Being self-managed or plan managed gives you the freedom to use both NDIS registered and non-registered providers. This means having the freedom to hire any self-employed or independent support worker with an ABN!
Hiring your own support staff gives you significant choice and control over the support you receive and allows you to find the best fit for your circumstances and needs.
What is an NDIS Support Worker?
Differing from a carer (who is usually a family member or close friend, and unpaid), a Support Worker is someone who is paid to provide assistance with a variety of tasks.
Can I choose my own NDIS support worker?
Finding a support worker who you’re comfortable with can be a challenge, but the National Disability Insurance Scheme allows you to choose and hire an independent support worker under your NDIS plan.
Does an NDIS support worker need an ABN?
If you are self-managed or plan managed, ensuring your support worker has an ABN and the proper insurance is crucial.
Things to consider when hiring your own support workers
Hiring your own support workers is a great way to exercise the choice and control given to you by the NDIS. Though it is important to be aware that there are many responsibilities involved.
These may include but are not limited to:
- employing and training your staff
- tax obligations
- superannuation obligations
- Responsibility of workers compensation and insurances
- Negotiation of pay and conditions, and ensuring compliance with relevant awards
- Health and safety obligations
- and making sure workers have completed any relevant checks and screenings (if required) – National Police Clearance, NDIS worker screening, Working With Children Check etc.
Benefits of hiring your own support workers
Hiring your own support worker allows you to:
- Negotiate rates,
- choose what work they do for you,
- set support hours
- and how they should work
- choose someone you trust and feel comfortable with
Finding support workers or support services
You can find and hire independent support workers through agencies such as Mable, Hireup and Mobility. These providers offer services taking care of all of the paperwork and charging only a management fee.
Alternatively, you can hire support workers directly if they have an ABN and the necessary insurance.
For more information, or if you need help engaging with disability support workers, you should talk to your plan manager or support coordinator.
What type of activities can a support worker help me with?
A support worker can help you with:
- health care (such as attending doctors, dentists, therapists or hospitals),
- community engagement,
- writing letters / sending emails,
- paying bills,
- finding and engaging with service providers,
- keeping a record of your expenses and payments,
- showering, cooking, dressing and cleaning up and other everyday tasks.
Qualities to look for in a support worker
There are many things to consider when hiring a support worker, so how can you ensure you are hiring the right person for you and your needs? What should you look for in a support worker?
Some important qualities to look for in a support worker include:
- Honest and trustworthy
- Patience
- Good communication skills
- Flexible and adaptable
- Reliability
- The appropriate insurance
How is this type of support funded?
You should take into consideration your support budget, to ensure you know how many hours of support you can pay for. You can contact your plan manager to discuss the funding you have available for this type of support.
Can I use my NDIS funding to pay for friends or family members to provide me with support?
In most cases, the answer is no. As you know, family members, friends and other members of the community play a vital role in the lives of persons living with disability, and they make up a network that is commonly referred to as your ‘informal supports’. The support provided to you buy your informal supports is (in most cases) unpaid.
