6 min read
Just Browsing, NDIS education, Participant or Nominee, Plan Management, Provider, Support Coordinator, Understanding my plan, Understanding NDIS
December 4, 2025
Key Points:
Summary:
AIIM Choices Plan Managers offers NDIS application assistance and NDIS plan management, helping families secure the right support before the Thriving Kids program rollout next year. The Thriving Kids initiative is planned to provide early developmental support for children under 9 with mild to moderate delays or autism through GPs, schools, and community hubs. With the program launching in July 2026, families who need support now are encouraged to apply for the NDIS to access early intervention and services immediately.
Outline:
As a parent, you want the best for your child. When your little one faces developmental delays or autism, finding the right support can feel challenging. Every child deserves the chance to grow, learn, and reach their full potential. That’s why accessing timely, appropriate support is so important.
The good news is that help is available. You can apply to the NDIS right now to access funding for the supports you need.
You may have heard people talking about the recent government announcement called Thriving Kids. So what is this initiative all about?
Thriving Kids is a future initiative designed to support children under 9 with mild to moderate developmental delays or autism. Announced by Disability and NDIS Minister Mark Butler on 20 August 2025, this program will provide support through everyday settings, such as:
The goal of this initiative is to give families early support in familiar environments. Instead of waiting for more specialised services, families will be able to access helpful programs close to home.
Thriving Kids will sit outside the NDIS. This means the NDIS can continue focusing on people with significant and permanent disability, while Thriving Kids helps those with early developmental needs.
The current plan is that Thriving Kids initiative is expected to launch on July 1, 2026. After that, it will be rolled out in phases over the following 12 months.
However, typically these programs often have slow roll-outs.
Whilst this initiative will provide eligible children with tailored support, families will need to wait until next year to access it. If your child needs support now, waiting several months might not be the best option. Feel free to call AIIM Choices today, 1800 878 978.
For parents whose children need immediate assistance, applying for an NDIS plan today is the most practical step. This ensures your child can access the support they need right away, without delay.
Right now, if your child under 9 needs support, you can apply through the NDIS Early Childhood Approach. This pathway has been designed to help families access early intervention services quickly.
Here’s how it works:
This approach recognises that early intervention makes a real difference. The sooner your child receives support, the better their outcomes can be. For children under 6, a formal diagnosis is not required to access support.
At AIIM Choices Plan Managers, we understand that parents want the best for their children. Our role is to make this journey easier and support you every step of the way.
Until the Thriving Kids begins, we can help you access support now through the NDIS. This includes:
Our team at AIIM Choices specialises in NDIS plan management and understands the unique needs of families with young children.
We know how important it is to act quickly when your child needs support, and we’re here to make that process as smooth as possible.
You don’t have to wait until 2026 to get help for your child. With the right NDIS application assistance and plan management, you can access support today.
Reach out to AIIM Choices Plan Managers to learn more about how we can support your family. Our friendly team is ready to answer your questions, guide you through the process, and help your child access the services they need to grow.
March 25, 2026
NDIS education, Participant or Nominee, Plan Management, Support Coordinator, Understanding my plan
Chat with us online, send us an enquiry, or give us a call 1800 878 978
6 min read
Just Browsing, NDIS education, NDIS Policies, Participant or Nominee, Plan Management, Provider, Support Coordinator, Understanding my plan, Understanding NDIS
November 28, 2025
Key Points:
Summary:
Low-cost assistive technology can make daily life easier, safer, and more independent for NDIS participants. Knowing what can be funded through your NDIS consumables budget can feel uncertain. Some items may be approved as NDIS low cost AT, as long as they link to your plan goals and are recommended by an allied health professional. With support from a caring and experienced NDIS plan manager like AIIM Choices, you can understand what’s claimable and feel confident using your funds wisely.
Outline:
Assistive technology can make daily life safer, easier, and more enjoyable for NDIS participants. From mobility options to modified equipment, these supports can help you stay independent, build confidence, and reach your personal goals.
