How To Avoid Debt Because Of NDIS
- Written by News Co
The NDIS is an Australian Government initiative aiming to assist people with disabilities and special needs by funding costs related to their incapacities. While it sounds like gaining access to a pot of gold that would finally make life easier, it's an easy road to huge debts. We will highlight how NDIS leads to stratospheric expenses and how to prevent it from happening.
How Families Owed A Lot Due To NDIS
Lack of knowledge and mismanagement led participants and their families to a lot of complexities. Unaware of the complete guidelines, guardians and special needs individuals end up buying tons of unapproved items. Due to this, they got themselves into a frustrating surprise during the NDIS audit.
Participants bought gadgets, groceries, podiatry and signed up for gym memberships and massage services that are not claimable. After the audit, they received a staggering bill amounting to thousands of dollars, a figure they need to pay back.
Also, the NDIS budget has a limit. Thus, it is crucial to keep tabs of all cost and make sure that it's carefully managed. Those who chose to self-manage their funds are more susceptible to this bill shock. However, it won't be something they could dispute as NDIS guidelines detailed these matters on their channels and in the signed agreement.
How To Avoid Drowning Into Huge Debt Because Of NDIS?
Fortunately, there's a way to avoid owing a considerable sum of money out of NDIS misuse. We provided below some tips to keep this funding solution from feeding an ever-existent problem that is finance.
Do Not Self-Manage
Not trusting anyone to manage funds could be your undoing, especially for a complicated program like NDIS. If you chose self-management, you would need a complete understanding of your entitlements, products you can purchase, and how to make the most of this support.
If you prefer a risk-free way to manage your funds and only buy claimable expenditure, the best option is to get an NDIS plan management. You would receive education about your plan inclusions and how to spend the funds correctly by availing of this service. The plan manager will also connect you to a network of service providers and experts that could help improve your way of living by making the most out of your NDIS allocation.
Learn More About NDIS Budgets
Whether you avail of an NDIS plan management or not, some self-education about the budget categories wouldn't hurt. The classifications and descriptions of expenses you can make using the NDIS funds are all published on their website.
Take time to read and ask support groups to refer you to an NDIS plan manager or a useful resource page if you plan to do it independently.
See It Work
If you are keen on freely handling your NDIS, a good piece of advice would be to test and see it work. After reading the guidelines, purchase a few items you think would be claimable. Ensure that you only spend an amount you can shoulder if it turns out to be an unclaimable cost.
If you hire an NDIS plan manager, don't hesitate to ask questions and clear any doubts before availing of some services. In return, answer their questions truthfully and understand your aim so they can formulate a plan that would align with your needs and future goals.