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Can You Move NDIS Funding Between Categories?
You might have money left in one part of your NDIS plan but need more in another. Can you move that funding around?
Sometimes, but it depends on your support budget and the rules in your plan.
Think of your NDIS plan like a house with four rooms. Each room is a support budget. Inside each room are smaller spaces called support categories.
Some funding can be used across those smaller spaces. But you can't simply move funding from one room to another.
Here's how it works.
What's the difference between a budget and a category?
The NDIS has four main support budgets:
- Core Supports: Help with everyday activities.
- Capacity Building Supports: Help you build skills and independence.
- Capital Supports: Help pay for things like equipment and home modifications.
- Recurring Supports: Cover certain regular payments, such as eligible transport funding.
Each budget contains support categories.
For example, Core Supports includes Assistance with Daily Life and Consumables.
Read the NDIS guide to support budgets.
Can I move funding between Core Supports categories?
Often, yes.
Some Core Supports funding is flexible. This means you may be able to use your available funding across eligible flexible Core categories.
These can include:
- Assistance with Daily Life.
- Consumables.
- Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation.
- Transport for eligible provider-delivered transport supports.
However, not all Core funding is flexible. Some categories, such as Home and Living, are stated and have specific rules.
You must also use your funding for eligible NDIS supports that fit your plan. Always check whether your funding is described as flexible or stated.
Read the NDIS guide to Core Supports.
Does it matter how my funding is managed?
Yes.
Your funding may be:
- Self-managed.
- Plan-managed.
- NDIA-managed.
Flexibility between Core categories can depend on how the funding is managed.
For example, if two flexible Core categories are both plan-managed, you may be able to use funding across them.
But if the categories have different management arrangements, you shouldn't assume the funding can be shared. Ask your plan manager or NDIS contact if you're unsure.
Can I move Capacity Building or Capital funding?
Generally, no.
Capacity Building funding is stated. You cannot move funding between its support categories.
For example, you cannot simply move money from Improved Daily Living into Improved Relationships.
Capital funding is also stated. You must use it for the eligible supports described in your plan.
You may have some choice about which eligible supports or providers to use within a stated category, but you must follow your plan's rules.
Read the NDIS guide to Capacity Building Supports and the NDIS guide to Capital Supports.
Can I move money between the four main budgets?
No, not yourself.
You cannot simply transfer money from Core Supports to Capacity Building, Capital or Recurring Supports. Each budget has its own purpose and funding rules.
Even when your funding is flexible, that doesn't mean you can spend it on anything.
What if I need funding in a different category?
If your funding no longer matches your support needs, contact your NDIS representative.
They can explain whether you need to request a change to your plan. Your plan manager can help you understand your current budgets, but they cannot change your approved funding allocations.
Don't use stated funding for a different purpose without checking the rules first.
Need help understanding your NDIS budgets?
Kismet Healthcare helps plan-managed participants track their funding, understand available balances and manage eligible provider invoices.
Learn more about Kismet Plan Management.