Who Should See My NDIS Plan? What Do I Share?
One of the common questions we see from participants is regarding who needs to see a copy of their NDIS plan and what information needs to be shared.
In short, the decision is always up to the participant. They can keep it closely guarded and refuse to show anyone, or they can hand out copies to everyone. In reality, it depends on a number of factors, so let's break down a few strategies for staying in control when it comes to information sharing.
Self-managed participants
If you are self managed, you are in full control and you take on all risk and responsibility for how your funds are used. It is up to you what you share with others. You don't even need to let a service provider know that you have NDIS funding except for some specific services (e.g. SDA or behaviour support).
Agency-managed participants
Providers will ask for your NDIS number, plan dates, and date of birth to ensure they can create a service booking* with the NDIA. It is also good to share your goals with a provider so that they can help you to work towards them.
It is important to have a service agreement with a maximum value. A provider should not be exceeding the value of the service agreement without your approval. This will help you to sustain your funding.
* This process will change with the rollout of PACE, the new software that will replace the portal used by participants and providers, as service bookings will not be needed.
Plan-managed participants
Most plan managers will request that you share a full copy of your plan so that they are fully aware of the details and can assist you with queries related to payments or whether a service can be funded.
However, this is not mandatory and a Plan Manager will still be able to see plan-managed funding through the MyPlace Provider Portal (soon to be the MyNDIS Provider Portal). But having a copy of your plan will make their job easier as they will also be able to see if you have self-managed or agency-managed funding for additional supports. Some plan managers won't accept you as a client if you do not share your plan.
Support Coordinator
If you have an SC they should also have a copy of the plan so that they can fully assist you to implement the plan and guide the services that you wish to engage. Again, it isn't mandatory however it is beneficial and some SCs may not be willing to assist without it.
After the rollout of PACE, your nominated Support Coordinator will have automatic access to your plan information, with your permission.
Therapies and Support Workers
It is advised not to share full plan details with other providers, and not even the budget amounts, because:
You may want to use a number of providers so you need to allocate a portion of funding to each provider
If a provider sees your full budget they could pressure you to use more funding
A provider may interpret your plan differently to how you do
Some providers may ask to verify that you have funding in a particular category or that you have enough funds to cover the services that you have requested. This is a grey zone as providers don't have a right to have such information, but it might be helpful to provide assurance to secure the service.
You can work with your Local Area Coordinator, Support Coordinator, or Plan Manager to create a budget for different services and decide what information you want shared.
You may also wish to share information such as your goals. This will assist the provider to tailor their service to help you with reaching those outcomes.
Generally good to share: Be careful about sharing:
Name and contact details Your full plan
NDIS number Your full budget
Your goals Info that isn't relevant to the service
Interests and dislikes Info about other services
Preferences Private information
Your disability Anything that makes you uncomfortable
Important health information (e.g. allergies)