Your NDIS plan should essentially assist you in achieving the objectives you have set out for yourself. For this, your NDIS provider is there to help you obtain the support and services that are best suited to your unique circumstances. But, of course, if your circumstances change or you feel dissatisfied with your current service provider, you can switch to another. There are several reasons why you might wish to switch NDIS service providers. Perhaps you’re dissatisfied with their services, they’re not a good fit for you, you’ve relocated, or your needs have changed. Here’s a step-by-step guide to changing your NDIS provider to ease the process.
Step 1: Contact your existing service provider
Before you do anything else, talk to the persons already providing you with disability assistance. This is significant since they are unlikely to believe anything is wrong. Consider this: if they haven’t received any complaints from you, they may presume you’re satisfied with the service.
Contact your service provider and discuss your unique concerns. Explain why you aren’t satisfied with the help you’re getting and the kind of help you need. Tell them about any specific issues you want to discuss, they will address all of your concerns.
It’s a good idea to talk to someone else about this before approaching your NDIS service provider. For example, ask a family member or close friend what they think about your provider and their suitability to help you. You could also contact your ECEI Coordinator or another Support Coordinator. Speaking with them will help you determine whether your issues are worthwhile. You may feel irritated by minor details at times, but the reality is that the service provider has done nothing wrong. Furthermore, they may inform you that the same problem exists elsewhere. Therefore, switching providers will not solve the problem.
If you’re unsure whether you should switch providers, talking to your current provider is a good place to start. Perhaps they were not entirely aware of your displeasure and will surely be committed to implementing your suggestions. Please discuss any specific difficulties with them and provide examples. Explain why you aren’t getting the help you require. You might discover they can improve their service offering to fully meet your expectations.
Maybe you’ve spoken with them, and nothing has changed. Or you believe the problem is too far gone to approach them. In this case, you should terminate your arrangement with the provider.
Step 2: Examine the terms and conditions of your service contract
The service contract agreement will advise you on termination periods or cancellation costs that may apply when cancelling your current provider’s services. You engage in a service agreement when joining with NDIS-certified providers. This contract outlines your rights and the terms and conditions you’ve agreed to with the service provider.
Look for a copy of this agreement and review the terms and conditions. Specifically, you want to look for the section that discusses the agreement’s termination. Here, you can find information on termination periods if you want to cancel the agreement. In addition, it tells you how much notice you need to give before cancelling the arrangement. There may also be a condition stating that you must pay any cancellation fees if you terminate the agreement early.
Hopefully, things are straightforward, with no waiting period or expenses. However, it would help if you double-checked this to ensure that you are not startled by anything following the cancellation of your contract.
Step 3: Terminate your service contract with your current service provider
Legalising your service arrangement with your present NDIS provider is best. Unfortunately, some folks make the mistake of doing this over the phone. While you can do it that way, there is some concern. A phone call does not provide physical proof that you sought their cooperation to end the relationship. This should be in writing, preferably via email. This way, your present provider knows of your request to terminate your arrangement with that NDIS provider.
Send a formal email to the present service provider outlining your preferences. This gives them a formal record and reveals when you started the termination procedure. So, if there is a termination period, it will begin on the same day. Again, seek guidance and assistance from an NDIS support coordinator to ensure that you explain everything correctly in your email. It is also recommended that you request a written answer in your email. This serves as proof that they have formally recognised your request.
As a result, if they try to stall or claim they didn’t receive your email, you can use their response as evidence against them. The only thing left to do after you’ve submitted your email is to wait for a response. Behind the scenes, the wheels are spinning, and your current NDIS service provider will terminate your service arrangement. You’re almost ready to look for a new provider, but there’s one more step you need to take.
Step 4: Remove your service booking from the MyPlace site
You must speak with your current provider and request that your new provider creates their service booking for you. MyPlace is the NDIS participant platform where you can access almost all your NDIS information. When you locate a service provider, they will add a service booking to your MyPlace site. This shows that they are your provider, and you have an appointment with them. Ending the service booking will result in the termination of your present service 14 days after you made the request.
This is critical because you must cancel this service booking before another provider can make a new one. In addition, during those 14 days, your previous NDIS provider has the opportunity to claim any outstanding payments.
In rare situations, you may need to contact the NDIA to have the service booking cancelled for you.
Step 5: Choose a new service provider
You can choose another provider once your contract with your current provider has expired. There are numerous methods for locating possible service suppliers. You should conduct comprehensive research, develop a shortlist, and then make a final decision based on input from other participants and your encounters with the provider.
Some of the elements that may influence your decision include:
- Support services available
- Cost
- Flexibility
- Location
Some service providers may allow you to conduct a trial before signing a service agreement. Contact them to finish the application process when you’ve opted for a supplier.
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) providers are individuals at the end of the day, and the provider you started out with may no longer be able to give you the assistance you actually need. At times, parting ways with a provider can be difficult for a whole host of reasons. However, changing your NDIS provider will be quite simple if you follow these steps.
If you have any questions about NDIS plan management, please call us at 1800 63 63 77 or email us at info@ndsp.com.au. Register for Plan Management Sign Uptoday!
