What Happens to Your NDIS Plan When You Go Overseas?

Planning a trip overseas is exciting. If you're an NDIS participant, there's usually one question that creeps in alongside the packing list: can I still use my plan while I'm away?

The short answer is yes. The NDIS does allow you to access your funding while overseas. This guide walks you through everything you need to know so you can travel with confidence and come home without any nasty surprises.

What Does the NDIS Allow?

As long as your funding is self-managed or plan-managed, you can use your supports funding for up to 6-weeks overseas.

The 6-Week Grace Period

The NDIS provides a 6-week grace period. If you'll be overseas for more than 6-weeks and want to continue using your funding, you'll need to contact the NDIS to request an extension.

When you reach out, let them know:

• How long you’re planning to be overseas.
• The purpose of your trip. 
• What supports you need while you're away.
• Why you still need access to these supports.

For more detail on what the NDIS considers when reviewing extension requests, visit the NDIS | Your Plan guideline.

Self-Managed or Plan-Managed Funding

If your funding is already self-managed or plan-managed, the claiming process only changes slightly. 

If you currently have agency-managed funding and want to use those supports overseas, contact the NDIS to request a change to your funding management style before your trip. Allow at least a few weeks for this to be processed.

Paying Upfront and Claiming Back

As NDIS funding must be claimed in Australian dollars and overseas bank accounts can't be deposited into, you'll need to pay for supports upfront and then claim reimbursement through your NDIS funding. To do this successfully, you'll need the right documents in place.

Documents You'll Need

Overseas providers won’t have an Australian Business Number (ABN). You’ll need each provider to fill out an ATO | Statement by Supplier form. This isn't something you can complete on their behalf, the provider must complete it themselves.

When filling out the form, providers should select the ABN exemption option for 'not carrying out a business enterprise in Australia'. Check this is completed correctly before you leave their office.

Preparing Your Claims

Step 1: Contact the NDIS:

• Notify NDIS of your plans to use supports while you’re overseas. 
• If you'll be away for longer than 6-weeks, ask about extending the standard grace period.
• Confirm whether you need to change your funding management style before you leave.

You can contact the NDIS via:

• Phone: 1800 800 110
• Email: enquiries@ndis.gov.au

Step 2: Notify Your NDIS team and Providers:

• If you have a Support Coordinator or Plan Manager, let them know your plans in advance so they can help you prepare.
• Give your regular providers plenty of notice so you're not charged for cancellations while you're away.

Step 3: Sort Out Your Statement by Supplier Forms

• Print out enough ATO | Statement by Supplier forms to cover your trip or set up a way to complete them electronically while overseas.

• Have each overseas provider fill out a form at the time you pay for their support.
• Keep all completed forms somewhere safe. You'll need them when you get home.

Step 4: Collect the Right Receipts

For each support you intend to claim, make sure your receipt:

• Is issued in Australian dollars.
• Clearly shows the date it was issued.
• Clearly shows the support provided and confirms it is an eligible NDIS support.
• If the receipt includes non-NDIS items, mark or highlight only the items you're claiming under NDIS before submitting.

Step 5: Submit Your Reimbursement When You Return

Once you're home, gather all your documents: 

• Your completed Statement by Supplier forms.
• Your receipts and your reimbursement form. 

Submit everything together to make your claims.

If you're a Provider Choice participant, visit our NDIS Reimbursements page to find out how we make the process faster. 

Travelling with an NDIS plan doesn't have to be stressful. With the right preparation before you leave, you can focus on the trip and sort the paperwork when you're back.

The key is giving yourself plenty of lead time. Notify the NDIS, get your funding management sorted and brief your providers before you go. The more organised you are upfront, the smoother the whole process will be. For one-to-one support, schedule a call with a Guru.

References: 
NDIS | Your Plan (downloadable resource)
ATO | Statement by Supplier form
Provider Choice | NDIS Reimbursements, Made Faster