The NDIS can feel like a maze of acronyms, policies, and budget decisions. Two terms that often confuse participants and families are TSP (Typical Support Package) and Streaming Factors. Both play a big role in how much support funding a participant receives and what type of NDIA contact they’ll get.
This guide explains what they mean, why they matter, and—most importantly—what you can do if you believe a participant has been underfunded or incorrectly “streamed.”
What is a TSP?
TSP stands for Typical Support Package. It is essentially a default funding model that the NDIS uses when there isn’t enough evidence to create a personalised budget. Rather than start from scratch, the NDIA looks at data such as:
- Disability type and diagnosis
- Living arrangements (alone, with family, in SIL)
- Age group
- Functional capacity and informal supports
The TSP is a “ballpark” number derived from historic averages of participants with similar profiles. While it can help speed up planning—especially during early NDIS rollout—it is not tailored to individual needs.
Why the TSP Can Be Problematic
The issue with TSP allocations is that they rely on generalised data, which doesn’t always capture the complexity of someone’s situation. A participant with high behavioural needs, complex health requirements, or little informal support may find that the default TSP budget is far too low to meet their real-world needs.
The Australian National Audit Office and sector experts (such as Team DSC and Achievable) have raised concerns about data quality and variability, particularly around functional assessments and informal support reporting. This is why the NDIA has been shifting toward individualised assessments and encouraging evidence-based budgeting.
Using Evidence to Challenge a TSP Allocation
If a participant’s plan feels like it’s “cookie cutter” and doesn’t reflect their actual needs, it’s possible the budget is based on a TSP. The good news is you can challenge this allocation.
What Evidence Can Help?
- Functional Capacity Assessments (FCA): Comprehensive reports by OTs or allied health professionals that document the participant’s needs.
- Environmental and personal factors: Evidence showing how home setup, community access, or transport needs impact independence.
- Carer and family statements: Detailed accounts from carers or family members explaining the daily support provided and the impact of unmet needs.
- Medical or behavioural reports: Especially important if the participant has degenerative conditions or complex behaviours.
Checklist: Challenging a TSP
- Review the participant’s current plan – does it look like a standardised package?
- Gather reports and assessments that prove unmet needs.
- Document all informal supports (or lack thereof).
- Draft a clear statement linking evidence to required supports.
- Request a plan review (s48 Internal Review) with this evidence attached.
What Are Streaming Factors?
While the TSP affects how much funding you receive, streaming factors determine the intensity of NDIA support a participant is assigned. Think of streaming as a way for the NDIA to categorise participants by complexity and risk.
There are five streaming levels:
- General: Low complexity, usually managed by a Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or Early Childhood (ECEI) partner.
- Supported: Moderate needs, more LAC contact.
- Intensive: Higher needs; NDIA staff may be directly involved.
- Super Intensive: Significant risk or complexity; requires specialist NDIA management.
- Complex: Managed by the NDIA Complex Support Needs (CSN) team, often for participants with high-risk situations.
How Streaming is Decided
Streaming is determined by counting how many streaming factors apply to a participant:
- No factors: General
- 1 supported factor: Supported
- 2+ supported factors: Intensive
- 1 intensive factor: Intensive
- 2+ intensive factors: Super Intensive
- Any super intensive factor: Super Intensive
Common Streaming Factors
- Minimal or no informal/community supports
- Involvement in the justice system (e.g., custody or parole)
- Living in Supported Independent Living (SIL) or residential care
- Degenerative neurological conditions (rapidly progressing)
- Children at risk of out-of-home placement
- Complex behavioural needs or living in aged care under 65
How to Find or Understand Your TSP and Streaming Level
Finding Your TSP
Your plan won’t explicitly say “TSP,” but if it feels like a generic package not tailored to evidence, it may be TSP-based.
Finding Your Stream
Streaming levels aren’t listed in participant documents. However, you can:
- Ask your NDIS planner or LAC what stream you are under.
- Submit a request through your My NDIS contact for clarification.
- Seek a copy of your NDIA internal plan summary (can require a Freedom of Information request).
How to Request a Review or Re-stream
- Gather evidence (functional assessments, medical reports, carer statements).
- Complete a re-stream request via the NDIS Business System (for planners), highlighting relevant streaming factors.
- Provide justification for why the participant’s needs match a higher stream.
- Escalate to a delegate if moving from Intensive to Super Intensive—these require higher-level approvals.
- Request reconsideration if the review is rejected, with support from a team leader or support coordinator.
Checklist: Requesting a Re-stream
- Identify which streaming factors apply (e.g., SIL, lack of informal supports).
- Collect evidence to show complexity or risk.
- Submit a formal re-stream request or review.
- Follow up with your LAC or planner to track progress.
Why This Matters
- TSP budgets are provisional – without proper evidence, you may receive a “standard” budget that doesn’t meet real needs.
- Streaming levels affect who manages your plan and how much contact/support you get from NDIA or partners.
- Accurate streaming and evidence-based funding lead to better outcomes and fewer plan gaps.
Quick Reference Table: Stream Levels and Contact
| Stream Level | Typical Contact Type |
|---|---|
| General | LAC or Early Childhood Partner |
| Supported | LAC / ECE Partner |
| Intensive | Early Childhood Partner or NDIA staff |
| Super Intensive | NDIA staff |
| Complex | NDIA Complex Support Needs team |
Final Thoughts
The NDIS planning process isn’t just about filling in forms – it’s about telling your story with evidence that matters.
The most important factor influencing both TSP and streaming is the information shared with planners. Every conversation—whether it feels like “small talk” or not—feeds data into the NDIA’s internal systems and algorithms that shape funding. It’s vital to stay focused on the participant’s real needs, not just casual details.
If your plan seems too generic or your stream level feels wrong, challenge it with evidence. Functional Capacity Assessments, detailed carer statements, and professional reports are your best tools for building a case.
Quick Resource Checklist
- Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA): Evidence of support needs.
- Carer Impact Statements: Detail daily care tasks and time.
- Medical/Behavioural Reports: Show clinical complexity or safety issues.
- NDIA Planner Notes: Request clarity on TSP or stream status.
- Request Reviews Early: Don’t wait until your plan ends.