As the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) rolls out major changes to NDIS funding cycles, SafeLane Healthcare is stepping up to guide participants through the transition with tailored planning, expert guidance, and a strong commitment to clarity and continuity.

From May 19, 2025, most NDIS participants will be transitioned to fixed 12-month funding periods, a significant structural update intended to simplify funding management and align support budgets with annual reassessment dates. While this change is expected to improve long-term planning, it also presents a range of new responsibilities for participants who must now navigate a more structured system, often with little preparation.

SafeLane Healthcare, a Melbourne-based NDIS service provider, has taken a proactive approach to ensure participants are well-informed, supported, and fully equipped to make the most of their NDIS plans under the new structure.

“By planning early and making participants aware of what the changes mean, we’re helping them avoid confusion and make the most of their funding,” said Shiladitya Ghosh, Director of SafeLane Healthcare. “Our support coordinators are walking each person through their plan to ensure it continues to align with their goals.”

A Major Policy Shift – What’s Changing?

Under the previous funding model, many participants received flexible or variable funding periods that were extended based on plan duration or reassessment delays. With the new model in place, participants will now receive a 12-month fixed funding period starting from their reassessment date, clearly defining how and when funds can be used.

The update aims to improve predictability and budgeting efficiency, offering participants a full-year view of their available resources. However, this also requires a more strategic approach to plan management—something not all participants or their families are immediately prepared for.

For those receiving multiple types of support—from daily personal care to therapy, employment services, community access, and short-term accommodation—understanding how to stretch and allocate funds across a 12-month timeline can quickly become complex.

This is where SafeLane Healthcare’s support coordination services play a vital role.

Bridging the Gap: Support Coordination That Empowers

SafeLane’s experienced team of support coordinators is working closely with participants to:

- Break down funding categories (Core Supports, Capacity Building, and Capital Supports),
- Review ongoing and upcoming service needs across the next 12 months,
- Align support bookings with expected goals and lifestyle changes,
- Map provider engagement strategies to ensure continuity of care.
- Prevent over- or under-utilisation of funds, especially in the latter half of the plan period.

SafeLane’s approach is not just about logistics—it’s about empowering participants to retain full choice and control throughout their journey. This aligns with the NDIA’s core principles and ensures that participants remain at the centre of every decision.

The support coordination team also engages directly with family members, plan nominees, and other service providers to ensure a unified and seamless support experience. For many participants with complex needs or limited decision-making capacity, this level of support provides a safety net that ensures their plan remains active, relevant, and accessible all year round.

Helping Participants Prepare—Before, During, and After the Change

Preparation for the new funding cycle doesn’t start when the plan is approved—it begins well in advance. SafeLane Healthcare has rolled out a multi-stage support model that helps participants prepare before their review date, adjust service delivery schedules, and plan effectively for the full year ahead.

The model includes:

- Pre-Review Strategy Sessions: Reviewing progress against current goals, identifying any gaps in service delivery, and preparing documentation for plan reassessment.

- Post-Approval Budget Mapping: Once the new 12-month plan is approved, SafeLane’s support coordinators help participants design a support calendar that matches funding availability with service need.

- Mid-Year Check-Ins: Scheduled reviews of plan usage, emerging needs, and any unforeseen changes in circumstances to ensure the plan stays relevant and responsive.

- Crisis Response Planning: Developing contingency strategies to handle unexpected health issues, mobility concerns, or urgent care needs without disrupting ongoing services.

These steps help avoid common challenges such as unspent funds, service lapses, or rushed end-of-plan decisions, all of which can negatively impact outcomes for people with disability.

Strengthening Choice and Control in the Face of Change

While structural updates to the NDIS are intended to support better outcomes, the reality is that any system change can cause anxiety and confusion for participants and their families. SafeLane Healthcare recognises this and focuses on maintaining a calm, supportive, and informative environment.

By taking the time to explain policy updates in simple terms and translating them into practical actions, the organisation strengthens participant autonomy, making sure people understand how and why changes are being made and what they can do about it.

SafeLane is also helping participants make the most of their NDIS Core Supports, which cover essential services like assistance with daily living, transport, and community participation. With expert guidance, participants can distribute their funding appropriately to cover immediate needs while planning for longer-term goals.
For individuals with high support needs or those new to the NDIS, this kind of clarity can make all the difference.

“We want every participant to feel in control of their future,” said Ghosh.

“Whether it's navigating funding, setting goals, or adjusting to system changes, SafeLane is here to ensure that no one has to face it alone.”