Using your NDIS Funds

NDIS Approved Support List - What's in and what's out?

The NDIS made a big announcement about the supports it will and will not fund. 

Many Providers are confused about what this means for them and the supports they are delivering. The MyCareSpace Provider team have put together the most important information you need to know right now.

Top 10 things NDIS Providers need to know about the latest changes to NDIS Supports

1. From 3 October, Participants will only be able to use their NDIS funds for items listed as approved NDIS supports.
    
2. The NDIS released 2 Approved NDIS Supports Lists showing what you can use your NDIS funding on
   • Here is a list of things a Participant CAN spend their NDIS funding on
   • Here is a list of things a Participant CANNOT spend their NDIS funding on
      
3. The NDIS released a Replacement Support List - this is a list of substitutions a Participant may be funded for if the service they want is NOT on the NDIS approved list.
   • Here is a detailed resource about the Replacement Supports and how Participants can apply (there are lots of rules)
   • Here is the Replacement List
     ​
4. The NDIS will transition these lists over the next 12 months.
    
5. Providers can only be paid for services that are on the 'IN' List (and not on the 'Out' List).
   Check the 2 lists - if your services are not Approved NDIS Supports, you need to change them.
    
6. Providers have 30 days (until Nov 3rd 2024) to make sure they are delivering (and charging) for approved NDIS supports. Participants (and their Plan Managers) will be reviewing the type of services you are currently delivering to ensure they are approved.
    
7. Even if your service is included in the Replacement List, consider changing it.
   Applying for a replacement support looks complicated and will take time (like everything else in the NDIS).
   You don't want to get caught up in that process. See the full process here.
    
8. If a Participant manages to get your service approved as a Replacement Support, the approval only lasts for the duration of the current plan.
   If they fail to get it approved, they cannot apply again for 12 months.
    
9. These changes apply to ALL NDIS Providers - both registered and unregistered.
    
10. There is a transitional rule allowing participants to continue to access supports that are not NDIS supports for the duration of their existing plan IF:
    • They were specifically identified as reasonable and necessary before 3 October 202
    • The Administrative Appeals Tribunal has decided that the support should be funded as a reasonable and necessary support.

      This rule does not apply to sexual services, alcohol or drugs. These supports are specified in the primary Act as non-NDIS supports.
       

11. Make sure you keep checking for updates -  these are posted regularly and should be read together with the original lists: NDIS FAQ on recent legislation

What is an Online NDIS Scam

A scam is an illegal trick. NDIS scams usually try to get money or personal information illegally from NDIS participants. A scam is a type of fraud.

Scams target NDIS Participants of all backgrounds and ages across Australia. 

Why do we fall for online scams?

Scams succeed because they look like the real thing and catch you off guard when you’re not expecting it.

Scammers are getting smarter.

They take advantage of new technology, new products or services and major events to create believable stories that will convince you to give them your money or personal information. 

Types of Phone or Online NDIS Scams

Impersonation scam

Participants have reported receiving calls from scammers pretending to be from the NDIA.

The scammers will usually claim that there is a debt against your plan and that you will lose access to the NDIS if you don’t provide them with personal information including bank details, addresses, and Medicare details.

They may also ask Participants to repay these ‘debts’.  

The call can sometimes appear to come from a legitimate provider.

Scammers can even ‘spoof’ a provider’s phone number and it will show up on your phone. Sometimes these calls will come from a private number. 

The NDIA will never call you and threaten to cancel your access to the NDIS because of a debt. 

NDIS Invoicing Scams

Scammers will sometimes send false invoices via email to NDIS Participants.

These emails will often look like the real thing and will ask you to pay an invoice into an account that is different to the usual account you pay money into.

If you receive one of these emails, you should call your NDIS Provider and ask them whether they sent this email.

If they didn’t, you should report it to the NDIA immediately.

What if you have accidentally paid the invoice?

You should:

• change your email account passwords
• contact your bank or financial institution and report the scam 
• ask your bank whether they can reverse the payment, freeze the scam account and/or recover the funds 
• check your NDIS records for any other unauthorised payments, withdrawals or updates.

