What is a Support Provider?
Support services providers offer a variety of different support services to NDIS participants. Providers can be individuals, businesses or companies that deliver supports to participants that are funded by the NDIS.
NDIS registered providers are regulated by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. However, all providers registered or not are to adhere to the NDIS Code of Conduct.
Love, Live, Laugh is a registered NDIS provider.
What is the difference between plan, NDIA/agency and self-managed?
Self-managed:
Self-managed plans enable flexibility for the participant by having them manage their own funding. This provides participants with up to date and more frequent access to what their funding is being used for and what they are being charged.
Self-management does come with the added responsibility of paying your own invoices, managing your funds and budgeting so that the funding lasts for the duration of the plan. As such, it may or may not be the most suitable option based on your circumstances.
Plan managed:
Plan managers are an option for people who may want the choice and flexibility of self-managed plans, without as much responsibility. A good plan management company will ensure that there are enough funds to pay for supports, tend to provider invoices and that the supports you are being charged for are being delivered. Most plan managers will also issue participants regular breakdowns of what they are being charged for and how much is remaining in their funding.
Some non-registered clinicians or service providers may also request that the participant is plan managed as they will want to invoice a reputable company to pay for the services delivered.
Agency/NDIA managed:
Agency/NDIA managed plans are handled directly by the NDIA. For many participants, this is the simplest choice when starting their journey with the NDIS as it shortens the time taken in finding the right plan manager and reduces the responsibilities they have under self-management. It also enables participants to access information on their funding through their portal at any time.
The downside in being Agency managed is that non-registered providers and clinicians are unable to provide supports for participants who are Agency managed as they do not have access to invoice the NDIA directly.
Am I able to join a support provider and access their services if I am not on the NDIS?
In short, yes. Love, Live, Laugh welcomes and provides support services for clients who are not eligible for the NDIS or have support needs that the NDIS does not cover. Due to private clients not being under the NDIS, they will need to cover any support expenses out of pocket. Any non-NDIS clients can book in a short consultation with us to better understand what we can and can’t provide through info@lovelivelaugh.com.au
What is the NDIS?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme, NDIS for short, is a government funded program which aims to provide funding to eligible people with a disability to assist them in gaining an improved living situation, skill building, providing the supports they need and helping them connect with services they can access in their community.
What services am I eligible for?
The support services you are eligible for are outlined in your NDIS plan. If you are wanting information on what you are entitled to prior to applying for the NDIS, talk to your Local Area Coordinator or contact the NDIS directly on 1800 800 110.
Can I sign up with the NDIS?
As long as you meet the criteria, yes. For starters, NDIS only covers people aged 7 to 65 who are Australian citizens, permanent residents/visa holders, and Protected Special Category Visa holders who have a disability and are currently residing in Australia. For further information on your eligibility for the NDIS, contact a Local Area Coordinator or the NDIS directly on 1800 800 110.
How much do I have to pay to join Love Live Laugh as a participant/client?
You don’t have to pay anything to join us as a participant/client. We are a registered NDIS provider meaning that as long as you have an approved and current NDIS plan, you can access our services. All supports charges are billed under your plan so there are no out-of-pocket expenses to you.
Do I pay a premium for your services?
There are no premiums for our services. We charge standard NDIS rates which are publicly available for anyone to access. A copy of the latest pricelist can be emailed to you upon request.
What Is the difference between a Local Area Coordinator and a support coordinator?
Local Area Coordinators, also known as LAC’s are direct representatives of the NDIS who will help you in getting started and implementing your NDIS plan. LAC’s can assist you in choosing your management type (plan/self/agency), put you in touch with support services providers and plan managers, help in sourcing information and contacts that can assist you in reaching your goals and be your point of contact within the NDIS.
When it comes to your plan and entitlements under the plan, Local Area Coordinators are there to start you off but cannot be as active as a support provider or a support coordinator due to time constraints. This is where a support coordinator would come in, if your plan has allocation for one.
Support Coordinators can be more involved planning, implementing and sourcing the right supports for you. This could be anything from finding you the right clinicians, skills development, helping with understanding your entitlements and responsibilities under you plan and much more.
To put it simply, your support coordinator is your go-to person for any questions or needs you may have relating to the NDIS, your plan and your service agreement.
Please note: Not every NDIS participant has support coordination listed as part of their plan. If you feel like support coordination is needed in your plan, please speak to your LAC about it and request the service to be added to your plan.
What is a service agreement?
Service agreements are contracts signed between you and your support services provider. All registered providers need to sign service agreements that outline your rights as a participant under their care. Prior to accessing any support services, your provider will first need a service agreement signed and dated. We strongly recommend reading and understanding all aspects of the agreement prior to signing on and asking your provider any questions you may have about the agreement. Only sign once you’re completely satisfied with the agreement as it is a legally binding contract between you and you support services provider.
What if my question isn’t included on this page?
We understand that the process of obtaining NDIS funding is just the start of your journey and it can sometimes be a daunting task to try and understand everything that goes along with it. Love, Live, Laugh is here to help answer any questions you may have about your plan and entitlements under the NDIS.
Please reach out to us on 1800 730 201 between 9.30AM and 5PM - Monday to Friday, or drop us an email on info@lovelivelaugh.com.au and we will contact you as soon as possible.