Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. We’ve created an Easy English guide called UnitingCare, The NDIS and You, which is easy to read and uses pictures to explain some ideas. Download a copy here or contact your local UnitingCare centre to request a copy.

You do! Your NDIS plan will tell you how much funding you will receive for each support but it’s your decision how funds are managed. You can choose to manage your funds yourself or nominate the NDIS, a registered provider or someone else you trust to do it for you. With the NDIS you’ll always retain control over how, when and where your supports are provided.

Under the NDIS the focus is not on the amount of dollars you receive, but on making sure you receive the supports you need to help you achieve your goals.

If your needs aren’t currently being met, you may be provided with more support if it’s deemed reasonable and necessary by the NDIS. This is why it’s important to spend some time thinking about your needs and where your life could be improved ahead of your first NDIS meeting.

Rest assured your current supports won’t change (unless you want them to). Even if you don’t meet the access requirements for the NDIS, you’ll still receive the same level of support you receive now.

Yes, if your circumstances change. If something happens that affects the supports you need, just let the NDIS or your support provider know and they’ll work with you to review your plan. Your NDIS plan is also reviewed every 12 months. This allows you to assess the progress you’ve made towards achieving your goals and helps you to set new goals for the year ahead — which could also lead to a change in your support requirements.

NDIS local area co-ordinators (LACs) are locally based representatives who can support you in implementing your NDIS plan. This might include assisting you in finding community activities and mainstream services in your local area to help you achieve your goals. However, they can’t be as hands-on or involved as your support co-ordinator, which is why we highly recommend support co-ordination to make sure you’re getting the most out of your plan.

Contact your NDIS local area co-ordinator for a list of service providers in your area. Alternatively, you can find a List of Registered Providers in Queensland on the website of the NDIS (www.ndis.gov.au).

A service agreement is a legal agreement between you and your service provider/s which outlines the support that will be provided for you under the NDIS. It describes how and when the support will be provided, as well as the costs and the fees you need to pay.

Only if it’s identified as one of your goals. A big part of the thinking behind the NDIS is that living a full life starts with being a part of your community and having the same opportunities as everybody else. Getting a job and participating in the economy can greatly improve your circumstances and your wellbeing, which is why it could potentially become a goal in your plan. In this situation, you would work with your NDIA planner and support co-ordinator (if you have one) to find supports that will help you achieve it.

The NDIS fully recognises the important role you, as parents, play in supporting the lives of your children. Both UnitingCare and the NDIA consider your views and experience to be crucial to the planning process. Parents are actively encouraged to work in partnership with the NDIA and be vocal about your children’s needs.