Unauthorised NDIS Access

Scammers who have accessed your information illegally may use that information to make false claims against your plan. 

Report an NDIS Scam

If a scammer contacts you pretending to an employee of the NDIA or an NDIS provider, you should report it to us by:

Submit our online tip-off form

This will help the Agency in getting the important information they need to follow up properly and quickly you will receive a reference ID once you have submitted the tip-off.

If you need help completing the online tip-off form you can call the NDIS Fraud Reporting and Scams Helpline on 1800 650 717 or email our fraud unit.

Download More Info
 

Is Equine Therapy on the NDIS List of allowed supports?

After the latest updates on October 3 2024, MyCareSpace together with Plan Hero Plan Managers is answering your NDIS Support List questions

Is Animal Therapy (including Equine Therapy) allowed?

Animal-assisted therapy CAN be an NDIS support when it is delivered as a Therapeutic Support.

• Animal-assisted therapy is NOT the same as ‘animal therapy’.
• Animal-assisted therapists may use an animal to play a role in assisting the therapist and the participant to engage in therapy.
• Animals can be used as therapy tools, just like a board game, Lego, or a swing could also be used as a tool in a therapy session.

For example:

• A psychologist or counsellor may use an animal in therapy sessions to assist a participant to calm, focus or regulate whilst the counselling/psychology session is undertaken.
• An occupational therapist may use an animal in therapy sessions to assist a participant to participate in an activity such as walking, standing, balancing etc.

In these interventions, the therapy is delivered to the participant by the allied health professional, with the animal used to support participation.

When is Animal therapy NOT an NDIS support?

• Activities which are provided for people to have a positive experience with an animal such as engaging with puppies or riding a horse might be called ‘animal therapy’ by the provider of the service.
• Recreational, sporting or social activities involving animals could also be called animal therapy.

These activities are not animal-assisted therapeutic interventions and are not NDIS Supports, even if the provider of the service is an allied health professional.

Are Plan Managers paying for Equine Therapy?

Yes, if you have an experienced, informed Plan Manager.

Plan Hero Plan Managers are paying for equine therapy when it is delivered as a therapeutic support as described above.

We take the time to understand the NDIS rules and ensure our Participants continue receiving the support they want and need.

Find out more about Plan Hero Plan Managers

Sources:

• NDIS FAQ

What is a 'Replacement Support'?

People can apply to the NDIA for funding for some supports on the “out” list.  This will be called a “replacement process” (previously referred to as “substitution”). 

Applicants will need to demonstrate that the support meets various criteria.

A replacement support must meet these criteria:

1. be used instead of the NDIS support or supports already in your plan
2. cost the same or less than the cost of the NDIS support or supports in your plan
3. work the same or better for you than the support it’s replacing.

There are only 2 categories of supports that can be substituted

Category 1: Standard commercially available household items

People can access “standard commercially available household items” if they can convince the NDIA that the item:

• meets the replacement criteria above AND:
  • is necessary to address the needs of the participant arising from the impairment they meet access for; and 
  • increases whole task independence; and
  • reduces or eliminates the need for a support worker or disability-specific assistive technology.

Category 2: Smart watches; tablets; smartphones; an app used for accessibility or communication purposes

People can access these items if they can convince the NDIA that the item: 

• meets the replacement criteria above AND
• is necessary to address communication or accessibility needs arising from the impairment(s) they meet access for.

Example of a Replacement Support

The NDIS is not designed to fund items such as an iPad or Apple watch.

However, should a participant know that they are able to communicate with their loved ones or a worker by using an iPad – rather than a specialist and more costly piece of equipment – then they can request the Agency to fund this.

The NDIA will then consider this request and may well say ‘Yes, absolutely that makes sense – so we will fund that on this occasion’.

That’s a really clear example of replacing a more expensive item with a better, more cost-effective solution.

How to Apply

What information do you need to supply

1. information about the replacement support, like what it is and how much it costs
2. which NDIS support or supports in your plan you want to replace
3. how it will work the same or better than the support you want to replace.

If your application IS approved

The NDIA will call and let you know that they have approved your application for replacement support. Then, They'll send you a letter by post or email.

