Working withthe NDIS

Your guide to being a registered NDIS provider

January2018

Text only version

The National Disability Insurance Scheme(also called the NDIS) is a new way ofproviding disability support.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a once in a generationsocial and economic reform that will better the lives of hundreds of thousandsAustralians, their families and carers - by improving the participation of peoplewith disability in the community and the workforce. The NDIS also providespeace of mind for all Australians – in the event a significant and permanentdisability impacts them.

The NDIS invests in building the capability of participants by taking a life-timeapproach to the NDIS supports they receive. Central to this approach is theNational Disability Insurance Agency’s commitment to deliver quality plans forparticipants that enable a better life.

This guide outlines the typical ‘provider pathway’ that all registeredNDIS providers will follow.

Your guide to working with the NDIS

What is aregistered provider?

Registered providers areindividuals or organisationsthat are registered withthe NDIA to deliver asupport or a product to aparticipant in the NDIS.

The NDIS will be rolled outgradually around Australiafrom 1 July 2016. Peoplewith disability will continueto receive supports fromthe Commonwealth, Stateand Territory governmentsuntil the NDIS is rolled outin their area.

Provider Toolkit

The Provider Toolkit contains seven sections to guide providersthrough the typical ‘provider pathway’.

Step 1 - How does the NDIS work?

The NDIS connects people withdisability, their families and carers withgovernment services and communityactivities and works to build inclusivecommunities, workplaces and services.

The NDIS doesn’t replace servicesprovided elsewhere by government orthe community. The information andsupport to connect to other services isprovided by Local Area Co-ordinators orEarly Childhood Intervention Partners.

The NDIS is not welfare, it is aninsurance-based scheme that investsin participants to improve long termoutcomes. The NDIS is being rolled outgradually around Australia from1 July 2016 and will be complete by1 July 2020.

Step 2 - Am I ready to provideNDIS services?

To assist individuals and organisationsinterested in becoming an NDISregistered provider of services andsupports to NDIS participants,providers can use the Provider

Readiness Checklist. It’s a self-assessmenttool to determine if you/your organisation is ready to apply forregistration with the NDIS. It will alsohelp you understand what is involvedin becoming a registered provider andthe various steps required prior tostarting the registration process.

Step 3 - How do I register?

To register as a provider thereare four key stages of theprocess:

  • apply for a Provider Digital Access (PRODA) account
  • use your PRODA account toregister and gain access tothe myplace portal
  • complete an “intent toregister” application
  • provide all required documentation

Step 4 - How do I connectwith participants?

Once a provider receives theirCertificate of Registration,they can start marketing theirservices and engaging withNDIS participants to understandtheir goals, preferences andobjectives.

The NDIS ‘Provider Finder’ –located on myplace – is oneof the most direct ways thatproviders can promote theirservices and their location oroutlets.

Step 5 –How do Iwork with NDISparticipants?

Sub Step a- Create a serviceagreement

Once the provider hasconnected with a participant,a service agreement shouldbe created to ensure thatthe participant and providerhave an agreed set ofexpectations about whatsupports will be deliveredand how they will bedelivered.

Sub Step b- Create aservice booking

A service booking is the way a participant engages with their chosen provider(s) online via myplace. A service booking nominates the type of support, dates of support and funding to be allocated to a provider.

Sub Step c- Provide supports

Provider deliverssupports as outlined intheir service booking(s)and agreement(s)and maintains recordsof these.

Sub Step d –Track outcomes

Track the participant’sprogress against their goals.

Step 6 – How do I get paid?

Submit a paymentrequest electronicallythrough myplacewithin 28 days ofservice delivery.

Step 7 - How do I measureoutcomes andreport?

As a registered provider, itis important to measureand report on participantoutcomes. The NDIA mayrequest certain informationand reports from you in thecourse of you deliveringsupports and services to anNDIS participant.

Benefits of workingwith the NDIS

By 2019, the NDIS will support about460,000 Australians with disability andinvest $22 billion a year in services andequipment. There are significant growthopportunities for providers who respondto this new demand. Benefits of being aregistered NDIS provider are:

  • Help people with disability to have the opportunity to live an ordinary life
  • Be part of a vibrant, innovative and competitive marketplace
  • Enjoy new business opportunities
  • Online systems
  • Access updates and information from the NDIS including tools and resources to train your staff

Types of supports fundedunder the NDIS

All supports and services delivered forNDIS participants should enable peoplewith disability to have the same thingsin life as other people, like somewhere tolive, a job, hobbies and the company offamily and friends.

The funding model that underpins theNDIS is designed to be flexible and toallow service innovation. Importantly,the supports delivered will be chosenand paid for by a participant out of anindividually allocated budget based ontheir own goals. The range of supportsfunded by the NDIS will expand over timeas the NDIS market grows.

More information

The Provider Toolkit is available to help providers understandthe NDIS market and guide them through the process of registering and working with the NDIS.Other resources for providers are available on theNDIS website provider page.

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National Disability Insurance Agency

Telephone 1800 800 110

Find us on Facebook/NDISAus

Follow us on Twitter @NDIS

For people who need help with English

TIS: 131 450

For people with hearing or speech loss

TTY: 1800 555 677

Speak and Listen: 1800 555 727

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