7 Smart Ways to Conquer the NDIS Application Process

 

17 April 2023 – Estimated reading time: 6.7 minutes

Applying for NDIS isn’t an overnight task. While the program can be rewarding, the application process is lengthy. Allow time to prepare and once approved, you’ll be able to access funding and improve your quality of life and independence with a range of supportive services.

This article is for people aged between 7 and 65 years. If you have a child with a disability or developmental delay, the NDIS has an Early Childhood Program to support children aged 0-6 years. 

Ready to Get Started?

Detailing your disability and how it impacts everyday life can be challenging. For this process, you need to prove your disability is permanent and describe in detail how it limits you, so you can get support where it matters most.

Learn how to simplify your NDIS application process with these tips. 

1. Confirm You’re Eligible

The NDIS supports Australians with a disability. Before you apply, check if you’re eligible. You can do this through the NDIS eligibility checklist. 

Some requirements are:

• You must be between 7 and 65 years old
• You must be an Australian citizen or a permanent visa holder
• You must have a disability caused by a permanent impairment

Your impairment may be intellectual, cognitive, neurological, sensory, physical or psychosocial. Confirm whether you meet the disability requirements here then fill out the access request form. 

2. Learn the Language

Navigating the NDIS isn’t always easy. 

It’s important you know and understand the terminology, what’s involved in the NDIS planning process and the type of funding available. For example, there are three support budgets that can be funded into your plan once your application is approved.  

• Core Support is the most flexible and helps you with everyday activities
• Capacity Building helps build your independence and skills to reach your goals 
• Capital Support is for home modifications and assistive technology

Learning what each includes is key to finding which one will suit you best.

3. Be Clear and Specific About Your Needs

Your unique needs are the pathway to finding the right support. Be specific about your disability difficulties, and what you need help with to achieve your outcomes. 

The more you can break down your needs, the better the NDIS can understand your requirements and find the appropriate level of support. Start by documenting how your disability impacts you on a daily basis and what specific assistance and equipment you rely on or may need to help you reach your goals. 

It’s a good idea to write down your short and long-term goals too. What will guide you there? And will your needs change in the immediate future?

4. Seek Support

Your support group is vital to the NDIS application process. Because NDIS planning can be overwhelming, it helps to have a team of family, friends and medical professionals who can navigate the process with you. 

With these people in your corner, you have emotional encouragement and health reports to support your application. Once you have completed your application, have someone review it who can provide constructive feedback.

Your NDIS support team should be people you trust, who respect your needs and are experienced in helping you reach your goals. 

For example, you may include:

• Parents, guardians, friends and family
• Local area coordinator
• GP and/or specialist
• Allied health team
• NDIS office local to your area

5. Gather Your Documents

The NDIS application process involves providing detailed information about your disability and support needs. This means you’ll need any relevant assessments, reviews and reports for your application. 

Take the time to gather the necessary documents. You’ll need proof of identity, your NDIS application form and evidence of your disability. You may also need to complete a Functional Capacity Assessment. The more supporting information you can provide, the better the chance of your application being approved. 

6. Submit and Stay Informed

Once a trusted person has looked over your form, it’s time to submit. 

It takes approximately 21 days for your NDIS application to be reviewed. Once a decision is made, you’ll receive one of three options. 

1. You’re eligible for the NDIS
2. You need to submit more information
3. You’re not eligible for the NDIS

While you wait, learn what the next steps might entail. 

If you’re approved you’ll need to set up a plan meeting to discuss your needs. Use this 6-stage planning process to prepare for your meeting and get ready to start using your NDIS plan. 

7. If at First You Don’t Succeed, Try Again

Didn’t qualify for funding?

Don’t worry, it’s not uncommon for your first NDIS application to be unsuccessful. It might mean you need to gather more evidence or work with someone to improve your application. A Local Area Coordinator can help you re-apply if your NDIS access has been denied.

How can My Plan Assist Help?

There are three ways your plan funding can be managed:

1. Self-Managed
2. Plan-Managed
3. NDIA-Managed

We suggest that you start thinking about plan management as part of your plan. That way, you gain more flexibility and control, and can minimise the stress of tracking your funding. 

