28 May 2026 – Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

We want to share an important update about NDIS funding periods and how they may affect the way invoices and claims are processed. Some NDIS Plans are divided into funding periods. This means your funding may be released in small amounts across the length of your plan, rather than being available all at once.

What Does This Mean For Invoices?  

The NDIS requires invoices and claims to be processed within the correct funding period.  This means an invoice must be claimed against the funding period in which the support was delivered.  If the funding from a previous funding period has already been fully used, you generally cannot use funding from a future funding period to pay for services that were delivered in an earlier period.

As your plan manager, we have been advised by the NDIS that we cannot process invoices or claims against a previous funding period without written approval from your NDIS Planner or NDIS contact.

How Can We Help?

If funding periods applies to you, please know that we are here to support you.  Our team can help explain your funding periods, review your available balances, and guide you through the next steps.

Tips To Help Avoid Overspending!

To help keep everything on track, we recommend that you:

• Send invoices as soon as possible after your supports are delivered
• Check your funding dates and balances regularly.  As well as sending monthly budget statements, we also grant you access to your budget information through an online portal and a smart phone app.
• Contact us early if you have any concerns.
• Speak with your Support Coordinator, Planner, LAC, or NDIS contact if you have concerns about your funding periods.

We understand that changes like this can feel overwhelming.  Our team is here to explain things in a clear, simple language and help make the process easier, so you can focus on what matters most.

My Plan Assist Phone: 07 5641 2277

My Plan Assist Email: [email protected]

My Plan Assist Website: www.myplanassist.com.au

26 February 2026 – Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Planning a trip overseas is exciting, whether you’re visiting family, taking a long holiday, or spending extended time abroad. But if you’re an NDIS participant and you’re planning to be outside Australia for more than six weeks, it’s important to understand how this can affect your NDIS plan.

The 6 Week Rule  

The NDIS supports people who live in Australia. Short trips usually don’t affect your plan. However, if you’ll be overseas for more than six weeks, you must let the NDIA know.

If you don’t inform the NDIA and they later find out you’ve been away for an extended period, your NDIS Plan may be paused or cancelled. This can delay your supports when you return.

To notify the NDIA, call 1800 800 110 or speak with your NDIS Contact.

What Happens to Your Funding?  

The NDIS is designed to support participants while they are living in Australia.  Short overseas trips usually don’t affect your plan.  However, if you intend to be away for more than six weeks, you must notify the NDIA and understand how your funding may be impacted.

If you are overseas for more than six weeks:

• NDIS funding generally cannot be used while you are outside Australia;
• Supports such as therapy, personal care, and community access will need to be paused;
• Your plan budget may be temporarily paused during your absence;
• You should notify your providers of your travel dates to ensure services are paused and invoices are not submitted while you are away.

Understanding these requirements before you travel can help prevent disruptions to your supports and avoid unnecessary complications when you return.

Before you Travel

If you’re planning an overseas trip, a little preparation can go a long way.  Before you leave, make sure you:

✔ Inform the NDIA of your travel dates
✔ Let your providers know so they can pause services
✔ Let your plan manager know
✔ Keep a record of your travel dates

Planning ahead helps prevent unexpected issues and makes restarting your supports much smoother when you return home.

How can My Plan Assist Help

My Plan Assist can help you understand how travel affects your funding.  Our friendly team can also monitor your budget while you’re away and support a smooth restart of services when you return.

Travel With Confidence

Travelling overseas doesn’t automatically mean losing your NDIS plan – but not informing the NDIA can cause issues. If you’re planning a trip, reach out to My Plan Assist.  We’re here to help you prepare so you can travel with peace of mind.

My Plan Assist Phone: 07 5641 2277

My Plan Assist Email: [email protected]

My Plan Assist Website: www.myplanassist.com.au

22 October 2025 – Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

At My Plan Assist, we know that everyone needs a break sometimes – including you and the people who support you.  That’s where Short Term Respite (STR) comes in.  This was previously known as Short Term Accommodation (STA).

What is Short Term Respite?  

Short Term Respite gives you a temporary break from your usual care arrangements.  It also gives your informal supports (unpaid family and carers) some time to rest and recharge, so they can continue supporting you in the long run.  STR is about making sure you and your supports get time apart to relax and refresh.

Who can use STR?  

