COVID-19: An update to NDIS support coordination and new Price Guide

May 17, 2021

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In March 2020, the NDIS implemented a number of temporary measures to ensure participants have access to essential supports during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) global pandemic. As restrictions begin easing across the country, so too are the temporary changes that were put in place. 

 

One of the temporary flexible measures put in place allowed NDIS participants to obtain NDIS support coordination (coordination of supports) using Core funding, even if the participant was not previously approved for this support. 

 

If you or your loved one is an NDIS participant, then you may have decided to use your Core funding to access NDIS support coordination in the past year. If so, you may be aware that this temporary change has now come to an end. 

 

Whether you are looking to amend your plan to include funding for NDIS support coordination, you want to know more about the changes to your NDIS plan, or simply want to learn more about support coordination, then this blog is for you. 

 

COVID-19 Update 

 

Temporary changes to NDIS plans – what has ended and what that means for you  

 

In addition to the above mentioned temporary measure, some other temporary measures have ended while some have been extended.

Measure that have ended:

 

  • support coordination line items claimable under a participant’s Core budget – support coordination will still be available for all participants who have a reasonable and necessary need for it from their Capacity Building budget
  • direct claiming to the NDIA by providers for disability support worker PPE.

If you would like to continue accessing support coordination, contact Disability Plan Services today.  

 

Measures that have been extended:

 

Some temporary COVID-19 supports have been extended until 30 June, 2021. These include: 

 

  • Access to cleaning services and higher intensity support for COVID-19 positive participants living in Supported Independent Living (SIL) arrangements, and SIL participants who are required to self-isolate or quarantine 
  • Access to a one-off deep clean if a participant has a support worker attending their home who later tests positive to COVID-19
  • Access to a provision of a clinical first responder service for SIL providers through Aspen Medical

 

NDIS Support Coordination

 

What is a support coordinator 

 

A support coordinator wears many hats and often assists across a many aspects of your NDIS plan. Most importantly, they will work with you to build the skills you need to understand, implement, and use your plan. 

 

Working closely with you, your support coordinator will ensure a mix of supports are used to increase your capacity to maintain relationships, manage service delivery tasks, live more independently, and be included in your community. 

 

The NDIS breaks down a support coordinator’s role into the following:

  • Connection: connecting participants with service providers within the community
  • Plan knowledge: understanding aspects of your NDIS plan and your needs and making appropriate recommendations
  • Provide choice: provide their recommendations on supports based on what options will be best for each individual’s circumstances to assist in decision-making
  • Crisis resolution: can help resolve any issues that may arise or act as a mediator if required
  • Reflect and refine: work with you to reflect on your experiences to date and make any adjustments necessary (where possible) to ensure the ongoing success of your plan

 

Due to the role’s varied and specialised nature, NDIS support coordinator qualifications often include fields such as allied health or certifications in disability support, welfare work or similar. The role requires skills in relationship building, crisis and issues management experience, and a thorough understanding of the NDIS.

 

For more information, read our blog post on the role of a support coordinator. 

 

How a support coordinator can help you understand changes to your plan 

 

With temporary changes to NDIS plans ending or being extended, it is not unusual to want some extra support. Not only do support coordinators work with you to ensure your plan is properly put in place, but they can also help you understand changes to your plan that may be in place because of COVID-19. 

 

Support coordinators, like at Disability Plan Services, have all the latest information and know everything there is to know about NDIS plans. By working closely with you to understand your goals and needs, Disability Plan Services can help you get the most out of your NDIS plan. 

 

New NDIS Price Guide and Support Catalogue 

 

You can find out more about COVID-19 updates in the latest 2020/2021 NDIS price guide and support catalogue

 

The NDIS support coordination price guide does not contain prices, but rather has helpful policy information and guidance to help you better understand the NDIS. The NDIS support catalogue includes the price limits, support categories, descriptions, and line items numbers to help clearly identify what is claimable. 

 

If you have any other questions about your NDIS plan, get in touch with the team at Disability Plan Services.