In-kind explained
Before the NDIS was established, state, territory and Commonwealth governments pre-paid a lump sum amount to service providers so they could provide supports to people with disability. When the NDIS started, this changed.
Under the NDIS, funding is given to a participant so they can choose who delivers their supports and when and where.
In some cases, providers are still being paid a lump sum and delivering pre-paid supports to NDIS participants. Participants use these supports but don’t buy the supports with funds in their plans. These supports are known as ‘in-kind’ supports.
Gradually in-kind supports have changed to being paid from your NDIS plan. Some pre-paid arrangements have already changed, and the remaining will occur by 31 December 2024.
If you are an NDIS participant who currently uses in-kind supports, the following information may help you to understand:
- how in-kind supports work in your NDIS plan now.
- how in-kind funding arrangements are changing.
In-kind services in your NDIS plan
If you get an in-kind support, it should be included in your plan if it is reasonable and necessary.
As of 1 January 2024, there are two in-kind programs still operating, which are due to be phased out by 31 December 2024:
If you already get in-kind supports remember they have been pre-paid. You don’t need to pay for them with your NDIS plan funds.
If you are still unsure about your in-kind supports, contact your NDIS Planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC). You should contact them if:
- you believe your planner didn’t consider your in-kind supports when your current plan was made,
- you have started using an in-kind support where the value is not already in your plan.
Your NDIS planner or LAC will then help you make sure the value of your in-kind supports is included your plan.
Plan management for in-kind supports
You can choose who manages your NDIS plan, but the NDIA must manage all your pre-paid in-kind supports because they have been pre-paid.
In-kind service bookings
The NDIA may set up a service booking to show your in-kind supports clearly.
An in-kind service booking is set up so you don’t pay for your in-kind supports out of your NDIS plan. The service booking amount only represents the reasonable and necessary in-kind supports you get. Your in-kind provider doesn’t claim payment from this booking because they have already been paid.
Some participants’ plans have in-kind supports included as items and a service booking. If your plan includes an in-kind item, it is there to show the reasonable and necessary in-kind supports you get.