Building your NDIS Budget

A budget is a simple plan to keep track of your spending. It helps make sure your NDIS funding lasts for the whole plan period and covers the things you need most. In this module, we’ll look at how to set up a basic budget and use it to guide your spending.

 What is a Budget?

A budget is the total amount of money you have available in your NDIS plan. When you make a budget, you decide how to split up this amount so it can cover your essential supports for the whole plan period.

Why is a Budget Important?

• It keeps you from running out of funds too soon.
• It helps you keep track of your spending so you can stay within your funding limits.

Setting Your Budget

1. Start with Your Monthly Budget

Divide your total NDIS funding by the number of months in your plan. This will show you how much you can spend each month without going over your budget.

2. Prioritise Needs Over Wants

List out your main supports that are essential for daily life, like:

• Personal Care
• Therapy Sessions
• Mobility Aids

Once these are covered, you can think about any additional supports you want but don’t necessarily need.

3. Track Your Budget Regularly

Make it a habit to check your spending each month. This will help you stay within your budget and give you time to adjust if you’re spending more or less than expected.

Tools to Help with Budgeting

Physical Notebook

If you like writing things down, a simple notebook can work well. Write down your monthly spending and compare it to your budget.

Budgeting Apps and Spreadsheets

Some people prefer using a digital tool. Budgeting apps or a basic spreadsheet can help you track spending and even alert you if you’re getting close to your limit.

Activity: Setting Up Your Monthly Budget

1. Write down your total NDIS funding amount.
2. Divide this by the number of months in your plan to see your monthly budget.
3. List three essential supports that your monthly budget should cover (e.g., therapy, personal care, transport).

Helpful Links

• NDIS Budget and Spending Advice: https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/creating-your-plan/budget-and-spending-advice
• Managing Your NDIS Funding: https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/using-your-plan/self-management