What is the NDIS?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is the Australian government program that funds support for people with permanent and significant disability. The NDIS provides funding to help people pursue their goals, live more independently, and take part in their community.
The NDIS is managed by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). Participants receive an individualised plan that outlines their goals and the funding available to achieve them.
NDIS plan management types
There are three ways NDIS participants can manage their plan funding. Your plan type determines which providers you can use.
Self-managed
You receive your NDIS funds and manage payments directly. You can use any provider, registered or unregistered, and have the most flexibility in how you spend your funding. You are responsible for keeping payment records and submitting claims to the NDIA portal.
Can use Supportr? Yes.
Plan-managed
A registered plan manager receives your NDIS funding and pays your providers on your behalf. You get the flexibility to choose unregistered providers (like Supportr), without having to manage the administrative side yourself. Your plan manager must be registered with the NDIS.
Can use Supportr? Yes.
NDIA-managed (agency-managed)
The NDIA pays providers directly from your plan, and you can only use NDIS-registered providers. Supportr is not currently registered, so participants with NDIA-managed plans cannot use Supportr unless they switch to self or plan management.
Can use Supportr? No.
If you want to change your plan management type, speak to your NDIS planner or LAC at your next plan review.
NDIS funding categories
NDIS plans are divided into support categories. The categories most relevant to Supportr's services are:
- Core Supports: Daily Activities (01): Covers assistance with day-to-day personal activities, household tasks, and in-home support.
- Core Supports: Social, Economic and Community Participation (04): Covers support to participate in social and community activities.
Your plan will show how much funding you have in each category. If you're unsure what your plan covers, your plan manager or LAC can advise.
Choosing an NDIS provider
You have the right to choose your own providers. When comparing providers, it's worth asking:
- Will the same team members support me consistently, or will different people be sent each visit?
- How do you match team members to participants?
- What qualifications and clearances do your team members hold?
- What is your process if I'm not happy with a team member?
- Are there lock-in contracts, or can I leave with reasonable notice?
The NDIS Code of Conduct
All NDIS providers and workers, registered or unregistered, must comply with the NDIS Code of Conduct. The Code requires workers to act with respect, provide safe and competent support, and uphold the rights of participants. You can read the full Code of Conduct on the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission website.
Making a complaint
If you have a concern about your supports, you can raise it directly with your provider first. If your concern isn't resolved, you can contact the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission to make a formal complaint.
If you have a concern about Supportr, call us on (07) 3184 4445 or email contact@supportr.com.au. We take every concern seriously.