The National Impairment Insurance Scheme (NDIS) offers financial assistance to Australians under 65 who have a specific type of disability.
The Disability Support Pension, administered by Centrelink and offers financial support to persons who are unable to work due to a disability, is not the same as the NDIS.
The NDIS offers additional financing for expenses such as purchasing a wheelchair or the payment of different types of home or community-based assistance.
What is an NDIS Service Provider?
Individuals, enterprises, sole traders, and non-profit organizations can register as NDIS providers. NDIS registered providers are registered with the NDIS and have met specified government standards.
You can now only utilize registered NDIS Provider for your assistance if your NDIS funding is administered by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).
If you self-manage or have a Plan Manager who administers your payments for you, on the other hand, you might opt to engage with non-registered support providers.
What Can NDIS Funding Be Used For?
The NDIS pays for a variety of services, some of which are provided at home and others outside of the house. Daily chores such as personal grooming, food preparation, and minor housekeeping may require assistance.
Your NDIS money can be used to help you go to social, communal, and economic events, as well as medical and other appointments. You can get support in the workplace to help you find or keep a job or pursue education or training.
Physiotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, audiology, and behavior support are just a few therapeutic supports. Your funds can also design and build house improvements, car modifications, and mobility devices.
Support that isn’t connected to your handicap, day-to-day living costs that aren’t related to your support requirements, and goods that are the responsibility of another government or community agency are all things that it can’t be used for.
Difference Between Registered and Non-Registered NDIS Providers
NDIS registered providers are service providers that have satisfied stringent government quality and safety criteria to be approved by the NDIS Commission.
In Western Australia, an individual or organization can apply to the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to become a Registered Provider of Supports (RPoS).
NDIS registration is a seal of approval that gives you peace of mind about the provider. You can trust them because they’ve been independently evaluated, and their service standards are high.
Non-registered providers may be just as excellent as registered ones, but the NDIS has not evaluated their criteria.
Advantages of Becoming a Registered NDIS Provider
- Access to NDIA-managed participants
- Seen as more trustworthy and credible by participants
- Higher quality service due to the NDIS’ stringent standards
- Quicker cash flow as payments are handled through the NDIS portal
- Easier access to financing from in-depth documentation requirements
Disadvantages of Becoming a Registered NDIS Provider
- Higher start-up and ongoing costs for registration and audits
- Stricter compliance requirements
- More paperwork
- Legal matters can arise if the quality of service offered is not up to standard
Advantages of Becoming an Unregistered NDIS Provider
- Starting up is quicker and easier
- Fewer costs as there are no licensing or audit fees
- Able to work directly with participants (instead of through the NDIA), making it easier to build relationships
- Able to offer more competitive prices as it is not subjected to the NDIS price guide
Disadvantages of Becoming an Unregistered NDIS Provider
- May be seen as less trustworthy (participants are warier)
- Need to focus more on building a solid reputation in the community, especially as a new business
- No access to NDIA-provided lists, making it harder to scale the business
- No documentation or auditing requirements could lead to lower quality services or legal liabilities
Can You Only Use Registered NDIS Providers
That depends on how you want to use your NDIS funds. You can select any supplier if you manage your money yourself or have a Plan Manager. Whether you choose, a registered or non-registered supplier is entirely up to you.
Because non-registered providers cannot be paid directly by the NDIS, they will submit their invoices to you or your Plan Manager.
You can only pick registered providers if the NDIA administers your NDIS money on your behalf.
It might be challenging if you already have a non-registered provider you like and trust, but now you have an NDIS Plan handled by the NDIA.
If you want to maintain your present non-registered provider, the best course is to urge them to get registered.
Are Non-Registered NDIS Providers Less Qualified?
Certainly not. They may be just as knowledgeable, committed, and compassionate as licensed professionals. Perhaps they lacked the time, funds, or capacity to complete the NDIS registration procedure. Many smaller businesses do not.
Non-registered providers could already meet or surpass the NDIS’s quality and safety standards. They don’t have to, though. That is a significant distinction. The NDIS does not conduct audits or assessments of their abilities. You’ll never know how excellent non-registered providers are until you give them a go.
There’s no better time than now to apply for the NDIS if you haven’t already. Even though approval might take time, the sooner you submit your application and start the procedure, your eligibility will be decided.
You can still get the help you need until your financing starts flowing, but you will be responsible for the expenses.
Even before your NDIS application is granted, you may create a connection and a routine with your new support workers. Remember that you have the option of hiring many individuals to meet your demands.
You may take advantage of extra services that will get you socializing and even pursuing your objectives and the necessary help, such as mobility, grooming, and transportation to appointments.
