How do I get support workers funded in my NDIS plan?

Please note this FAQ is currently being reviewed and updated

If you’re new to your search for a support worker, here are some steps to consider getting funding for the assistance you need to support you/your family member with disability.

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS):

The NDIS is a key avenue for accessing support services for people with disabilities across Australia, including Western Australia. To access support workers through the NDIS, you need to be eligible for the scheme and have an approved NDIS plan. Once you have your plan, you can work with your NDIS planner to include support worker services in your plan in the Core supports budget.
Registered NDIS Providers:

Once you have your NDIS plan, you can search for registered NDIS providers in your area who offer support worker services. These providers have met certain quality and safety standards set by the NDIS Commission, ensuring you receive high-quality support.
Support Coordination:

If you have Support Coordination included in your NDIS plan, your support coordinator can assist you in finding and engaging suitable support workers. They can also help you manage your budget effectively to ensure you get the most out of your funded supports.

For your NDIS plan to fund support workers, you need to show evidence that a support worker is beneficial to your wellbeing and aligns with your NDIS goals. Support workers can be funded to children under 9 years if there is suitable evidence to show that it is needed. It needs to be considered a reasonable and necessary support for it to be funded. It is more likely to be funded to older children and adults.

In your NDIS plan, you’ll outline your specific support needs, including the type and frequency of support required. This could include support workers for personal care, household tasks, community participation, or any other areas where you require assistance due to your disability.

Support worker funding is usually funded in the core budget from Daily Living or Social and Community Participation category. It can also be funded in other categories like Capacity Building Social and Community. In the category of Capacity Building Improved Daily Living, a support worker can be funded for Individual Skill Development.

If you are hiring your own support workers, you will need to recruit them based on your specific requirements. This may involve advertising, interviews and selecting suitable candidates. You may also need to provide training to ensure they understand your needs and preferences.

Depending on your preference, you can either manage the funds yourself (self-managed), have the NDIA manage them on your behalf (agency-managed), or opt for a plan manager (plan managed) – or a combination of these.

It is important to remember that you will need to budget according to your funding in your NDIS plan. There are different rates of pay depending on whether it is a weekday, weekend or public holiday, and whether you are plan, self or NDIA managed can make a difference to the workers you may choose.

If you have further questions about this or any other topic,
please email ddwa@ddwa.org.au or call us on (08) 9240-7203.