STR is for NDIS participants who:

• Live with their primary informal supports (like family or friends), or
• Receive daily drop-in support from them, and
• Get more than 6 hours of disability related support per day from their informal support

For children, STR is only funded when their disability support needs are beyond what’s typical for their age, and the support helps their family continue in their caring role.

What STR Can Include?

Accommodation: Short Term Respite can cover standard accommodation with a clean, comfortable place with basic amenities like a bed, bathroom, and accessibility features you may need.  This could be a hotel or motel, short stay rental, cabin, cottage, hostel or respite accommodation.

The standard accommodation can be for you and a support worker (if overnight support is needed).

Meals: If you are staying in a Centre or Group Residence, your provider may include meals as part of the daily rate.  In an individual setting, NDIS funding cannot be used to cover the cost of food for you or your support worker, including meals from restaurants, meal delivery services, meal kits, or groceries purchased from supermarkets or similar outlets.

Activities: If you are staying in a Centre or Group Residence, your provider may include activities as part of the daily rate.  In an individual setting, NDIS funding cannot be used to pay for activity costs for you or your support worker.  This includes tickets, entry fees, equipment, or membership fees.

Where and How you can use STR?

You and your provider can plan your STR together – deciding how often, where, and what kind of support you need.

STR can:

• Be used in group or individual settings
• Take place within your home state or territory
• Even happen in your own home, if it gives your carers a break

Funding and Flexibility

STR is a flexible support funded from your Core Budget.  You have choice and control over how you use it as long as it fits within your NDIS plan and guidelines.  Refer to “Who can use STR” at the start of this article to see if you meet the eligibility criteria.

Most participants can receive up to 28 days per year, usually no more than 14 days at a time.

You only pay for the supports you actually use, so if you don’t use a full day, your provider should adjust the cost.

Next Steps with My Plan Assist?

If you are a My plan Assist client and have an upcoming Short Term Respite planned, we kindly ask that you complete our Short Term Respite Form in this link.  This helps us gather all the necessary information in advance, ensuring a smooth process when it’s time to arrange payment for your respite stay.

By completing this form ahead of time, you’ll also have peace of mind knowing your supports are confirmed and everything is ready to go – allowing you to relax and enjoy your break with confidence.

Need further advice or help using your Short Term Accommodation funding?  Contact our friendly team – we’re here to help you make your NDIS plan work for you.

My Plan Assist Phone: 07 5641 2277

My Plan Assist Email: [email protected]

My Plan Assist Website: www.myplanassist.com.au

24 May 2025 – Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Starting Monday, 19 May 2025, the NDIS will introduce a new initiative called “Plan Funding Periods” to help participants manage their funding more easily and effectively. The NDIA recently announced these updates, and you can find more details in their NDIS Provider Newsletter.

At first, these changes might seem like administrative tweaks, but they actually represent a pretty significant shift in how plans are structured, how funding is allocated, and how participants are able to utilise their funds.

So, how does it work?  

Instead of having all your funding available for the entire plan length, it’s now divided into smaller, bite-sized periods—like monthly or quarterly—based on your specific plan. This means you can better track your spending and make sure your funding lasts throughout the plan.

For example, if your plan covers a year, your funding might now be split into four quarterly amounts. You’ll be able to spend only what’s allocated for each period, but here’s the good news—any unused funds from one period can often roll over to the next. The goal is simple: to help you stay on top of your budget and avoid running out of funding too soon.

Will these changes impact my current NDIS Plan?  

No, your current NDIS plan will not be affected if it was implemented before 19 May 2025.

These updates will only apply to new plans, approved after this date.  This means your current plan will remain unchanged until the start of your next plan period.

How can My Plan Assist support you?

To make things even easier, My Plan Assist offers tools to keep you in control. With our online portal and smartphone app, you can monitor your expenses in real-time and ensure you’re staying within your allocated budget.

If you find you’re consistently overspending or leaving funds unused, no problem! Our team is here to help you adjust your spending, so it meets your unique needs and your budget.

Whether you have a quick question or need detailed guidance, we’re just an email or phone call away.

Reach out to our knowledgeable team today at [email protected] or call (07) 5641 2277.

Looking for Plan Management Support?

At My Plan Assist, we pride ourselves on being a locally registered, personalised plan management provider. 

We’re passionate about helping NDIS participants by simplifying fund management, streamlining administrative tasks, ensuring timely provider payments, and maximising the value of their plans. 