For many people, a big part of accessing assistive technology comes down to understanding what can be funded through the NDIS, especially when it comes to low-cost items.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how your NDIS consumables budget may be used for low cost assistive technology, what the NDIS looks for, and how a supportive NDIS plan manager like AIIM Choices can help you make informed decisions with confidence.
The short answer is: sometimes.
You may be wondering if items like walking aids or supports for daily routines are covered by the NDIS. In many cases, low cost assistive technology NDIS items can be purchased using your Core-Consumables budget.
It’s tricky. It depends on your goals, your needs, and how the item supports your daily life.
Think of it like this:
Then it may be funded as NDIS low cost AT.
To be funded under your NDIS consumables budget as low-cost assistive technology, the item should:
Your therapist or allied health professional can provide a letter explaining how an item helps you in daily life. This can strengthen your request and make the connection to your goals clearer.
It’s important to remember that even with a letter, the NDIS still decides based on their guidelines.
There are some items the NDIS will not cover, even if they seem helpful.
Examples of items that are not funded include:
Sometimes items feel “sensory”, but if they are commonly purchased by most households, they may still fall under the no-list.
Your NDIS plan manager can help you understand what fits the NDIS rules before you buy. If you are unsure, checking first can prevent disappointment later. We recommend you to have it confirmed in writing by your plan manager, this will ensure reimbursement.
Choosing the right low-cost assistive technology is easier when you have the right support by your side. At AIIM Choices Plan Managers, we provide NDIS plan management services designed to help you make informed decisions and feel confident using your funds.
Things to do:
As your plan manager, we’re here to guide you, answer questions, and help you get the most out of your funding. If you’d like friendly guidance and a clear understanding of what you can claim, we’re only a call or message away.
Are you ready to feel confident with your NDIS funding and make the most of your plan? Get in touch with us today and discover how our caring plan management team can support you on your NDIS journey.
Chat with us online, send us an enquiry, or give us a call 1800 878 978
6 min read
Just Browsing, NDIS education, NDIS Policies, Participant or Nominee, Plan Management, Provider, Support Coordinator, Understanding my plan, Understanding NDIS
November 20, 2025
Key Points:
Summary:
This article highlights how NDIS participants can use their funding to maintain a safe and accessible home environment. This support must be reasonable and necessary, meaning it is only for essential tasks like mowing and basic cleaning that you cannot do because of your disability. The funding comes from your Core Supports budget and is claimed using a specific NDIS line item for house and yard maintenance. The maximum hourly rate for this service is capped at a lower price than a personal care support worker’s rate.
Outline:
1. Introduction
2. What Does House and Yard Maintenance Mean?
3. Is It Included in Your NDIS Plan?
4. Support Worker & Standard Rates
5. Keeping it Reasonable: Managing Your Budget
6. How AIIM Choices Plan Managers Supports Your NDIS Journey
Keeping your home and yard safe and clean is an important part of living well. For many NDIS participants, this kind of support is about health, safety, and independence. Let’s talk about how house and yard maintenance fits into your NDIS plan, how invoicing works for support workers, and what you should keep in mind when using this type of funding.
NDIS House and yard maintenance usually includes practical tasks that help you keep your living space in good condition. This can include things like:
It’s important to remember that this funding is meant for maintenance, not renovations or major landscaping. The goal is to keep your environment safe and accessible, not to upgrade or redecorate your home.
House and yard maintenance NDIS support is not automatically included in your plan. This means that before you book anyone for house or yard work, check your plan carefully first.
This support is usually listed under Core Supports. House and yard maintenance is billed using the NDIS Support Catalogue line item: House and/or Yard Maintenance (Item Ref: 01_019_0120_1_1).
If you’re unsure, you can ask your support coordinator or plan manager to help confirm whether you have NDIS house maintenance funds allocated for it. Sometimes participants assume it’s automatically covered, but that’s not always the case. You must have it specifically included in your plan for NDIS to fund these services.
