What is the difference between the NDIA and the NDIS?

NDIA stands for the National Disability Insurance Agency. They are an independent statutory agency responsible for providing and implementing the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS.)

Where can I go to learn more about the NDIS?

The best place to go for information about all things to do with the NDIS is their website: https://www.ndis.gov.au/

I have an NDIS plan, now what do I do?

Ask someone to help you who understands the language!

If you have been funded for Support Coordination in your plan, ask your LAC or NDIA Planner to give you the names of some organisations to link with for Support Coordination. Give them a call and see if you are a good fit for each other.
If you do not have Support Coordination funding in you plan, your Local Area Coordinator from Feros Care, Baptcare or Mission Australia will be able to help you with finding providers to support your needs and goals. You can also call into an NDIS Office for help.

What’s the difference between Plan Managed, NDIA Managed and Self Managed funding?

NDIS funding can be allocated in your plan as one or a combination of all of the above ways to access funding and pay your providers.
Self Managed participants will usually pay for a support themselves and then claim that amount back via the MyGov Portal from their plan. This option will require you to keep detailed records of all of your transactions and be able to prove your claims if you are asked for more information by the NDIS.

Self managed participants have the greatest degree of flexibility for funds usage as they are not limited to any particular price points or provider groups for the services they engage.
Plan Managed funding is managed by a third party or Plan Manager. Plan Managers are paid a fixed amount per month by the NDIS to process all invoices your providers send directly to them and to provide you with regular statements regarding your funds usage.

Plan Managed funds must be invoiced in line with the NDIS Price Guide. Both Registered and Non Registered Providers are able to be used with Plan Managed funding.
NDIA Managed funding is only able to be utilised by NDIS Registered Providers who claim for their services directly from the NDIA. NDIA Managed funds must be invoiced in line with the NDIS Price Guide. A list of NDIS Registered Providers can be found on the NDIS website.

How do I check on my funding and how much I have remaining?

If your funds are Plan Managed, you will receive regular (usually monthly) statements from your Plan Manager showing how much funding you have used that month and how much funding is remaining.

If you have a MyGov account and have access to the internet, you can check your funding used and remaining in more detail by linking your NDIS to your MyGov account.

If you have a Support Coordinator, they can help you to plan, view and manage your total funding budget over the entire plan period as well as linking your NDIS to your MyGov account.

There are also some wonderfully helpful people and groups you can join to help everyone better understand their NDIS plans and managing funding. These are available online and in person and usually don’t cost a thing!

Once I have a plan, can I change my provider in the middle of my plan or do I need to wait until my next review?

Once you are linked with a provider to support you, you should be given a Service Agreement outlining the type of service, frequency and cost that you have both agreed to. This agreement will also nominate a period of notice (usually 14-30 days) should wish to cease services. Once you have given notice, you are free to look for or engage someone new.

Should I have a Service Agreement with all of my service providers?

It is recommended, but not required, that you have an agreement with all service providers so that everyone is clear on what has been agreed to be funded out of your NDIS plan. Registered providers (those specifically registered with the NDIS) are required to have a service agreement with all participants. Non registered providers are not required to have a service agreement with their clients.

What’s the difference between an NDIS registered provider and a non registered provider?

Providers who are registered with the NDIS are required to have an independent audit of their services either every 18 months or 3 years, depending on the type of service they provide.
Non registered providers are only required to have an ABN (Australian Business Number) to provide a service to NDIS participants.

What if my needs change in the middle of my plan?

If your support needs change significantly at any time during the plan period (plans will generally range between 1 and 3 years) you are able to contact the NDIS and advise them of the changes. If the changes affect the amount of support you need and your current funding will not be sufficient to meet your needs, you can apply for an “Unscheduled Review” to request someone from the NDIA reviews your current needs along with any new evidence or justification you may have.

Where can I go if I have a concerns about the service I am being provided or I have concerns about services being provided to someone I care about?

If you have any concerns about support that is provided to you or a loved one and you are not comfortable to raise your concerns with the provider, or you have raised the concerns and have not been satisfied with the response, you can seek help from a friend or family member, contact a Disability Advocacy Service in your State or if you would like to make a complaint to be investigated further regarding a provider, you can call the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission on 1800 035 544.