Your questions answered
Self-managing your NDIS plan
SOME people decide to selfmanage their NDIS plan.
This means the NDIS pay them directly for the supports they claim under their plan’s budgets.
Other ways to manage NDIS plan budgets include agency-managed budgets, plan management, or a combination of the lot.
If you choose to self-manage your NDIS plan, you are free to choose any provider you’d like, whether they are registered with the NDIS or not.
Speak to your legal and financial advisors before selfmanaging your NDIS plan.
Do I need a separate bank account?
If you self-manage your plan, the NDIS strongly advises having a separate bank account for your NDIS funds only.
A separate bank account is not compulsory, but will help you keep track of your funds, payment requests and transfers, monitor spending, and keep records.
Will I pay tax on NDIS funding?
No. Your NDIS funding is not a form of income and will not attract an income tax obligation.
However, if interest is earned on your NDIS funding, you must report it to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
Can I use my NDIS funds to pay the Medicare gap?
No, you can’t claim under both systems for the same support.
A support paid for by NDIS cannot be claimed against any other Commonwealth Program, including Medicare.
Do I need to follow an award if I directly employ someone?
If you directly employ staff, you must employ them under the correct award and right working conditions.
You should also seek legal and financial advice about wages, superannuation, and tax, paid to providers and employees.
As a minimum, you should know the provisions of the Fair Work Act and the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010.
You should also be well aware of the Work Health and Safety Regulations.
Can I employ a family member as a support worker?
No. As a general rule, NDIS funded supports do not replace the role of families and carers, which means family members will not be paid for acting as a support worker to another family member with a disability.
However, with proof of exceptional circumstances, this may be approved for a strict time-limit.
What happens if I run out of funds?
You must tell your LAC, Early Childhood Partner, Support Coordinator or NDIS planner about any change in your circumstances which may affect your plan.
You will need to complete a change of circumstances form and submit it to the NDIS.
For further information, call the NDIS on 1800 800 110.