Once your NDIS application is approved, choose plan management and have us a part of your support team at no cost. My Plan Assist is a small boutique plan management agency focused on providing flexible and personalised support.  Our team will work with you to maximise your NDIS plan and save you time and hassle so you can focus on other more important things.  

• My Plan Assist will do look after things like:
• Pay your service providers within a few days
• Reimburse your expenses
• Track your NDIS funding for you
• Keep records of how you spend your funds
• Provide easy to understand monthly statements
• Set you up with a digital app for full visibility to invoices and expenditure

Call us on 07 5641 2277 for more information.

Alternatively, you can find out more at www.myplanassist.com.au

3 Simple Steps to Change Your NDIS Plan Manager

30 March 2023 – Estimated reading time: 5.5 minutes

The best way to streamline the NDIS planning process is to choose a good plan manager. When you engage with the right team you can maximise your funding, pay your bills on time and reduce the stress of handling your NDIS. 

If your current plan manager is not providing the support you need, it might be time to switch. Changing plan managers can give you a more personalised approach and ensure your funding is being used well. 

Maybe you’re overspending or struggling to pay your bills on time. Or perhaps you feel like a number, rather than part of your plan manager’s team. A good plan manager will find flexible ways to accommodate your needs and always keep you a priority.  

That’s where the team at My Plan Assist come in. We prioritise your goals and simplify the NDIS planning process, so you can get back to life.  

 

Why Your Plan Manager is Essential to the NDIS Planning Process

 

Your plan manager is an important part of the NDIS process because they can provide the easiest, most effective way to keep your spending and support services on track. 

But where do you start and how do you know which one is right for you?

Plan managers such as My Plan Assist can handle the tedious parts of your plan, ensure your bills are paid on time and update you on relevant support. 

Your chosen plan manager should be:

• Experts in NDIS funding (to maximise your spending and get the most from your plan)
• Reliable and transparent (so your payments and claims are processed on time)
• Easy to communicate with (to streamline the process and help you feel relaxed)
• Offering you choice and control (so you can make the best decision for your needs)
• Understanding (for personalised support based on your goals)
• Regularly updating you (so you have the relevant info and tools)

You can change your plan manager at any stage in three easy steps. Here’s how:

1. Research and Choose Your New Plan Manager

Always do your research first. Before making your final decision, it’s a good idea to compare at least two NDIS plan managers to find the best one for you. 

Once you have considered your options, arrange a discovery call. This allows you to ask any questions, discuss your needs and gain a better sense of how they work. 

Make sure you:

• Check online reviews and ratings
• Take the time to evaluate your options
• Feel confident that your chosen plan manager has up-to-date knowledge of the NDIS and a genuine interest in helping people

2. Give Your Current Plan Manager Notice

You are under no obligation to stay with your current plan manager. And you don’t have to explain to them why you’re leaving either. However, you should contact them and request to cancel your service in writing. 

If you’re unsure of what to say, you can use our cancellation letter template. 

Remember:

• There’s no cost to switch NDIS plan managers
• Your current plan manager cannot stop you from leaving
• You don’t have to wait until your plan review to change

3. Contact Your New Plan Manager and Sign a Service Agreement

Now’s the fun part, teaming up with your new plan manager! 

When you choose My Plan Assist, all you need to do is get in touch and we’ll handle the rest. You’ll also need to complete the service agreement which we can help with. This will register you with your new plan manager.

 

How can My Plan Assist Help?

 

At My Plan Assist, our team of Gold Coast based Plan Managers are here to help you on your NDIS journey.  For caring and personalised support or advice, call on 07 5641 2277 or email [email protected].  You can also find out more by visiting www.myplanassist.com.au.

4 March 2023

Under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Participant Transport and Provider Travel are two different concepts.  Participant transport refers to the support needed to help a NDIS participant travel independently whether that be through transport funding, training, or vehicle modifications.  Provider travel describes when a provider can claim for time and costs incurred when travelling to (and sometimes from) delivering supports to a participant.

Participant Transport

Access to safe, reliable, and affordable transportation is a necessary part of daily life to attend appointments, go to work or school, participate in social activities and access other essential services.  Let’s look at the four ways the NDIS can fund transport arrangements.

