What is the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme)?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an Australian program that supports
people with permanent and significant disabilities. It provides funding directly to
individuals to help them achieve their goals and live more independently.
Here are some key things to know about the NDIS:
● Provides funding for support: This can include assistance with daily living tasks,
therapy, assistive technology, and participation in community activities.
● Focuses on individual needs: The NDIS works with each person to develop a
personalised plan that meets their needs and goals.
● Empowers choice and control: People with disabilities have choice and control over
how they use their NDIS funding.
Who is eligible for NDIS?
You must be between 9 and 65 to be eligible for the NDIS. Early intervention supports are
available for children under 6 with developmental delays, but they follow a different set of
criteria. A permanent impairment must cause your disability. This means it’s unlikely to improve
significantly over time. The impairment can be:
Intellectual: Difficulty with learning, understanding, or problem-solving
Cognitive: Difficulty with memory, attention, or reasoning.
Neurological: Affects the nervous system, impacting movement, sensation, or communication.
Sensory (vision & hearing): Significant limitations in sight, hearing, or other senses.
Physical: Difficulty with mobility, coordination, or other physical tasks.
Psychosocial: Difficulty functioning due to a mental health condition.
What is High Intensity Personal Care?
High Intensity Personal Care (HIPC) is a term used by the National Disability Insurance
Scheme (NDIS) to describe specific, complex health-related supports that some individuals with
disabilities require to manage their daily lives. These supports are typically more involved and
require specialised training and expertise compared to general personal care.
What happens if my NDIS funding runs out?
If your plan does not have sufficient funds for ongoing support, you should follow the usual
process for a plan reassessment. Under this policy, the NDIA will not accept changes to plans
solely to purchase low-cost AT.
How can I apply for NDIS funding?
Benity Care can help you with the step-by-step process of how to apply.
What types of disabilities does the NDIS cover?
The NDIS doesn’t focus on specific disabilities but rather on the impact a permanent impairment
has on a person’s life. This impairment can be:
Intellectual: Difficulty with learning, understanding, or problem-solving
Cognitive: Difficulty with memory, attention, or reasoning.
Neurological: Affects the nervous system, impacting movement, sensation, or communication.
Sensory (vision & hearing): Significant limitations in sight, hearing, or other senses.
Physical: Difficulty with mobility, coordination, or other physical tasks.
Psychosocial: Difficulty functioning due to a mental health condition.
Can you use only one NDIS service provider?
You don’t use more than one NDIS service provider [1]. Whether you can use multiple providers
depends on how your NDIS plan is managed:
● NDIA-managed plan: If your NDIS plan is managed by the National Disability Insurance
Agency (NDIA), you can only use registered NDIS providers for all your funded supports
[2]. However, you can still choose between different registered providers [1].
● Self-managed plan or plan managed by a registered plan manager: You have more
flexibility if your plan is self-managed or managed by a registered plan manager.
Depending on your needs and who best meets your requirements, you can choose to
use a mix of registered and unregistered providers [1, 2].
Here are some things to consider when deciding how many providers to use:
● Finding the right fit: A good working relationship and communication with fewer
providers may be more accessible, especially if your needs are complex [1].
● Specialised services: Some providers may specialise in certain areas, so you might
need multiple providers to get your support [1].
Ultimately, you make the choice. If you have one, you can discuss your options with your plan
manager or support coordinator [1].
What is the difference between an unregistered & registered service provider?
The primary difference between a registered and unregistered NDIS service provider lies in their
relationship with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).
Registered NDIS Service Provider
● Approved by the NDIA: These providers have undergone a rigorous assessment to
meet specific quality and safety standards.
● Subject to Oversight: The NDIA regularly monitors them to ensure compliance with
NDIS rules and regulations.
● Registered providers can provide services such as Specialist Disability
Accommodation (SDA), Plan Management, and behaviour support.
● Price Caps: They must adhere to NDIS price caps for their services.
Unregistered NDIS Service Provider
● Not approved by the NDIA: They don’t still need to go through the registration process.
● Less oversight: While they must still comply with the NDIS Code of Conduct, they are
subject to a different level of scrutiny than registered providers.
● Limited service options: They cannot provide certain services like SDA, Plan
Management, and behaviour support.
● Pricing flexibility: They can set their prices for services.
Important to note:
● Both types of providers can deliver NDIS-funded support.
● You can use both registered and unregistered providers if you have a self-managed or
plan-managed NDIS plan.
● If you have an NDIA-managed plan, you can only use registered providers.
Choosing between a registered and unregistered provider depends on your needs and
preferences.
- What if I need to be happier with the service or support I receive from service
providers through my NDIS plan?
Initial Steps - Communicate with Your Provider:
● Clearly express your dissatisfaction to the service provider.
● Explain the specific issues you’re facing.
● Allow them to resolve the problem. - Review Your NDIS Plan:
● Ensure the services you’re receiving align with your plan goals.
● If there’s a mismatch, contact your NDIS planner to discuss adjustments.
Escalating the Issue
If the problem persists, consider these options:
● Contact Your Support Coordinator or Plan Manager: They can advocate on your
behalf and assist in resolving the issue.
● Engage with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission: They oversee NDIS
providers and can investigate complaints.
● Seek Assistance from a Disability Advocate: These professionals can provide
guidance and support throughout the process.
● Consider Changing Providers: If the issues are significant and unresolved, you may
choose to find a different provider.
Important Considerations
● Document Everything: Keep records of your interactions, including dates, times, and
details of conversations.
● Understand Your Rights: Familiarise yourself with the NDIS Code of Conduct and your
rights as a participant.
● Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to contact family, friends, or support groups for emotional
support.
Additional Resources
NDIS website Information for participants: Australian Government Department of Social
Services NDIS website
For help with your NDIS start-up, contact us at https://benitycare.com.au/