You can buy your replacement support as soon as it’s been approved. 

You will need to use the funding in your plan to pay for the replacement support.

If the replacement support has extra costs, they'll tell you if they are also included. This might be things like delivery, or repairs and maintenance.

The approval for your replacement supports will last for your current plan. If you want to ask for this replacement support again, you will need to ask in your next plan.

In some situations, the NDIA may need to change how your plan is managed so you can buy your approved replacement support.

If your application is NOT approved

The NDIA will call you to let you know that they have not approved your application.

They’ll give you the reasons your application has not been approved.

They’ll also send you a letter by post or email to confirm this in writing.

You cannot use the funding in your plan to buy the replacement support.

You cannot ask for a review of this decision.

Where to Apply

Complete and submit the form below via email or post:

Application for a Replacement Support Form

Or you can provide the same information to the NDIS in an email or over the phone. You can also contact us on 1800 800 110 and they can help you.

Important Information:

• You don’t need to provide any additional assessments or reports to apply for a replacement support.
• Even if you provide all the right evidence, the NDIA does not have to approve the item.
• If the NDIA doesn't approve your request for a replacement support, you can’t ask for a review of this decision.
• If your application is not approved, you can’t apply for that same replacement support again for 12 months. 
• If your circumstances change and you have a Plan Reassesment, you do not have to wait for 12 months before you apply for the same replacement support again.
• Approval for your replacement supports will only last for your current plan - you need to apply again when your plan rolls over.

This topic is particularly important to us, as a dear friend and participant we support passed away this week. She was brave and a fighter and we won't forget her - RIP Sonia.

Who to Notify

It’s important to notify the NDIS when a Participant has passed away. 

​You can do this by calling the National Contact Centre (NCC) on 1800 800 110

You need to provide the participant’s:

• name,
• address,
• date of birth
• NDIS number (if you know it)

Alternatively, you can complete this form:

Notify the NDIA when a participant dies form (DOCX 72KB)

Once completed, there are a few ways you can return the form to the NDIA:

• Email the form to [email protected]
• Mail the form to NDIA, GPO Box 700, Canberra ACT 2601
• In person, by visiting an Early Childhood Partner, Local Area Coordinator or NDIS office in your area.

Support from the NDIS

The NDIA has a Bereavement Support Team will contact you.

They are trained to provide the best support they can during this difficult time.

The Bereavement support team member will work with you to resolve any outstanding NDIS matters, including stopping any NDIS funded supports and services, as well as answer any questions you may have.

This can usually be completed in a single phone call. When contacted, you can ask for a different time if it’s not convenient.

In some cases, we may need more information to confirm the participant’s passing. If they do, they will let you know what we need.

Links for further help

Services Australia has put together some key information for what do when someone close to you dies. This information can be found at Services Australia Death and Bereavement information.

We understand this is a difficult time. Remember to take care of yourself and look after your mental and physical health.

To access confidential counselling services 24 hours, 7 days a week, call:

• Lifeline Australia on 131 114
• Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636
• MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978.
• Griefline on 1300 845 745 from 12pm to 3am AEST, 7 days a week.

Difference between Psychologists and Counsellors in the NDIS

Counselling and Psychology are terms used interchangeably in the NDIS, but they are not the same. While these professions may share some similarities, they are also very different in many ways which we will share.

What is a Psychologist?

Psychologists are trained in the science of how people think, feel, behave and learn.

Many psychologists work in therapeutic settings, assessing people’s concerns and life circumstances.

They provide help with mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, stress and eating disorders.

All psychologists are trained in counselling as a core skill, and many psychologists have a specific area of endorsement in counselling psychology. 

Psychologists have special training in diagnosis and assessment, and they tend to support people with more complex mental health problems. Find an NDIS psychologist near you

Psychologists use treatments like cognitive behavioural therapy, which identifies and challenges unhelpful thoughts and behaviours, and tools like psychological testing to inform strategies for therapy.

Qualifying as a Psychologist requires a minimum of six years of training. This training includes a minimum of one to two years of supervised clinical practice.