The rate charged for house and yard maintenance is often lower than the rate for a traditional, high-intensity disability support worker providing personal care. It is a specific, lower-cost item reflecting that it is a domestic activity.
| Support Item | NDIS Maximum Hourly Rate |
| House and/or Yard Maintenance | $56.98 |
When it comes to the number of hours, like your suggestion of four hours per month, you must ask yourself: Is this amount reasonable and necessary for your needs?
The NDIS expects you to be a careful shopper. You should not excessively overspend on this item. For example, if your friend can help mow the lawn for free, the NDIS would not fund a paid service. We always encourage you to get a quote from a potential provider and agree on a clear scope of work before they start.
As your Plan Manager, we are here to help you keep track of these specific budgets. Our NDIS plan managers ensure your provider invoices are correct, use the right codes, and stay within the set price limits, so your funding lasts for your whole plan!
If you need any guidance on setting up service agreements or checking if a cost is compliant, just give us a call.
We support participants across Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, and Darwin, and we’re always here to talk through your options and provide clear guidance.
Planning ahead for your next NDIS plan review? We’ll help you feel prepared by making sure your spending is clear and aligned with your goals, so you can confidently request the support you need moving forward.
If you’re considering switching plan management providers, we can also help you. Our team will walk you through each step and make the transition easy, so you can start enjoying responsive support and a service designed around your goals.
With AIIM Choices Plan Managers, you get more than NDIS plan management services. You gain a caring partner who listens, explains things in everyday language, and stays by your side as your needs grow or change.
We’re here to help you feel supported, informed, and in control of your funding, every step of the way.
Chat with us online, send us an enquiry, or give us a call 1800 878 978
6 min read
Just Browsing, NDIS education, NDIS Policies, Participant or Nominee, Plan Management, Provider, Support Coordinator, Understanding my plan, Understanding NDIS
November 14, 2025
Key Points:
Summary:
The NDIS has clarified and tightened the rules for what is now called Short-Term Respite (STR), moving away from the previous term, Short Term Accommodation (STA). The central rule is that funding must be used for genuine disability-related respite or skill-building breaks, not for holidays. To enforce this, the NDIA now requires providers to submit detailed invoices. These invoices must break down charges into separate components like accommodation, support costs, meals, and activities.
Outline:
1. Introduction
2. What are the Key Updates to STR?
3. How will the Changes to STR Affect NDIS Invoices?
4. How AIIM Choices Plan Managers Helps You Stay Compliant
If you use your NDIS plan for a short break, you need to pay close attention. The rules around what used to be called Short Term Accommodation (STA) have been updated, and the NDIS is now much stricter. The support is officially being called Short Term Respite (STR), which tells you exactly what the focus is: giving you and your carers a necessary rest.
The NDIA has tightened the rules for providers, demanding invoices show a clear, detailed breakdown of all costs. It should include accommodation, support, and activities to prove the stay is truly for disability-related respite, not a holiday.
As your Plan Manager, we’re here to walk you through these changes so your funding remains safe and your claims are processed smoothly. Our NDIS plan managers will make sure you know what counts and how to get it right!
These changes, which came into effect recently with updated guidelines released in October 2025, mean we all need to be a little more careful about how we use and claim this funding.
Probably the most important update about the changes to STA is the NDIS’ focus on respite. More specifically, NDIS short-term respite is not considered a holiday.
To better understand short-term respite and how it can help you, see our comprehensive guide for NDIS participants and families.
The transition from STA to STR means that providers must now give much more detailed invoices. This level of detail is necessary to prove the support was genuinely for respite and not a holiday.
Here is what the NDIS now expects providers to show clearly on their invoices and supporting documents:
| Invoicing Detail | What It Covers |
| Accommodation Component | The daily or hourly charge for the safe, accessible accommodation itself. |
| Daily Living/Care Support | The cost of support workers helping with personal care (showering, dressing) and daily tasks. |
| Activity Costs | Costs for any organised activities you participated in during the stay that help you work toward your NDIS goals (e.g., a skill-building group). |
| Meals | The cost of meals, particularly if you are in a shared or group setting where these are bundled into the daily rate. |
| Goal Alignment | A clear note on how the stay and activities met one or more goals in your NDIS plan. |
| For Providers | Case notes are required by the NDIS. |
The bottom line: If a provider does not itemise the costs clearly, the claim may be rejected by the NDIS.
