One of the most common questions from NDIS participants, families, and support coordinators is which part of an NDIS plan physiotherapy actually comes from. Understanding the NDIS category physiotherapy sits under helps with planning, budgeting, and making sure the right funding is allocated when a plan is reviewed. The Short Answer Physiotherapy is generally funded …
One of the most common questions from NDIS participants, families, and support coordinators is which part of an NDIS plan physiotherapy actually comes from. Understanding the NDIS category physiotherapy sits under helps with planning, budgeting, and making sure the right funding is allocated when a plan is reviewed.
The Short Answer
Physiotherapy is generally funded under Capacity Building Supports, specifically within the Improved Daily Living budget category. This category funds supports that help participants build skills, independence, and function over time, which aligns directly with what physiotherapy aims to achieve.
In some cases, particularly where physiotherapy is part of a broader support need, it may also be referenced under Improved Health and Wellbeing, though Improved Daily Living is the most common category for physiotherapy line items.
Why This Category Matters
Capacity Building funding is different from Core Supports funding in an important way. Core Supports are generally more flexible and can be moved between different types of everyday supports. Capacity Building funding, on the other hand, is allocated to specific categories for specific purposes, and is not as easily transferred between categories.
This means the funding allocated to Improved Daily Living for physiotherapy is generally intended to be used for that purpose, and cannot simply be redirected to cover other types of support if physiotherapy is not used. For participants and families, this is a strong reason to engage with physiotherapy services if it has been included in a plan, since unused Capacity Building funding in this category may not roll over or be reallocated as easily as Core Supports funding might.
How This Affects Plan Reviews
Because physiotherapy sits within Capacity Building, progress made through physiotherapy is often directly relevant to plan reviews. The NDIA looks at whether supports funded under Capacity Building are leading to meaningful improvements in a participant’s function and independence.
This is why physiotherapists working with NDIS participants typically provide progress notes, reports, or updates that link back to the participant’s stated goals. These reports help demonstrate that the funding allocated to physiotherapy under Improved Daily Living is being used effectively, and can support a case for continued or adjusted funding at the next plan review.
What This Means for Support Coordinators
For support coordinators, knowing that physiotherapy sits under Improved Daily Living within Capacity Building helps when checking a participant’s plan to confirm available funding before making a referral. It also helps when discussing goals with a participant, since physiotherapy can be framed in terms of the specific capacity-building outcomes it supports, such as improved mobility, reduced falls risk, or greater independence with daily activities.
When making a referral, it is helpful to confirm with the provider how they will report on progress, since this directly supports the Capacity Building funding category and the participant’s broader plan goals.
What This Means for Participants and Families
If physiotherapy is included in your plan under Capacity Building, it is there because it is expected to contribute to specific goals around independence and daily function. Engaging consistently with both clinical sessions and any home exercise program recommended by your physiotherapist makes the most of this funding and helps build a clear picture of progress for future plan reviews.
If you are unsure how much funding has been allocated to physiotherapy under your plan, or whether it sits under Improved Daily Living or another category, your support coordinator or plan manager can help clarify this based on your specific plan.
Get in Touch
If you would like to discuss how physiotherapy fits into your NDIS plan goals, or make a referral, contact Bayside Mobile Physio on 0468 079 075 or [email protected].