Psychologists are registered health professionals under National Law, regulated by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra)

In the NDIS, a Psychologist must hold current AHPRA registration to deliver NDIS supports.

What is a Counsellor?

If you went to see a psychologist, they would probably do quite a comprehensive assessment to begin with, whereas a counsellor would begin by listening and discussing what your NDIS goals are.

Counsellors help people tackle problems in a positive way by helping to clarify issues, explore options and develop strategies.

Counsellors are experts in listening and helping NDIS Participants achieve their personal goals. They don't tend to do diagnosis or assessment, but they will support NDIS Participants with mild to moderate symptoms of mental illness.

In the NDIS, a counsellor must be a member of the Australian Counselling Association or equivalent to deliver counselling services.

Do I need a Psychologist or a Counsellor?

What can a Counsellor help with?

Counselling is typically a short term support and concerned with:

• immediate and practical issues such as processing grief or anger,
• helping a Participant identify options when making important personal or professional decisions, or
• building better interpersonal or communication skills.

A Counsellor in the NDIS might work with a Participant to:

• learn how to better manage conflicts in relationships or
• to clarify his or her values on a particular topic.

Counsellors can help with:  

• grief or anger
• anxiety or depression
• decision making
• relationships
• building better interpersonal or communication skills
• marriage and family counselling
• drug and alcohol rehabilitation
• trauma
• parenting
• career guidance

What can a Psychologist help with?

Psychologists offer longer term support. They perform a comprehensive assessment and develop a treatment plan using evidence-based interventions and treatments.

Psychologists can help NDIS Participants with severe conditions like:

• schizophrenia
• bipolar disorder
• depression and chronic anxiety
• panic disorders
• severe depression
• personality disorders
• OCD
• PTSD

and less severe conditions like:

• alcohol use disorder and other substance use disorders
• grief or anger
• anxiety or depression
• low self esteem
•  body dysmorphic disorder
• coping with a new diagnosis or managing a chronic illness
• eating disorders
• family and relationship issues

Which is best to use my NDIS funding on - Counsellor or Psychologist?

A Psychologist is the option if you have a diagnosed mental health issue or psychosocial disability or if your mental health problems affect your ability to cope with day to day life.

They can provide evidence-based treatment and help you manage your symptoms.

You can choose between a Counsellor or a Psychologist if you have specific problem to resolve like help with overcoming anxiety in social situations, improving relationships or managing behaviour.

Difference in NDIS Prices between Psychologist and Counsellor

A counsellor is cheaper per hour: roughly 1/3 the hourly cost of a Psychologist, but does not have the skills of a Psychologist. If your needs can be met by the skills of a counsellor, you could get more support for your funding by engaging a qualified counsellor.

If your needs are more complex or you have a diagnosed mental health condition, the skills and qualifications of an NDIS psychologist are worth the additional cost.

IMPORTANT: Make sure you check whether non-face-to-face tasks like session preparation or case notes are included in the price charged by the Psychologist or Counsellor so you are aware of the true session costs when making your decisions.

Difference in Qualification between a Counsellor and Psychologist in the NDIS

A Psychologist must have a university degree (minimum 6 years of study) including 1 - 2 years of supervised clinical practice.
E.g. Bachelor of Psychology or Bachelor of Psychological Science.

Counsellors must complete an accredited course of study. E.g Certificate of Counselling, Graduate Diploma of Counselling and Master of Counselling.

In the NDIS, a Psychologist must hold current AHPRA registration and a counsellor must be a member of the Australian Counselling Association or equivalent to deliver NDIS supports.

Download Comparison Table of Psychologist vs Counsellor

Sources:

• What’s the difference between psychology and counselling?
• Counselling Versus Psychology – What’s the Difference?
• What Is the Difference Between Counselling and Psychology?
• Counselling Vs. Psychology

Service Agreements are there to Protect You

Your NDIS service agreement is the most important document you have. It represents the agreement you have with a provider. 

It contains what they promise to deliver to you and anything you need to do in return. 

It includes important information about the cancellation terms and things like travel charges.

