supports-in-sync-july-23-updates

New Funding Periods in your NDIS Plan

annette@supportsinsync.com.au (Annette Nicholson) — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 01:31:02 GMT

What you need to know

From 19 May 2025 all new NDIS plans are sliced into smaller “funding periods”. Think of these as timed pockets of money you unlock as the plan rolls on.

New Key terms at a glance

Total funding amount
The full dollar value of your plan.
Quick tip: it’s the headline figure.

Funding component
A pot of money for a specific support type (e.g. Core, Improved Daily Living, a wheelchair).
Quick tip: each pot can pay only for the supports listed in it.

Funding period
The time-window during which part of a component becomes spendable (usually three months; some supports unlock monthly or up to 12 months).
Quick tip: unused money rolls into the next period of the same plan, but never into your next plan—you can’t spend future-period money early.

How will the money flow?

Most supports : money released every 3 months.

For example: Sarah is funded $60,000 for 12 months. She has Community Access of $32,000, funding for an OT for $20,000 and Consumables for continence aids $8,000.

Funding breakdown:

Community Access - $8000 per three months

Occupational Therapy - $ 5000 per three months

Consumables - $2000 per three months

Due to a few weeks where Sarah didn't need supports she finishes her first quarter (3 months) with $1500 unspent. This money now goes into the second quarter, so Sarah now has $9,500 for that 3 months. If Sarah had money left over by the time her plan ends in twelve months, then that funding is no longer available for her next plan.

Monthly releases : Supported Independent Living (SIL), Plan Management, Specialist Disability Accomodation (SDA), or Daily Living supports over $200 k/year.

Longer releases one-off items like Assistive Technology may get 12 months up front.

For example: Rina has a new powered wheelchair approved for $15,000. Her family can buy that wheelchair immediately from the date of her new plan, because it is unlocked and is a one off item.

The NDIA can “front-load” more cash early if you need big costs (e.g. continence supplies). Ask during plan reassessment if this applies to you.

For example: Wendy buys her continence supplies in bulk for six months, the NDIS can ensure that Wendy's routine continues when she has a plan review, so that she is not making smaller purchases.

Checking your funding periods

You can see each period’s start date, balance and spend in:

My NDIS participant portal or app
Monthly statement from your plan manager
Your actual plan document

Support coordinators and plan managers can view this too (with your okay). Other providers can’t, so you’ll need to tell them what’s available.

For example: John has weekly supports in the Community with two providers. He only shares his goals and final figure with them. Each provider asks for a breakdown of the total amount allocated for each 3 months, so they can be sure that they are not overspending John's funding. John's support coordinator sends a screen shot of this portion of his plan.

Ran out too soon or got money stuck?

There are ways to tweak things:

Plan variation – fix obvious errors (e.g. fees put in the wrong period).
Internal review – within 3 months if you think the total or the timing is wrong.
Plan reassessment – after 3 months or if your needs change.

In rare cases the NDIS can unlock future-period funds early, but only for exceptional reasons and the overall budget stays the same.

For example:

Storm damage: Maria’s height-adjustable shower base is ruined in Month 1 due to flooding
Urgent need: Replacement ($24 k) exceeds the $7.5 k available this quarter. of her budget of $30,000 per year
Evidence supplied: OT risk report + supplier quote.
NDIA response: Shifts $16.5 k from the next two quarters into the current one.
Result: Invoice paid immediately; total annual budget stays the same.

Your action list

Know your funding periods : check the app/portal when your plan starts.
Match supports to periods : book services so the cash is there when the invoice arrives – discuss these funding periods with your support provider. You can ask for them to show you how they will utilise you’re funding to make it easier to understand.
Talk early : if the schedule doesn’t fit real life, raise it with your support coordinator, Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or the NDIS straight away.

Stay on top of your periods and your plan should last the distance, no nasty surprises needed. Always ask for assistance when you don't understand.

Got a NDIS Eligibility Reassment Letter? Here's what to do.

Fri, 30 May 2025 03:44:47 GMT

Don’t Panic: Here’s some tips

Getting a letter from the NDIA saying they’re reviewing your eligibility can feel scary or confusing — but you’re not alone, and you’ve got time to respond. Here’s a simple guide to help you through it:

1. Take a Deep Breath and Read the Letter

We know it’s not fun, but open the letter and give it a proper read.

Look for the 90-day deadline — that’s how long you’ve got to reply.
See what kind of info they’re asking for (they might not be super clear — that’s okay).

2. Try to Understand What They’re Asking

Usually, they want to check if you still meet the rules to be on the NDIS.
They might be asking for:

Reports about your disability
Info about how it affects your daily life
Anything that helps them make a decision

If you’re unsure what they’re getting at — don’t guess. Ask!

3. Get Someone on Your Side

Don’t do it all alone. Reach out for support:

Call your support coordinator or LAC (Local Area Coordinator)
Ring the NDIA and ask questions
Talk to an advocacy group or legal service — they’re here for this exact reason

4. Start Gathering Your Evidence

This just means collecting reports or letters from your doctor, OT, psychologist — whoever knows your situation well.

