You've got your NDIS funding. Now what?
A practical guide to understanding your funding, choosing the right providers, and making the most of your first NDIS plan.
Things to look for when choosing a provider.
Receiving your first NDIS plan can feel exciting - but also overwhelming. Suddenly you're expected to choose providers, understand your funding, and make decisions that can impact your life, your supports and your ongoing NDIS funding.
- Nobody asks about your goals or preferences
- New workers every week
- Phone calls and emails go unanswered.
- You don't know who is coming to your supports
- The provider can't explain how they pair you with support workers.
- They want to understand routines, communication preferences and goals
- They don't pressure you to sign on immediately
- They are open about their processes and pricing
- You're part of choosing your support worker
- They understand the everyday realities of living with disability
Remeber your rights
as an NDIS participant.
You have the right to choose
The NDIS is built on choice and control, which means you decide who supports you. You don't have to stay with a provider simply because you've started with them. Take your time, ask questions, compare providers and choose the team that feels right for you.
You deserve safe, respectful support
Every participant has the right to be treated with dignity, respect and kindness. You should feel listened to, included in decisions about your supports, and confident that your provider is delivering safe, high-quality services. If something doesn't feel right, you have the right to speak up.
You're allowed to change your mind
Finding the right provider or support worker can take time - and that's okay. If your current supports aren't meeting your needs, you have the right to request changes, change support workers or move to another provider. Your supports should work for you, not the other way around.
Still have questions? We're happy to help!
Whether you've just received your first NDIS plan or you're comparing providers, we're happy to help. There's no obligation - we're simply here to point you in the right direction.
- Understanding your funding
- Choosing the right providers
- Knowing what questions to ask
- Making the most of your NDIS plan
Starting your NDIS journey
A step-by-step guide to navigating your first NDIS plan.
Understand your funding
Before choosing providers, take a few minutes to understand what funding you have and how it's managed (NDIA managed, Plan Managed or Self Managed). 📍 Where to find this: Your NDIS plan, your Plan Manager, Support Coordinator or Local Area Coordinator (LAC).
Think about your goals
Consider what you want your supports to help you achieve. The clearer your goals, the easier it is to choose providers that are the right fit. 📍 Where to find this: Your NDIS plan, previous reports, or by talking with your family, therapist or Support Coordinator.
Compare providers
Don't feel pressured to choose the first provider you speak with. You can ask questions, compare tbheservices and find a team that aligns with your needs.📍 Where to look: NDIS Provider Finder, Google, recommendations from your Support Coordinator, Plan Manager, therapists or other participants.
Ask the right questions
Ask about consistency, communication, staff training, cancellations, availability and how they match support workers.📍 Tip: Write down your questions before making enquiries so you can compare providers fairly.
Questions, answered.
The stuff you'd want to know before getting started.
How are support workers matched to participants?
What should I expect when starting supports?
Do I need a Support Coordinator?
What if I don't understand my NDIS plan?
What if I choose the wrong provider?
What if my needs change during my NDIS plan?
Find your support worker 