Managing Multiple NDIS Supports at Once in Victoria: Practical Tips

Many participants receive more than one type of NDIS support – for example personal care, therapy and transport. Juggling these services can feel overwhelming, especially when plans are updated or new providers are added. This guide explains how to keep everything organised, stay within the latest NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits, and make the most of the funding you are entitled to.

What the support is and who it helps

“Managing multiple NDIS supports” is not a separate funded item; it is a set of strategies that help participants coordinate the various services they receive. It benefits people who have complex or intersecting needs – such as a young adult with cerebral palsy who requires daily personal care, weekly physiotherapy and occasional transport to community activities. By using a clear coordination approach, participants can avoid gaps in care, reduce duplication and ensure each support aligns with their goals.

Eligibility and access rules

All NDIS participants who have an approved plan can coordinate more than one support. The key eligibility points are:

• NDIS eligibility: You must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or hold a protected visa, and have a permanent disability that is likely to be lifelong.
• Plan approval: Your plan must list each support you wish to receive. If a support is missing, you can request a plan review.
• Provider registration: Each provider must be NDIS‑registered unless you use a self‑managed arrangement.
• Coordination of supports: You may appoint a support coordinator or a plan manager to help you organise services, but you can also manage them yourself.

There are no separate eligibility criteria for “multiple‑support management” – the rule is simply that each individual support must meet the standard NDIS eligibility requirements.

What’s included and what’s not included

Included items are the services already listed in your plan, such as:

• Personal care (daily hygiene, dressing, meals)
• Therapeutic supports (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology)
• Transport assistance for appointments and community participation
• Assistive technology and home modifications that support independence

What is not included:

• Any service that is not recorded in your approved plan.
• Costs that fall outside the latest NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits, such as excessive travel mileage or premium fees.
• Non‑NDIS funded items like private health insurance rebates or out‑of‑pocket purchases.

Keeping a clear list of what is funded helps you avoid accidental over‑charging and ensures providers bill correctly.

Funding and planning considerations

When you have several supports, the total budget is split across the relevant categories in your plan – Core, Capital and Capacity Building. To stay within the limits:

1. Review your plan budget: Identify how much is allocated for each support type. If you notice a shortfall, discuss a plan review with your planner.
2. Prioritise goals: Align each support with a specific goal (e.g., “increase community participation”). This makes it easier to justify spending.
3. Use the latest NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits: All providers must charge rates that match the published limits. If you receive an invoice that exceeds these limits, you can request a correction.
4. Combine similar services: Some providers can deliver both personal care and therapy in one visit, reducing travel costs.
5. Monitor usage: Track the number of hours used each month. Most participants find a simple spreadsheet or a free NDIS app helpful.

Remember that if you are self‑managing, you are responsible for ensuring each claim complies with the pricing arrangements. If you use a plan manager, they will check the invoices before payment.

How to request or activate the support

Activating multiple supports follows the same steps as any NDIS service, but coordination adds a few extra actions:

1. Confirm your plan details: Log into the My NDIS portal and verify that each support is listed with the correct budget.
2. Select registered providers: Use the NDIS Provider Finder or ask your support coordinator for recommendations. For local options, see NDIS home care supports in Wyndham, NDIS home care in Wyndham and NDIS home care supports in Victoria.
3. Set up service agreements: Each provider must sign a written agreement that outlines the scope, frequency and cost of the service.
4. Schedule appointments: Create a master calendar that shows when each provider will visit. Colour‑code the entries (e.g., blue for therapy, green for personal care).
5. Submit claims: If you self‑manage, upload receipts to the portal within 30 days of service delivery. If you have a plan manager, forward the invoices to them for processing.
6. Review and adjust: After the first month, assess whether the schedule works. If you need more or fewer hours, discuss changes with your planner before the next plan review.

Local context – Belgravia, Chelsea and Pimlico

Victoria’s western suburbs have a growing community of NDIS participants. In Belgravia, many families rely on local transport services that can link participants to nearby medical appointments. Chelsea offers a range of community‑based therapy clinics, making it easier to combine physiotherapy with personal care visits. Pimlico has several registered home‑care providers who specialise in culturally appropriate services, which can be important for participants from diverse backgrounds.

When you live in or near these areas, consider the following practical tips:

• Map out the nearest providers in each suburb and note their operating hours.
• Check whether providers offer “joint visits” – a therapist and personal carer arriving together can reduce travel time and cost.
• Use local community centres as hubs for group activities; many offer NDIS‑approved transport that can be scheduled alongside individual supports.
• Engage with the local NDIS office for information on any area‑specific initiatives, such as trial transport schemes in Belgravia.

By tailoring your coordination strategy to the resources available in Belgravia, Chelsea and Pimlico, you can maximise the efficiency of your plan.

Frequently asked questions

This article is general information only. Check your plan and speak with your planner or support coordinator.