The reports should show how your disability affects you every day
Be honest. It’s okay to explain the hard stuff — that’s what helps the most
Keep copies of everything you send

5. Need More Time? Just Ask

Can’t get all the reports in time? No stress — ask the NDIA for an extension.

Explain why (like waiting on appointments or specialist reports)
They’ll usually work with you if you’re doing your best
Keep track of who you spoke to and when

6. Send Everything In

When you’ve got your paperwork ready, send it to the NDIA before the deadline.

Try to include everything in one go
Keep a copy or a photo of what you send
You can upload it to the portal, email it, or post it — whatever works for you

7. If They Say No — Don’t Panic

If the NDIA says you’re no longer eligible, you still have options.

You can ask for a review of the decision
You can also go to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) for a second opinion
Again, don’t go it alone — get support from a legal or advocacy service

One Last Thing: Tell Your Story

Don’t be afraid to write a personal note about what your day-to-day life is like.
Your story matters. You know your situation better than anyone — help them understand that.

Navigating the ICWA Catastrophic Injury Support Scheme with Supports in Sync

Fri, 30 May 2025 03:26:29 GMT

Navigating the ICWA Catastrophic Injury Support Scheme with Supports in Sync

Life can alter in an instant. A car accident can leave someone facing incredible challenges. That’s why the Insurance Commission of WA (ICWA) introduced the Catastrophic Injuries Support Scheme (CIS) on July 1, 2016—to ensure that anyone who experiences a life-altering injury in a car accident gets the care, support, and services they need, no matter who was at fault.

How CIS Helps You

No-Fault Support – Whether the accident was your fault or not, you’re still eligible for care and assistance.

Lifelong Care – If you qualify, you’ll receive ongoing treatment and support for as long as you need it.

Who’s Eligible? – Anyone who has suffered a catastrophic injury in a vehicle accident on or after July 1, 2016.

What Support Can You Receive?

The CIS program covers essential services to help you focus on healing and living your best life, including:

Medical care (including medications)
Dental treatment
Rehabilitation and therapy
Ambulance services
Respite care (so families and carers get a break, too)
Attendant care services
Help around the home (cleaning, cooking, etc.)
Aids and equipment (wheelchairs, communication devices, etc.)
Prosthetics
Education and job training
Home and vehicle modifications to make life easier

What Is a Catastrophic Injury?

A catastrophic injury is one that significantly changes a person’s life and may lead to long-term disability. Some examples include:

Spinal cord injuries
Traumatic brain injuries
Severe burns
Amputations
Multiple fractures
Skull or spinal fractures
Permanent blindness

This scheme was started so that those who have had the trauma of a vehicle accident and are never left without the care they need.

How Supports in Sync Can Help

At Supports in Sync, we know that adjusting to life after a serious injury is overwhelming—for you and your loved ones.

As a registered NDIS provider, we have experience working with people with disabilities and understand the importance of compassionate, person-centered support. We’re now also registered under the Motor Vehicle (Catastrophic Injuries) Act 2016, which means we can provide in-home support services designed to your needs.

Our Support Services

Personal Care & Daily Living – We help with things like personal care (showering, grooming and dressing) meal preparation, and household tasks, making daily life a little easier while giving families and carers some time for themselves.

Community Access & Social Participation – We help you stay connected with your community whether that’s attending appointments, joining social groups, exploring hobbies, or just getting outside to feel the sun and the breeze on your face.

At Supports in Sync, we think you deserve the best care, respect, and support—and we’re here to provide you with just that.

Our support staff follows strict quality and safety standards, so you can trust that you’re in good hands. We take the time to listen to your needs, match you with the right support staff, and create a plan that works just for you—so your care feels seamless, comforting, and supportive. If hiccups happen along the way, we are committed to making sure that the issues are fixed and in a timely manner.

Eligibility guidelines

To access support through the ICWA Catastrophic Injury Support Scheme, an individual must:

Have been injured in a motor vehicle accident in Western Australia on or after July 1, 2016.
Have sustained a catastrophic injury as defined under the scheme.
Not be covered by existing motor vehicle insurance compensation.
ICWA conducts eligibility assessments, ensuring that those who qualify receive the necessary care and Support in Sync

How does Supports in Sync become your preferred provider?

Following these simple steps, you are one step closer to getting the support you require:

Confirm Eligibility – Contact ICWA to determine whether you qualify for the Catastrophic Injury Support Scheme.

Referral & Approval – Once eligibility is confirmed, ICWA assesses your support needs and approves the required services.

Choose SUPPORTS IN SYNC as Your Provider – As a registered provider, SUPPORTS IN SYNC will work with you to develop a personalised support plan.

Start Receiving Support – Our team ensures that your plan is implemented and providing you with high-quality care.

Follow up – We are committed to ensuring our supports and staff are working well with you and your family. With regular check ins and reviews of your support plans when things change.

Get in touch with Supports in Sync today.