How to Use NDIS Funding for Behaviour Support — A Plain-English Guide
Navigating NDIS funding can feel complicated, particularly when you're also trying to understand a new type of support like behaviour support. This guide explains how NDIS funding for behaviour support works in plain language — which budget categories are involved, how payments are managed, and what to do if you're not sure whether your plan covers it.
Please note: NDIS funding rules and pricing change from time to time. Always check the current NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits on the NDIS website, or speak with your Support Coordinator or planner, for the most up-to-date information about your specific plan.
Which NDIS budget covers behaviour support?
Behaviour support services are generally funded under the Capacity Building budget — specifically the Improved Relationships support category (Support Category 7). This is distinct from the Core Supports budget, which covers everyday support workers and personal care.
The Improved Relationships category funds:
- Specialist Behaviour Support assessments and practitioner time
- Development of Behaviour Support Plans (interim and comprehensive)
- Ongoing review and monitoring of Behaviour Support Plans
- Training for carers and support workers in implementing behaviour support strategies
Does my NDIS plan need to specifically mention behaviour support?
Generally yes — to access funded specialist behaviour support services, your NDIS plan needs to include funding in the Capacity Building — Improved Relationships category. If your plan does not currently include this funding, you may need to request it at your next plan review by providing evidence of the participant's support needs.
If you're unsure whether your current plan includes behaviour support funding, check the plan document or speak with your Support Coordinator, Local Area Coordinator (LAC), or NDIS planner.
Who can access NDIS behaviour support funding?
NDIS behaviour support funding is available to participants whose plans include Capacity Building — Improved Relationships funding. This is typically included in plans where:
- A participant has behaviours of concern that are impacting their safety, wellbeing, or participation
- Restrictive practices are currently in use and require oversight and a formal plan
- A functional behaviour assessment has identified a need for specialist support
- The participant's team, GP, or other practitioners have recommended behaviour support
How is behaviour support paid for?
How behaviour support is paid for depends on how your NDIS plan is managed:
Plan managed
If your plan is managed by a Plan Manager, the process is straightforward. You engage the behaviour support provider, they provide services, they invoice the Plan Manager, and the Plan Manager pays them from your NDIS funding. You don't need to handle any of the financial transactions yourself.
Self managed
If you self-manage your NDIS funding, you pay the provider directly and then claim reimbursement through the NDIS myplace portal. You have more flexibility in who you engage, but you also take on more administrative responsibility.
Agency managed (NDIA managed)
If your plan is agency managed by the NDIA, you can only engage NDIS registered providers for behaviour support services. The provider must be registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission and will claim directly from your NDIS funding via the NDIS portal.
Important: If your plan is agency managed, make sure any behaviour support provider you engage is NDIS registered before proceeding. Engaging an unregistered provider with an agency-managed plan is not permitted under NDIS rules.
What does behaviour support cost under the NDIS?
Behaviour support services are priced in accordance with the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits, which set maximum rates that providers can charge. The specific rate depends on the type of service (e.g. assessment, plan development, review, training) and the practitioner's registration level. Your provider should be able to explain the rates that apply to your situation before you begin.
What if my plan doesn't include enough funding?
If you believe your plan doesn't adequately fund the behaviour support your family member needs, you have options. You can request a plan review — either a scheduled review or an unscheduled review if circumstances have changed significantly. Supporting evidence from practitioners, GPs, or other professionals strengthens a review request. A Support Coordinator can help you navigate this process.
Getting started
Once you've confirmed your plan includes Capacity Building — Improved Relationships funding, the next step is simply to make contact with a behaviour support provider. Most providers, including Aceso Therapy, will discuss your situation and confirm whether the available funding is likely to cover the support needed before any formal engagement begins.
Not sure where to start? Talk to us.
We are happy to discuss your NDIS plan and funding before any commitment. We work with plan-managed, self-managed, and agency-managed participants across the Hills District and Greater Sydney.