Let our friendly, caring team provide the support you need today.

22 May 2024 – Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

The NDIS empowers participants to live independently by offering funding for Home and Living needs. This support varies based on individual circumstances, ensuring tailored assistance for everyone. Home and Living is categorised as a support within the Core Budget, which means the allocated funds are exclusively for Home and Living needs and can’t be flexibly used across other budget categories.

The NDIS offers three main Home and Living options:

1. Supported Independent Living (SIL)
2. Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
3. Individualised Living Options (ILO)

Since SIL is the most popular choice for plan-managed participants, let’s dive deeper into what it entails, including the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits.

Supported Independent Living (SIL)  

SIL NDIS supports people with disabilities who want to live independently. Under this category, various services are available to assist with daily tasks while maintaining and building independence. SIL is perfect for those who want to continue living at home but need help or supervision with everyday activities. 

With access to supported independent living NDIS services, participants can develop skills, confidence and self-sufficiency. SIL offers a flexible and person-centred approach, allowing individuals to choose the best care for their needs. 

SIL NDIS can be provided in group homes, shared accommodations, and individual units.

As long as it meets the NDIS funding criteria, supported independent living may include:

• help with personal care tasks
• help to build your skills in things like meal preparation and cooking, cleaning, and developing a routine
• help to action any behaviour support plans you have
• help to develop your social skills
• support with supervision, personal safety and security
• support to give you your medication
• support for medical appointments
• community access that is not routine or regular, for example, support to complete personal tasks
• support to get to and from community activities, where this is your preference. For example, support to attend hydrotherapy sessions, or to visit family or friends outside of the home

The NDIA sets the prices that providers can charge. It’s important to note, the rates outlined in this article are taken directly from the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits. These rates outline the maximum price. However, a participant can negotiate a lower rate in accordance with their needs and budget.

Item Number	Item Name and Notes	Hourly Rate
01_801_0115_1_1	Assistance in Supported Independent Living –  Weekday Daytime	$70.23
01_802_0115_1_1	Assistance in Supported Independent Living –  Weekday Evening	$77.38
01_803_0115_1_1	Assistance in Supported Independent Living – Weekday Night	$78.81
01_804_0115_1_1	Assistance in Supported Independent Living – Saturday	$98.83
01_805_0115_1_1	Assistance in Supported Independent Living – Sunday	$127.43
01_806_0115_1_1	Assistance in Supported Independent Living – Public Holiday	$156.03
01_832_0115_1_1	Assistance in Supported Independent Living – Night-Time Sleepover	$297.60
01_821_0115_1_1	Assistance in Supported Independent Living – Weekly	Agreed

How can participants access NDIS housing support?

NDIS may fund reasonable and necessary Home and Living Supports if they can’t be met through mainstream, community, informal, or other supports. To access these NDIS supports, you must formally request them from the NDIS. 

You can do this by either one of the following steps:

1. Completing a change of details or situation form
2. Calling 1800 800 110
3. Emailing [email protected]
4. Visiting a local office

Can NDIS help with housing?

Yes! First, the NDIS requires good evidence from your allied health professional to include Home and Living support in your plan. This evidence should be recent and from a relevant specialist, such as an OT. 

Your evidence must explain:

• Your daily support and housing needs
• Your functional capacity
• The impact of your functional capacity on everyday life
• Other home and living options you’ve explored and why they don’t meet your needs

An Occupational Therapist (OT) can help with Home and Living Assessments. The OT will visit your home to assess your eligibility for NDIS housing support and determine the level of help you need. During the visit, the OT will ask specific questions, observe how you perform tasks, and discuss the assistance you might require. They’ll work with you to understand your NDIS home and living supports and provide the essential evidence to submit. 

Contact My Plan Assist

At My Plan Assist, we provide valuable information to NDIS participants and their network of support workers. 

If you need further details about NDIS pricing limits or assistance in submitting a compliant and well-formatted invoice for efficient payments, contact our knowledgeable team at [email protected] or call (07) 5641 2277.

My Plan Assist is a local registered plan management team dedicated to providing personalised and caring plan management support for NDIS participants. We’re committed to helping participants track NDIS funds, streamline administration tasks, ensure efficient provider payments, and maximise the value of participant plans. 

Speak with our friendly team today for NDIS support.