be a wrong date on the invoice that you didn’t pay attention to. Or, you paid more for the service. Thus, you can face issues like wrong charges or delayed payments.
• Keep a check on your reports regularly. Check your invoices. Take help if you face any issue.

• Not Updating Your Goals: The NDIS plan is based on your personal goals. If you don’t update them from time to time, your plan might get irrelevant as per your current goals. The new skills you want to learn won’t be in your present plan. Plus, you won’t get any support for the same.
• Explain your goals to the support team. Try to update them before your next plan review. 

Further Insights And Recommendations To Consider

Here are some further recommendations for you to take into account to avoid mistakes.

• Keep yourself updated by learning continuously about the plan.
• Build a strong support network for yourself.
• Communicate your needs with the support coordinator effectively to avoid any misunderstandings.
• Be flexible and adaptable to a new approach.

Key Takeaways

Navigating the NDIS can be challenging, but avoiding common mistakes is crucial for a successful experience. First, ensure you thoroughly understand your plan and its categories to utilize your funds effectively. Keep track of your spending to avoid running out of money or missing vital support services. Never overlook the importance of timely invoices, and start your application process early to avoid delays. Make the most of available funds, prepare for reviews in advance, and don’t hesitate to seek assistance. Regularly update your goals and maintain clear communication with your support coordinator to enhance your NDIS journey. Liberty Disability Services has a team of qualified professionals to help manage your NDIS plan smoothly. 

Note: AI & Plag reports are given below.