Before you sign a service agreement, here are 10 things you need to check you understand before signing it:

1. A ‘schedule of supports’

The schedule of supports should detail:

1. what services and supports your ndis provider will provide,
2. their fees for the services they will provide (this would include the rate per hour and the total fee)

It is important to know how many hours your provider thinks they will use and how much it will cost from your NDIS plan.

2. The amount of money a provider will expect to charge you

Information about how they will let you know what work they have done for you. How often will they send you an invoice or ‘statement of service’.

3. What they will charge you for phone calls, email, research

These are non 'face-to-face' items that are still billed at the same rate of service. These may be charged in increments (5min, 15min or 30min) so be sure to ask about that.

4. What the travel costs will be if they visit you at home or in the community

Any other costs or fees you need to know about the travel component of their fees. This could be travel time AND travel changes per km travelled.

5. How your provider will be paid

This will depend on whether your NDIS plan is self-managed, plan managed or agency managed.

6. Your responsibilities and your provider’s responsibilities

Information about what happens if you (or your support coordinator if you have one) don’t meet the agreed responsibilities.

7. Cancellation policy and cancellation fees 

Make sure you know how long in advance you have to cancel so that you are not incorrectly charged for amounts not due. Also, make sure you know how much you will be charged if you don't cancel within the required period.

Currently, Therapy Providers require a 2 day cancellation period - if you cancel closer to your appointment, you will be charged! Support workers can claim a 7 day cancellation period!

8. Information about how long the agreement goes for and how it can be changed or ended

This is very important to make sure you have the flexibility to change providers with an acceptable or no notice period.

9. Feedback and complaints process 

How can you make a complaint if you are not happy? 

10. Whether you will need to pay Goods and Services Tax (GST) or if the service is GST-free

In almost all cases, GST is NOT payable on disability services. Providers may not be sure about this so be sure to check! You can find out more in our resource about whether a provider should be charging GST NDIS Services and GST

NOTE: The Australian Tax Office says that if Disability Providers are not charging a Participant GST, they MUST have a service agreement in place. Many providers are unaware of this.

A person is eligible for SDA funding if they have:

1. An extreme functional impairment

This means they have an extremely reduced functional capacity in:

• Mobility and/or
• Self-care and/or
• Self-management

(you only need one)

OR

Does the person have extremely reduced psychosocial functioning in:

• Mobility and/or
• Self-care and/or
• Self-management

(you only need one)

2. Very high support needs

The person has lived in SDA for a long time and transitioning to another housing option would impact the person’s capacity and support

OR

The person has a very high need for person-to-person supports, either immediately available or constant, for a signifcant part of the day

This is just the first step in determination

There are a number of steps after these initial questions that will help to determine Specialist Disability Accommodaiton (SDA) eligibility.

See this flow checklist that will walk you through each decision to determine your eligibility:

Download the SDA checklist
 

Find a Support Coordinator

What is Support Coordination in the NDIS?

The official NDIS definition - “a capacity building support to implement all supports in a participant’s plan, including informal, mainstream, community and funded supports” - can be difficult to translate into a day-to-day understanding of what exactly Support Coordination does for an NDIS participant. 

Support Coordinators are people who have been trained in the NDIS, so they can help you understand what services and funds are available to you. Although everyone is entitled to ask for Support Coordination to be included in their NDIS plan, not everyone receives it.

What does a Support Coordinator do?

The role of a Support Coordinator is challenging, as they are limited by the number of hours they can spend with a Participant based on that Participant's funding.

I'm sure that all Support Coordinators will agree that they never have enough funding for the time they want to spend with a Participant. They make the best of what is available and will prioritise your most needed support.

Here is an over view of what a Support Coordinator CAN do for you:

• Support you to understand and implement the funded supports in your plan

• Help you to 'optimise' your plan ensuring that you are getting the most out of your funded supports

• Help build your ability to exercise choice and control, coordinate supports and access your local community

• Help link you to community, mainstream and other government services

• Focus on supporting you to build your skills and independence (the fancy word to describe this is 'capacity building')

• Find and connect you with NDIS providers

• Assist you in negotiating with providers about what they will offer you and how much it will cost out of your plan

• Ensure service agreements and service bookings are completed

• Assist you in planning ahead to prepare for your plan review

How can I get Support Coordination in my NDIS Plan?

