The first thought of every new NDIS participant is how to manage their plan and needs efficiently. Having a plan manager or being self-managed definitely gives you a better freedom than being agency managed, but it’s always subjective. It depends on what one’s condition is and how independent they are.
With these two plan management models, you can use both registered and non-registered NDIS providers. You can hire any independent or self-employed support worker with an ABN (Australian Business Number). This gives you significant control and choice over the support you receive.
But let’s understand a few related things to make the experience even smoother. First things first—
Definition of an NDIS Support Worker
Your NDIS support worker is different from your primary caregiver, who is usually your family member or a close friend. They are an expert who support you with various tasks, depending on your disability needs and NDIS plan.
Can I Choose My NDIS Support Worker?
Finding a reliable and relevant support worker can be a challenge, but the NDIS allows you to choose whoever you feel comfortable with. So, yes, you can choose your NDIS support worker.
However, it changes based on how your plan is managed.
Self-Managed:
This offers the most flexibility by letting you directly employ support workers, engage contractors, and hire people who aren’t NDIS-registered providers.
Plan-Management:
This version also offers great flexibility. You can still choose both registered and unregistered NDIS providers, while the dedicated plan manager manages the invoices and tracks the spending.
NDIA-Management (Or Agency-Management):
While this has its own merits, this offers less flexibility if you want to hire your own NDIS support workers. Here, you can only use registered service providers. So, if you want to hire your aids yourself, consider switching to a plan-managed or self-managed model at your next plan review.
Does My NDIS Support Worker Need an ABN?
Yes. Ensuring your support worker has proper insurance and an ABN is crucial if you are self-managed or plan-managed.
7 Key Points to Check When Hiring a Support Worker
By hiring your own support worker, you can exercise the choice and control given to participants by the NDIS. However, it’s important to be aware of the following responsibilities involved in the hiring process.
They include:
- Training the worker
- Ensuring necessary checks and screenings, such as a National Police Clearance.
- Tax obligations
- Health and safety obligations
- Superannuation obligations
- Responsibility of insurance and workers’ compensation
Only after taking these essential steps can you ensure your support worker is fit for the caregiving job.
How Can I Find My Support Workers?
You can access the services of independent support workers through agencies, like Kencho, and ensure you have continued care. Alternatively, you can also engage workers directly if they have the necessary insurance and ABN. Speak with your plan manager or support coordinator if you need help or more information.
What are the Benefits of Hiring My Own Support Worker?
Self-managed and plan-managed options offer you more flexibility when you wish to hire your own support workers.
You can:
- Negotiate rates yourself
- Decide what support they should offer you
- Set support timings
- Define how they should work
- Ensure you are fully comfortable with the worker
How is the Support Funded?
It is important to take into account your support budget and know how many hours of assistance you can afford. You can also contact your plan manager to learn more about your funding or the type of support you need.
Can I Use the Funds to Pay My Friends or Family for the Same Support?
No, in most cases.
Family members and friends play a vital role in the lives of people with disabilities, but it is considered ‘informal supports.’ Any assistance provided by your informal supports is mostly unpaid.
The exceptions include:
- When there’s a shortage of support workers in remote or rural communities
- Where the NDIS participant has complex needs that only a family member can manage
- If the participant’s religious or cultural needs require specific support
When you fall under these exceptional circumstances, you can discuss and get it approved by the NDIA.
Ideal Qualities in a Support Worker
The job of a support worker is vastly different from any other job. Delivering it optimally requires a lot of expertise, empathy, and experience. That is why it’s always important to look for qualities such as patience, communication skills, honesty, adaptability, and trustworthiness. With these qualities, you can rest assured that you can ensure the best support possible from your caregiver.
What Support Can I Get From My Support Worker?
Your NDIS support worker can assist you with:
- Health care, such as attending doctor appointments
- Personal care, such as showering, cleaning, and cooking.
- Community engagement
- Writing letters or sending emails
- Engaging with your service providers
- Paying bills for secured services
- Keeping a record of your payments and expenses
Closing Thoughts
The bottom line is that, yes, you can hire your own NDIS support workers. However, it comes with additional responsibilities. So, if you are considering to hire your a support worker yourself, speak with your support coordinator or plan manager first. They will present a clear picture of what it might mean for you and ensure your ultimate comfort.
If you want to skip everything and get started with your services as soon as possible, contact Kencho. We will help you figure out what services your needs demand and customise a care plan for you.
Call us right away!