1. Transport Allowance

The NDIS Transport Allowance is available to NDIS participants who are unable to use public transport due to their disability and need to use alternative modes of transport such as taxis, private cars, or specialised vehicles.  The amount of transport allowance the NDIS provides each year depends on a participant’s personal situation. There are three levels of funding:

Level 1 – $1,606 per year       – no working or study commitments or attending day programs but would like to increase your community access.

Level 2 – $2,472 per year       – working or studying less than 15 hours a week or attending day programs.

Level 3 – $3,456 per year       – engaging more than 15 hours a week working, studying, or looking for work.

To apply for the Transport Allowance, participants should discuss their transportation needs with their NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) during their planning meeting.  The NDIS will assess individual needs and determine the appropriate level of funding.  Funds can be managed in one of four ways –

• NDIA-managed,
• Self-managed,
• Plan-managed,
• Periodic payments (usually fortnightly) to a nominated bank account.

If plan-managed, transport funding can be used flexibly with other core support categories. However, if received as periodic payments, funding is not flexible.  This means a participant cannot dip into other areas of their core funding to pay for additional transport support.

2. Travelling with a support worker

The NDIS may provide funding to pay a support worker to drive a participant around or accompany them out into the community.   This can include things like shopping trips, social events, or transport to medical appointments.  This funding comes under Assistance with Social and Community Participation (Category 04) from the Core Support Budget.  These trips are charged at an agreed hourly rate, which includes the total time a support worker attends the outing.

What is Activity Based Transport?  The NDIS will fund a per kilometre amount (and other costs such as public transport, road tolls or parking fees) for Activity Based Transport where a provider is transporting and accompanying a participant to access community.  Providers can only claim costs for travel if the NDIS participant has agreed in advance.  The following are considered reasonable amounts:

• For a vehicle owned by the provider or worker, up to $0.97 per kilometre; and
• For other forms of transport or associated costs such as road tolls, parking, public transport fares, up to the full amount.

Invoicing tips –provider to identify the claim type as ‘Activity Based Travel’, stating the number of kilometres along with the per kilometre charge, using the relevant item code as listed in the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits.

Example – How to claim for Assistance with Social and Community Participation and Activity Based Travel?   A provider has agreed to deliver a support in the Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation Support Category to a participant and the participant has requested that the provider transport the participant from their home to a local swimming pool and back again, as part of that support. The transport by a non-disability modified vehicle takes 25 minutes to arrive at the swimming pool, including the time to assist the participant to and from the vehicle and getting them set up to participate in the activity. The support worker accompanies the participant in the vehicle. They then provide 40 minutes of support to the participant at the pool. Afterwards, they spend 20 minutes returning the participant to their home by the same vehicle. The pool is 10 kilometres from the participant’s home. The provider and participant have agreed an hourly rate of $50.00, which is below the price limit for this item. This amount also applies to the support worker’s time when transporting participants. The provider and participant have also agreed for the provider to claim for the activity based transport costs, which in this case they have agreed are the support worker’s car park fee ($4.50) and vehicle running costs at a rate as agreed with the participant of $0.85 a kilometre (2×10 km) against support line item.

-$70.83 for the 40 minutes of direct support at the swimming pool and 45 minutes transport time against support item 04_104_0125_6_1;

-$21.50 for the non-labour costs of the activity based transport against the support item 04_590_0125_6_1.

-Note: The provider may also be able to make a claim for the time taken by the worker to travel to the participant before the support commences (refer to Provider Travel).

3. Building independence through transport

Building independence is a common NDIS goal, and transport plays a big part in that.  If your disability makes it hard for you to get around but you would like to learn to overcome these challenges and travel independently, you might be eligible for funding for things like public transport training.  This funding is included in your plan as Improved Daily Living (Category 15) which is a capacity building support designed to build your independence, skills and confidence. The item code is 15_037_0117_1_3 – Skill Development And Training including Public Transport Training.

