The Hidden Costs of Underutilising Your NDIS Plan
Published at 23-06-2025 14:00:00
The Hidden Costs of Underutilising Your NDIS Plan
When you receive an NDIS plan, it’s designed to support your goals, improve your quality of life, and help you access the services you need. But what happens when you don’t use all your funding? Many participants don’t realise that underutilising their NDIS plan can come with hidden costs—both now and in the future.
In this article, we break down what it means to underutilise your plan, why it happens, and the unexpected consequences you may face.
What does underutilising your NDIS plan mean?
Underutilising your plan means you're not using the full amount of funding available to you across one or more budget categories—whether it’s Core, Capacity Building, or Capital. While this might seem harmless (or even like a good thing), it can have long-term impacts.
Common reasons for underutilisation
There are many reasons participants don’t fully use their NDIS plans:
- Difficulty finding the right providers
- Services being unavailable or having long waitlists
- Uncertainty about what the plan covers
- Feeling overwhelmed or unsupported in navigating the NDIS
- Lack of support from a Support Coordinator or Plan Manager
The hidden costs of underutilisation
Reduced funding in your next plan review
The NDIS reviews how much of your funding you’ve used when preparing your next plan. If large amounts remain unused, the NDIA may assume you don’t need that funding—resulting in reduced supports next time around.
Missed opportunities for growth and independence
Funding exists to help you work towards your goals. Not using it could mean delaying progress in things like building skills, gaining independence, accessing community activities, or improving your mental and physical wellbeing.
Losing access to valuable services
Support workers, therapy, assistive technology, social programs—these can make a huge difference in your daily life. Underutilising your plan can mean missing out on resources that are already funded for you.
Increased stress or burnout for carers
If funded supports aren’t used, family or informal carers may end up filling the gap—leading to exhaustion or burnout. This can also impact your relationships and long-term support arrangements.
Lost ability to trial services
Not using your budget leaves less room for trying new services or therapies. You may also miss your chance to see what works best for you, especially if your needs are changing.
How to avoid underutilisation
- Work with a Support Coordinator (if funded) to help connect you with providers, understand your plan, and manage supports.
- Check in with your Plan Manager regularly to review your spending, identify gaps, and make a plan to use available funds wisely.
- Ask for help early if you’re unsure what you can spend money on—whether that’s for therapy, consumables, transport, or assistive technology.
- Use planning tools like service bookings, budgets, or schedules to stay on track throughout the year.
- Keep records of any delays or issues accessing services to show during your next review that unspent funds weren’t due to lack of need.
Final thoughts
Your NDIS funding is there to support you. If you're unsure how to use it or need guidance, don't wait—reach out to your Plan Manager or Support Coordinator to help you get the most from your plan.
At Just Plan Managers, we make sure you’re supported every step of the way. Whether you’re new to the NDIS or want to make better use of your current plan, we’re here to help you make the most of your funding.