Navigating Your NDIS Plan
Receiving your NDIS plan is a big moment, but knowing what to do next can feel overwhelming. If you're still getting your head around what's in your plan and how your funding works, it's worth starting with our guide to navigating your NDIS plan before diving in here. You can also explore our free tools, including the Plan Explainer, Plan Reassessment and Planning Conversation tools, to help you understand and manage your budget with confidence.
Once you feel confident about your plan, this guide will walk you through the practical steps of putting it to work, from finding the right providers to setting up your first service agreements.
Understand How Your Funding is Managed
Start by checking your NDIS plan to see how each part of your funding is managed, as this affects which providers you can work with.
Your whole plan can be managed one way, or you can use a combination across different funding categories.
Know Who Can Help You Get Connected
Before searching on your own, it's worth checking if you have someone who can help guide you. If the NDIS has funded you for a Support Coordinator or Psychosocial Recovery Coach, start by asking them for support. If you're already connected with allied health professionals, chat with them too, they can often suggest providers or services based on your support needs and goals. You can also seek support from your Local Area Coordinator (LAC). Find your closest LAC at NDIS | Offices and contacts in your area.
If you'd prefer to search on your own, there are plenty of starting points: an internet search, recommendations from friends and family, or social media groups. You can also use the NDIS | Provider Finder tool, though keep in mind it only shows registered providers. If your funding is plan managed or self managed, you can also work with unregistered providers, which won't appear in this tool.
Whichever path you take, it can help to speak with a few providers before making a decision. Many allied health professionals have waitlists of weeks or even months, so joining a few lists can help you get started sooner. And since each provider works differently, taking the time to find someone who feels right for you is always worth it.
What to Ask Providers
This is your chance to get a feel for whether a provider is the right fit for you. Here are some questions to help guide the conversation:
- What kind of support do you provide and how much do your services cost?
- Are there any extra costs I should be aware of, such as travel?
- What is your cancellation policy and are there cancellation charges?
- How can I contact you and what is the expected response time for calls or emails?
- What is your dispute resolution process?
- What is your policy for ending services and are there any charges?
- Do you provide a written Service Agreement, how long does it last and how can it be changed if needed?
- What are my responsibilities as a client?
- When can services start and do you have a waitlist?
Setting Up Service Agreements
A Service Agreement is a document that you and your provider both sign so that everyone is clear on what's included and what to expect. The NDIS recommends having a written agreement in place, as it helps protect both you and your provider if something doesn't go as planned.
Once you've found your providers, remind them to download ProCho Biz, our free app that makes it easy for Providers to track invoices and payments on the go. You can learn more about ProCho Biz and how to download it here: Introducing ProCho Biz for Providers.
If you'd like more information on Service Agreements, download our free guide below.
References:
NDIS | Build a participant’s capacity and capability
NDIS | Provider Finder
NDIS | Offices and contacts in your area