4. Specialised vehicles

If you require a specialised or modified vehicle because of your disability, the NDIS may be able to help pay for modifications under ‘Assistive Technology’ (Category 05). The NDIS won’t pay for the vehicle but may cover modifications to gain improved access or fit specialised enhancements for driving capability.  The NDIS will only fund modifications if it’s seen as offering value for money and may reject a request if it is not deemed as reasonable and necessary.  They may also only approve partial funding to an amount they deem as being reasonable and necessary with the participant covering the outstanding.

Provider Travel

Provider travel refers to the travel that takes place when a provider travels to and from the participant to provide disability related support or service.  Providers can only claim costs for travel if the NDIS participant has agreed in advance.  There are two types of provider travel, they are:

• Labour cost
• Non-labour costs

Provider travel – labour cost refers to the time in minutes that it takes for the provider to get to (and sometimes from) a participant’s location.  The cost is calculated based on the same hourly rate as the support that is being provided. For therapy support providers, including early childhood therapy, the price limit for provider travel time is 50% of the regular price limit for these items. A provider must clearly invoice for provider travel and state the time in minutes, subject to the following:

• MMM1-3 Non remote area          A provider can charge up to 30 minutes per trip (and possibly up to 60 minutes in total for both ways)
• MMM4-5 Remote area                 A provider can charge up to 60 minutes per trip (and possibly up to 120 minutes in total for both ways)
• MMM6-7 Very remote area         The participant and provider can mutually agree in advance, an appropriate arrangement.

Invoicing tips – provider to identify the claim type as ‘provider travel’, stating minutes being charged, and using the same NDIS item code and hourly rate as the support being provided.

Provider travel – non-labour cost refers to costs such as mileage, tolls and parking incurred when providing support.

• For a vehicle owned by the provider or the worker, up to $0.97 per kilometre; and
• For other forms of transport or associated costs such as road tolls, parking, public transport fares, up to the full amount.

Invoicing tips –provider to identify the claim type as ‘provider travel’, stating the number of kilometres along with the per kilometre charge, and using the relevant item code as listed in the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits.

Example – How to claim for core support and provider travel?  A support worker travels for 25 minutes (30 kilometres) to a participant located in a non-remote area.  They provide two hours of support to the participant. They then spend 25 minutes (30 kilometres) returning to their usual place of business. The provider and participant have agreed an hourly rate of $50.00. They have also agreed that the provider can claim for travel time and for the non-labour costs associated with that travel (at $0.78 per kilometre). The provider is entitled to apply the 30-minute time-cap against the 25 minutes of travel to the participant. They are also entitled to claim for the 25 minutes spent travelling back to their usual place of business as the provider is required to pay their worker for this time and it fits within the 30-minute time-cap. Because the worker uses his or her own car to drive to the participant, the provider has agreed to pay the worker $0.78 per kilometre travelled. The provider can also seek reimbursement for this cost from the participant’s plan under the Service Agreement. The provider’s claim for this support is in three parts, which should be shown separately on their invoice to the participant and claimed for separately in the system.

-$100.00 for the two hours of support against support item 01_301_0104_1_1;

-$41.67 for the 50 minutes travel to and from the participant against support item 01_301_0104_1_1 using claim type “Provider Travel”; 

-$46.80 for the 60 kilometres travel to and from the participant against support item 01_799_0104_1_1.

We’re here to help!

At My Plan Assist, our team of Gold Coast based Plan Managers are here to help you on your NDIS journey.  For caring and personalised support or advice, call on 07 5641 2277 or email [email protected].  You can also find out more by visiting www.myplanassist.com.au.

12 August 2022

In a perfect world, no one would have to cancel an appointment at the last minute. But as we know, life can sometimes be unpredictable. We get sick, our little ones get sick, the car won’t start, or we might even completely forget to attend an appointment. Life happens and cancelling an appointment at the last minute may be the only option.

But what does this mean? Do service providers still have the right to charge for cancellations and no shows?

Fortunately, the NDIS provides clear guidance so both participants and service providers clearly understand their rights and obligations. Read on as we break down the most recent version of the NDIS cancellation policy along with tips and tricks that may protect your NDIS funding and avoid unnecessary short notice cancellation charges.

Short Notice Cancellation Verses Standard Cancellation

The NDIS cancellation policy distinguishes between a Standard Cancellation and a Short Notice cancellation.

