If a support in your NDIS plan is 'flexible', this means you can use the allocated funding however you like within that category. Some support categories within Core supports are flexible, meaning you can use funding for one to pay for something else within Core supports.

Unlike flexible supports, if funding in your plan is 'stated', you cannot use that money to access any other supports. An example of a support that is stated, meaning the funding is not flexible, is Assistive technology within the Capital support category.

In-kind supports are for services where you already have an agreement in place with a provider to deliver that service. If they have already been paid to support you, they must continue to deliver this service 'in-kind'. If you wish to change providers, speak to your NDIS contact or support coordinator.

This is money that is paid to you by the NDIS on a regular basis. It is often fortnightly and deposited into your bank account. You do not need to claim for recurring supports.

These are when supports have been directly purchased, from a provider or panel of providers, on behalf of a group of participants. This contract is usually for long-term service delivery.

If part or all of your plan is agency-managed, that means the NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency) will manage that funding on your behalf. Supports that are Agency-managed must be serviced by NDIS-registered providers. You cannot use unregistered providers. You can choose to have your plan agency-managed.

Plan-managed (also referred to as Plan Management) is when a Plan Manager looks after part or all of your plan funding. You can request for plan management and appropriate funding will be allocated within your plan to pay for a Plan Manager. Being plan-managed means you can utilise the services of both registered and unregistered providers.

Self-managing your plan means you are responsible for the financial administration of your funding. This includes arranging and paying for supports. A self-managed plan gives you more control of how your funding is spent, but it also means you have the responsibility of budgeting, claiming and paying for supports and keeping invoices. You can choose to self-manage all or part of your plan.

Informal supports are those you can receive outside of the NDIS such as your friends, family and other people in your community. For example, a child living at home will likely receive informal supports from their parents, guardians or carers. If you are currently receiving supports from anyone in your life, these will be noted in your NDIS plan.

Mainstream supports include services outside of the NDIS that are available to everyone in the community, such as public healthcare. Other government-funded services, like Medicare, may be available to help supplement associated costs. Other mainstream supports include family and child protection, education, employment, transport and justice.