As your Plan Manager, we are by your side:
If you are planning a Short-Term Respite stay, please chat with your plan manager, provider or the Support Coordinator first. Get a clear service agreement from your provider and ensure the activities have a genuine respite or skill-building purpose. This will ensure your funds are used correctly and claims are paid smoothly.
At AIIM Choices Plan Managers, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. If you’re unsure how to plan your stay or need help checking that your arrangements meet the latest Short-Term Respite guidelines, our friendly team is ready to support you.
Already receiving plan management somewhere else, but thinking about switching plan management? We can help you move across easily, with no stress and no interruption to your support. Our NDIS plan management services are designed to give you clarity, confidence, and a team that listens.
We proudly support NDIS participants across Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, and Darwin, and we’re always just a phone call or email away.
If you have any questions about planning your respite, or if you’d like help making sure your break is funded correctly, please reach out. We’re here to make the NDIS feel easier and ensure you feel supported every step of the way.
Chat with us online, send us an enquiry, or give us a call 1800 878 978
4 min read
Just Browsing, NDIS education, NDIS Policies, Participant or Nominee, Plan Management, Understanding my plan
October 30, 2025
Key Points:
Summary:
Identity theft is a risk throughout your NDIS journey. Scammers can try to steal your personal details during the application process or by submitting fake invoices against your plan. To protect yourself, always keep your login details private, be cautious of suspicious calls, and regularly check your plan’s statements. If you think you’ve been targeted, change your passwords and report it to the NDIS and IDCARE right away.
Outline:
1. Your NDIS Plan and Identity Theft
2. Identity Theft and Your NDIS Application
3. Protecting Your NDIS Plan
4. How to Protect Yourself?
5. What if Something Feels Wrong?
6. How AIIM Choices Plan Managers Can Help
Let’s talk about something really important and sometimes a bit scary, which is keeping your personal information safe. This is crucial for both your NDIS application and your plan. Identity theft is a real threat, and knowing how it can affect you is the first step to staying safe.
Identity theft happens when a scammer steals your personal details like your name, date of birth, or NDIS number, to pretend to be you. They might use this information to create fake invoices, claim funds for services you never received, or even try to change your bank details. This can cause a lot of stress and confusion, and it can seriously impact the funding you need for your supports.
The NDIS application process is full of sensitive information, which makes it a target for scammers. They might:
If they get your details, they could use them to create a fake NDIS profile or submit false claims later.
Once you have your plan, staying vigilant is key to protecting yourself or your loved ones. Identity theft can lead to many situations, like:
If your application isn’t successful, or if you don’t meet the NDIS eligibility requirements, please If you suspect you’ve been a victim of a scam, it can feel overwhelming. But you’re not alone.
Staying informed and being proactive are the best ways to protect your NDIS application and your plan.
At AIIM Choices Plan Managers, our experienced NDIS plan managers are here to give you more than just budget support. We help you stay safe, informed, and in control. We make sure every invoice, claim, and transaction is verified and accurate, reducing the risk of unauthorised activity or errors that could affect your funding.
Our NDIS plan management services provide full visibility over your spending, with regular updates and reports so you always know where your money is going. We take care of the financial side, giving you the freedom to focus on your goals and not the paperwork.
If you’re currently self-managing or considering switching plan management providers, AIIM Choices Plan Managers can make the transition smooth and simple. With us by your side, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your NDIS funds are protected, compliant, and managed with care.
References:
July 23, 2025
Just Browsing, NDIS education, Participant or Nominee, Plan Management, Understanding my plan, Understanding NDIS
Chat with us online, send us an enquiry, or give us a call 1800 878 978
5min read
Just Browsing, Participant or Nominee, Plan Management
November 21, 2024
We’re excited to announce that AIIM Choices Plan Managers has formed new partnerships with The Personnel Group and Fort Healthcare as part of our Ambassador Program.
