Research has found that if you have a disability you are more likely to experience financial abuse. Common forms of abuse are the perpetrator spending NDIS funds on themselves or restricting your access to or autonomy over your funds. Someone restricting, denying or hindering your access to the NDIS altogether is abusive.

NDIS funds can be self managed by you or someone close to you. You should always get a say in how NDIS funds are spent and they should never be taken by other people or be used to pay for other people’s things or services. Fraudulently using or misappropriating NDIS funds is a crime.

It is important to know that you can have a NDIS plan manager to help with managing your funds. These plan managers must meet NDIS Practice Standards and adhere to the NDIS Code of Conduct - they help ensure that your NDIS funds are available for you to use in the areas you need them most. You work together with your plan manager and have control over how your funds are used.

There are many different types of supports available to you through the NDIS which include:

• Home and daily living services to help you live independently including help with personal care, cooking and cleaning.
• Help make your home more accessible by installing things like ramps or handrails and funding assistive technologies like mobility devices, ipads and hearing aids.
• Health and wellbeing services like physiotherapy, mental health support and women’s health services including family violence support.
• The NDIS also connects you to services in your community and giving support to help participate in your community and helping you to establish a wider support network. This includes support going to events and public places, connections to doctors, community groups, sporting clubs, support groups, libraries and schools.