Making the most of your NDIS plan

Disability support can be a game-changer, helping you live more independently, enhancing your quality of life, and giving you the freedom to do what matters most to you. 

But how can you ensure that you’re using your NDIS funding effectively? Let’s explore some flexible ways to make the most of your funding. 

Your NDIS plan can include three types of support budgets. Of these, your Core Supports funding is the most flexible. It is used to support you with everyday activities, your disability-related needs, and working towards your goals. 

In most cases, your Core Supports budget is flexible, which means that you can choose supports that best meet your disability-related needs. They need to be reasonable and necessary and supports that are funded by the NDIS. 

Find the right support for you 

Often, people with disability use their Core Supports budget to hire support workers who help with personal care, daily activities, and community involvement. However, many people don’t realise how flexible and personalised this can be.  

At Aruma, we’re proud to have a diverse team of support workers who come from a wide range of backgrounds. Often, we can match NDIS participants with support workers who share your hobbies and interests or have specific skills to help you achieve your goals. 

For example, Aruma support worker, Ally, loves the creative arts, and has helped Club Aruma Queensland, set up the performing troupe, Happy Place Entertainers.  

Keep fit with a workout partner 

From swimming to fitness routines, support workers can be great workout partners, keeping you motivated and offering a helping hand when you need it.  

In Baulkham Hills, Support Worker Sandy has been helping Peter smash his health goals. Getting out to gym and having regular swimming sessions has enabled Peter to feel in control of his health and fitness and get back into a routine.  

Explore exciting new hobbies 

The best thing about Club Aruma, is that it’s where disability support is done differently. Connect to new people, step out of your comfort zone and explore ways to make the most of every moment.  

Whether you want to try gaming like a pro, trying a new sport, explore comedy or filmmaking, Club Aruma is the perfect way to try out new hobbies and learn more about yourself.  

A group of participants from Club Aruma in Port Macquarie, have a real passion for the environment and sustainability. The ‘envirogang’ have been keeping local parks and waterways clean for over 12 years. Thanks to a Community Grant from Port Macquarie Hastings Council, this passionate team now has brand-new equipment to keep doing what they do best. 

Get creative with arts and music therapy 

Many people with disability benefit from creative pursuits, such as art and music. From 1 February 2025, NDIS participants can access arts and music therapy through your Core Supports funding. However, it must be delivered by a registered provider and be reasonable and necessary. For example, a qualified Occupational Therapist or Psychologist recommends arts or music therapy as a way to support you. 

Fiona, is an Aruma participant who is making strides in the art world and even had a barbecue lunch, thrown in her honour. She has worked with Arts Project Australia since 1991 and has shown her artwork in galleries around the world. 

This is a general guide only. There are some instances where NDIS participants do not have flexibility in their funding.  

To discuss your support needs, contact our friendly team on 1300 538 746 or enquire through the website.