Disability Plan Service’s Guide on How to Apply for an NDIS Provider

September 19, 2022

If you’ve recently been approved for funding by the NDIS, you might be wondering what the next steps are – like how to apply for an NDIS provider services.

In this blog, we outline how you can find and engage the services of an NDIS provider, and detail how a Support Coordinator and Plan Manager can take some of the stress out of this process.

How to apply for an NDIS provider services

Once you have your NDIS plan and know what supports you’re eligible for, it’s time to do some research on different providers and the services they can offer you.

If you don’t have a Plan Manager or Support Coordinator, you’ll need to conduct this research independently.

The NDIS website recommends that participants conduct this research by searching for services on the internet, checking reviews, getting advice from family and friends and of course, speaking with providers either face-to-face or over the phone.

If you’re choosing to do this research process on your own, you might want to try the NDIS’ Provider Finder. This tool allows you to find a registered provider, and then learn about their service agreements and bookings. You can use this tool by clicking here.

After you’ve found an NDIS provider you’d like to work with, it’s best to set up a meeting with them so you can discuss:

· How often do you want their support, and does your plan funding cover the number of sessions you want?

· What days do you want support from this provider?

· Is there a waitlist to receive support from this provider? If there is, how long will it take before you can start receiving these services?

Once you’ve had this initial meeting and are satisfied with the NDIS provider’s responses, they’ll guide you on how you can sign up with them and start receiving their support!

Eligible for NDIS Support Coordination? There is an easier option!

Let’s be honest – finding the right service providers when you’re new to the NDIS may not always be as simple or straightforward as you would have hoped. With so many different service providers out there, connecting with providers that can deliver the supports you need, how and when you need them, takes careful consideration. Sometimes, NDIS participants don’t have the time or capacity to research NDIS providers – and that’s okay!

As part of a Support Coordinator’s role in managing your plan, they will conduct a thorough assessment of your needs and carefully match you with service providers that will be best suited to help reach your goals.

Support coordination is funded under an eligible participant’s capacity building support category and is designed to help build your confidence, develop your skills, ensure you get the most of your plan funds and most importantly, help you achieve your goals!

Unfortunately, not everyone is eligible to receive funding for Support Coordination within their plan. However, you may be an eligible candidate if:

· You don’t have an informal support network of friends or family that could otherwise provide a similar style of support.

· You are likely to gain a substantial benefit from having the assistance of a Support Coordinator.

· You are new to the NDIS and receiving your first plan, and/or you are going through a significant life change.

Now that you know how Support Coordination can make your life easier, let’s look at the ways Plan Management can work for you too.

How does NDIS plan management work?

Now that you’ve heard about the benefits of Support Coordination, you’re probably wanting to know how does NDIS plan management work. While a Plan Manager’s role is not to connect you with disability providers like Support Coordinators do, they work closely with you to ensure you have the appropriate funding for the supports you need.

They’ll also take care of the tricky financial administration tasks associated with your NDIS plan, such as paying providers, record keeping and more. Unlike Support Coordinators, every NDIS participant is eligible for plan management services – all you need to do is request to have a Plan Manager look after your funding during your planning meeting or plan review.

This option comes at no additional cost to you or your NDIS funding.

Can you combine Plan Management and NDIS support coordination?

If you’re deemed eligible to receive NDIS support coordination, and plan management, the good news is that you don’t need to choose one service over the other. In fact, a good Support Coordinator will work closely with your plan manager to help you achieve your goals sooner.

One major benefit of managing an NDIS plan with one agency – such as Disability Plan Services – for both your support coordination and plan management is that these two supports can work together and collaborate to achieve the best outcomes for you! Our team of Plan Managers and Support Coordinators work closely to ensure you have the appropriate funding required to receive the services you need – from NDIS providers you know and trust.

If you’re wanting more information on how to apply for an NDIS provider services, or would like to learn more about support coordination, plan management or the complex case management process, get in touch with the team at Disability Plan Services by calling 1800 312 870 or emailing info@disabilityplanservices.com.au.