When a cancellation is considered Short Notice, and certain other conditions are met, a Service Provider can claim 100% of the agreed fee for the support.

In the case of a Standard Cancellation (ie not considered Short Notice), a Service Provider cannot claim any fees or charges. So, it is important to understand the difference. Determining whether you can claim for a cancelled support comes down to two questions: Is it short notice? Does it meet the required conditions?

What is a Short Notice Cancellation?

A cancellation is short notice when the participant gives less than the specified days’ notice or does not attend within a reasonable time (no-show).

Short notice cancellations terms have now been updated, based on the kind of support.

• DSW (Disability Support Work) – short-notice cancellation remains at 7 days.
• Non-DSW (non-disability support work) – the short-notice cancellation terms are 2 business days.

If the cancellation is deemed Short Notice, the Service Provider may have the right to charge 100% of the agreed fee for the support.

For example, if the participant arrived for their support 45 minutes late, you could consider it a short notice cancellation. Similarly, if they had a non-disability support work appointment scheduled for Thursday at 10am, and they gave notice on Tuesday at 12-midday, it would be short notice.

Does it meet the required conditions?

Not all Short Notice Cancellations are billable. According to the NDIA, it must meet certain criteria.

• The NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits guide must expressly state that short notice cancellation is permissible. The support item must be eligible for claiming for short notice cancellations, and the charges also must comply with the pricing limits.
• The service agreement between the participant and provider states that short notice cancellations are claimable.
• The provider was not able to find alternative billable work for the relevant worker and are required to pay the worker for the time that would have been spent providing the support.
• Short notice cancellations also apply to group supports where the provider was unable to find a replacement participant. In this case, the provider would charge all participants, both those who cancelled and those who attended, the planned rate.

Why does a Short Notice Cancellation Policy exist?

Protecting the providers income is the main reason this cancellation policy exists. Last minute cancellations are, well, last minute – making it difficult to schedule jobs to fill the gaps they leave in the day. This means a lost opportunity for work, which all field service businesses want to avoid.

Is there a limit to the number of times a Provider can charge Short Notice Cancellation?

There is no hard limit on the number of short notice cancellations (or no shows) for which a provider can claim in respect of a participant. However, providers have a duty of care to their participants and if a participant has an unusual number of cancellations, then the provider should seek to understand why they are occurring.

The NDIA will monitor claims for cancellations and may contact providers who have a participant with an unusual number of cancellations.

Short Notice Cancellation – changes effective 1 July 2024

You would be correct in thinking that there has been a recent change to Short Notice Cancellation guidelines.

Previously, cancellations for service appointments were considered ‘short notice’ when participants gave less than two (7) full days’ notice to the provider.

Effective 1 July 2024, this has now changed to two (2) days for disability support workers; and seven (7) days for non-disability support workers.  

Tips and tricks to avoid being charged

If you are a participant:

• You will want to give more than seven days’ notice when cancelling service appointments to avoid unnecessary fees being charged to your funds.
• You can ask the provider if you will be charged when cancelling an appointment. They may provide exceptions in some extenuating cases.
• You’ll need to be particularly careful in the case of high cost supports such as short-term accommodation and respite to avoid unnecessary charges having a significant impact to your budget.
• Check any service agreements you currently have in place with your service providers. In the absence of a service agreement, you may be exempt from having to pay the short notice cancellation fees.
• When engaging with a provider for the first time, perhaps you can negotiate more lenient conditions with respect to Short Notice Cancellations. It is important to note that a provider may not be flexible with respect to their short notice cancellation policy, as they are acting within the recommended guidelines.

My Plan Assist and Short Notice Cancellations

My Plan Assist is a registered NDIS provider for plan management services, and very knowledgeable in the area of NDIS support. Located on the Gold Coast and assisting participants Australia wide, the team work one-on-one with clients to help them navigate the NDIS and manage their funding to maximise value and potential.

As part of their internal procedures, My Plan Assist will always reach out to their clients for payment approval prior to paying a short notice cancellation fee. This is to keep clients fully informed and ensure the provider has not made an error.

If you are seeking advice or further information about My Plan Assist Plan Management, please reach out directly to their friendly team by email [email protected] or phone (07) 5641 2277.