These collaborations mark a wonderful step forward in our journey to create a stronger, more connected community that respects people and their differing abilities.
Together we are committed to delivering inclusive, compassionate, and high-quality support to those who need it most.
At AIIM Choices Plan Managers it’s about improving outcomes for the disability community.
We believe that exceptional care happens when people and organizations work together with shared values and a shared purpose.
Through the Ambassador Program, we’re able to foster an environment where everyone can access exceptional inclusive healthcare support.
By forming partnerships with like-minded organizations that share our passion and objectives, we’re able to make this vision a reality.
These collaborations will help extend our impact, allowing us to deliver inclusive and meaningful support that is sensitive to the unique needs of each individual.
Together, we’re building a healthcare network where quality care is not just a promise, but a shared commitment.
Fort Healthcare is an organisation that has made its mark through high-quality, responsive healthcare services. They’ve built a reputation for going above and beyond to deliver personalised care that puts people first.
This dedication to compassionate, individualised care aligns perfectly with our own mission, and we’re honoured to have them on board as an Ambassador.
Specialising in employment support services, The Personnel Group empowers individuals with disabilities to achieve independence and succeed in the workforce and their communities.
Their commitment to creating accessible opportunities is a powerful addition to our program’s mission, as we aim to enhance the quality of life for every individual we serve.
We are delighted to work alongside these remarkable organisations. Together, we’re paving the way toward a future filled with empathy, respect, and opportunity for all. Visit our Community page to learn more about how this initiative is making a difference.
February 14, 2025
Just Browsing, Managing supports, NDIS education, NDIS Policies, Participant or Nominee, Plan Management, Understanding my plan, Understanding NDIS
Chat with us online, send us an enquiry, or give us a call 1800 878 978
1min read
NDIS education, NDIS Policies, Participant or Nominee, Plan Management, Provider, Understanding my plan, Understanding NDIS
July 29, 2024
The NDIS has changed to a new computer system called
PACE. It is designed to enhance the efficiency of service
delivery to NDIS participants and improve oversight of service
providers throughout the entire process.
It’s a good change as it ensures the participant can
independently choose their preferred NDIS plan manager.
AIIM Choices Plan Mangers is your award-winning plan manager. We
are about building a relationship with each participant so we
can understand their unique situation.
We listen and care about improving your NDIS outcomes.
What next? … Call the NDIS on 1800 800 110 or your NDIS
representative about endorsing AIIM Choices as your plan
manager on the new PACE system.
AIIM Choices Plan Managers is committed to creating a stronger healthcare community that provides people with the care and support they
need. Through collaborations with like-minded organisations like
The Personnel Group and Fort Healthcare, AIIM Choices aims to
deliver compassionate, inclusive, and high-quality care to those
who need it the most.
April 14, 2026
NDIS education, Participant or Nominee, Plan Management, Support Coordinator
Chat with us online, send us an enquiry, or give us a call 1800 878 978
5min read
September 13, 2023
By creating a space of warmth and support for minorities and actively listening to their stories, AIIM Choices, an independent NDIS plan management provider, won the “Employer of Choice” title in the 2023 Albury Wodonga Business Awards. This mirrors the core principle of care-driven action and leadership embedded throughout the organisation, with Anna Yang, AIIM Choices’ senior plan manager and Chinese consultant, also honored with the “Outstanding Business Leader (Under 35)” award that same evening.
James Price, the managing director of AIIM Choices, delved deeper into the ethos of the business, emphasizing the wrap-around support it extends to its participants, captured succinctly in its catchphrase: “we listen, we care.” He also elaborated on the intimate and collaborative nature of AIIM Choices’ environment. This positive energy within AIIM Choices’ team radiates to their clients, championing a more inclusive and equitable world for everyone.
Learn more about AIIM Choices and the recent 2023 Albury Wodonga Business Awards in this post.
October 30, 2025
Just Browsing, NDIS education, NDIS Policies, Participant or Nominee, Plan Management, Understanding my plan
Chat with us online, send us an enquiry, or give us a call 1800 878 978