Support Coordination is not available to all NDIS participants. The NDIS only funds Support Coordination in cases where participants…

• Are likely to develop the skills and confidence needed to be able to navigate the NDIS independently. This is called capacity building and it’s an important part of the NDIS and Support Coordination – but more on that later.    
• Don’t have an informal support network that could otherwise provide a similar style of support. So, if you don’t have family, friends or other contacts with the time and knowledge to help you find and connect with service providers, the NDIS might fund a Support Coordinator to provide that support.
• Are likely to gain a tangible benefit from having the assistance of a Support Coordinator.
• Are new to the NDIS and receiving their first plan or going through a significant life change? We’ll take a closer look at the role timing plays in Support Coordination eligibility shortly.

The NDIS assesses each participant on a case-by-case basis to see whether they are eligible or not. If you request funding for Support Coordination in your planning meeting, the NDIS looks at your individual situation to decide whether you meet the criteria.

Find Support Coordinators

The MyCareSpace Connection Team can connect you with a Support Coordinaor that has experience with your disabiity and who is in your local area.

Find a Support Coordinator

This resource provides support for both NDIS Participants and Support Coordinators.

Choosing Service Providers can be overwhelming. Some types of supports allow for choice like choosing a Support Worker company.

Others allow for very little choice and you have to grab it when you can get it, like therapies.

So, how do you go about choosing the right provider when you have more than one choice?

Tips when interviewing providers

1. Do it at a time that suits you. You are the customer. Make sure you are relaxed and ready to meet them. Reschedule if something comes up.
    
2. Write down the questions you are going to ask them. Have a checklist. [Print out our Checklist Template]
    
3. You don't need to decide whether to hire them on the spot - don't feel pressured. You can let them know later or tomorrow.
    
4. Do not ask YES and NO questions. Ask questions that require a more detailed answer so their answers are more detailed (see item 6 below).
    
5. Bring someone with you. Even if its just for moral support.

Your Checklist When Choosing Providers

1. Are you NDIS registered?

This is important because if you are Agency Managed, you can only use NDIS Registered providers.

NDIS registered providers are answerable the NDIS Commission. They must follow the NDIS requirements of conduct, complaints, incident reporting, worker screening etc.

This means they are more likely to be aware of their responsibilities when supporting you.

2. Tell me about your company and how you came about?

Find out whether they have lived experience or what motivated them to support people with disability. This will give you some feel for their moral compass.

Not being able to answer this with a reason should be a red flag.

3. Can you provide support TODAY in my area

It's most important they have support available RIGHT NOW in your local area. Even if they have already said they do before the interview. Ask again. 

If they don't have someone TODAY, find out when they will be available.

4. What are your hourly rates?

Yes, there is an NDIS Price List but this should be for guidance only. They don't have to charge the full rates.

5. What is your Cancellation Policy?

Although the NDIS has guidelines, they can make it whatever they want it to be in your service agreement.

How many days notice do I need to give? Do they charge 100% of fees?

6. When do you charge for Travel?

Find out if they always charge for travel or only after a certain distance.

7. Do you charge a minimum amount of hours

Most Providers will have a minimum of 3 hours, which makes sense as their Support Workers will need to travel to and from your place. You will need to know if it is more than 3 hours.

8. Tell me about your Support Workers that can ....

Fill in your specific needs here. For example:

• Speak Arabic
• Have experience with Autism
• Are transgender

They should be able to name their staff that can provide this support.

Don't ask them for a YES or NO answer. For example: Do you have staff that support autistic people? It will be too tempting to just answer 'Yes" (no one wants to say "No").

9. Finally check they have someone that can meet YOUR specific needs

Make a Checklist from most important to least important. [Print out our Checklist Template]

In other words, number 1 is an absolute 'deal breaker' and number 10 would be 'nice to have'.

We have created a Checklist template to help you.

10.  What do you think is most important in the NDIS Code of Conduct?

This is a trick question. They get bonus points if they can answer.

Provider Checklist Template

Use our Provider Checklist template when you are choosing your next provider.

Print our Provider Checklist