Is your NDIS plan working for you?

If you have an NDIS plan and you're not using all of it, you’re not alone. Many people don’t and there can be many reasons that funding goes unused, and often it has more to do with life than motivation.

selectability’s Chief Operating Officer, Aaron Farrell, said NDIS plan under utilisation was often linked to life changes, support not being the right fit, or a lack of suitable services in the community.

“There is no single reason people don’t fully use their plans, and it doesn't mean they don't need support,” Aaron said.

"selectability operates across 18 regional, rural and remote Queensland communities so we understand the challenges that people face in accessing services locally."

"Additionally, for people with psychosocial disability support doesn’t always follow a neat or structured path.

“Some weeks are harder than others and stepping back from support is just part of being human.”

Common reasons people don’t use all of their NDIS funding include:

• difficulty finding the right provider

• lack of services locally

• the NDIS feeling confusing or overwhelming

• missed appointments where it felt easier to stop altogether

• transport or access becoming a barrier

It’s important to remember that your NDIS plan is there to support your everyday life — including confidence, independence and connection to your community.

“When funding isn’t being used or support isn’t happening regularly, it can make goals feel out of reach and leave people feeling socially disconnected."

Using your plan helps turn funding into real, practical support that can make day?to?day life feel more manageable.

“If you’ve lost touch with a provider or paused support, you can reconnect at any time.”

Some helpful ways to restart support after a break include:

• reaching out to a provider you trusted previously

• asking your plan manager or local area coordinator for help

• trying a different provider if something didn’t feel right

“Often the best approach is to start small and build up in a way that feels comfortable.

“Re?engaging with support is a positive step that can help you move closer to your goals.”