What Are Flexible & Stated Supports?
When the NDIA approves your NDIS plan, each funded support is classified as either flexible or stated. This classification determines how much freedom you have in how you use that funding.
Flexible Supports
Funding that can be used across multiple support types within a category. You have more choice in how you spend it.
Stated Supports
Funding locked to a specific support, provider, or purpose. It cannot be redirected to other uses without a plan review.
💡 Your plan manager can tell you exactly which of your supports are flexible and which are stated — and help you make the most of your flexibility. Get started →
Flexible Supports Explained
The most common example of flexible funding is Core Supports. In most NDIS plans, Core funding can be used flexibly across these four sub-categories:
Daily Activities
Assistance with personal care, household tasks, and daily living.
Community Participation
Support to engage with your community and attend activities.
Consumables
Everyday items related to your disability needs.
Transport
Travel to appointments, work, or community activities.
This means if you have $10,000 in Core funding, you can choose to spend more on community participation and less on consumables — or any other combination — based on your needs at the time.
Important: Core flexibility does not extend to Capacity Building or Capital supports. You cannot move Core funding into therapy or assistive technology budgets.
Stated Supports Explained
A stated support is one where the NDIA has specified exactly what the funding must be used for. Common examples include:
Assistive Technology (high cost)
Specific equipment such as a power wheelchair or communication device.
Home Modifications
Structural changes to your home, such as ramp installation or bathroom modifications.
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
Funding for specific SDA housing — cannot be redirected.
Support Coordination (some plans)
In some plans, support coordination is stated to a specific provider or purpose.
Stated supports cannot be redirected to other purposes. If you have $5,000 stated for a specific piece of assistive technology, that money can only be used for that item.
If your circumstances change and you no longer need a stated support, you will need to request a plan review to reallocate the funding.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Flexible Supports | Stated Supports |
|---|---|---|
| Can be used across sub-categories? | Yes — within the same category | No — locked to specific purpose |
| Can be moved to another category? | No | No |
| Common examples | Core Supports (daily activities, transport, etc.) | Assistive technology, home modifications, SDA |
| What if needs change? | Redirect within category freely | Requires plan review to reallocate |
| Provider choice | Any registered or non-registered provider (if plan-managed) | May be restricted to specific provider or item |
How to Know Which Applies to You
Your NDIS plan document will indicate whether supports are flexible or stated. You can also check the myplace participant portal at my.ndis.gov.au .
- If a support is listed with a specific dollar amount and purpose, it is likely stated
- If a support category shows a total budget without sub-category restrictions, it is likely flexible
- Your plan manager can review your plan and explain exactly what flexibility you have
- If you're unsure, ask your NDIA planner, LAC, or support coordinator
Want to understand your plan better? Read our full NDIS plan guide →
Flexible & Stated Supports — Help for Queensland Participants
If you're an NDIS participant on the Gold Coast, in Brisbane, or on the Sunshine Coast and want help understanding which of your supports are flexible or stated, Clear Sky Plan Management can walk you through your plan — in plain language, at no cost to you.
Plan management is funded separately in your NDIS plan — it doesn't come out of your support budget. Register with Clear Sky today.
Frequently Asked Questions
More questions? Visit our FAQ page or contact our team.
