Frequently
Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
There are many common questions about the NDIS and the supports that So Joe offers. Please find the responses below for some common questions. If I need more information, I can always contact So Joe.
NDIS
Support Coordination
Plan Management
So Joe Participant
Service Providers
So Joe Partners
Other
NDIS
What is the NDIS?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is how the Australian Government funds the costs associated with having a disability. The scheme enables assistance for people with disabilities and their families to gain the supports they need.
Contact NDIS for further information
Phone – 1800 800 110
Email – [email protected]
Website = https://ndis.gov.au – webchat is available
Who is eligible for the NDIS?
The NDIA will determine if a person is eligible for NDIS support. Criteria’s include:
- Age
- Australian residency status
- Disability or Developmental Delay (0-6 years)
For an up to date eligibility criteria, please visit the NDIS website https://www.ndis.gov.au/applying-access-ndis/am-i-eligible
Contact NDIS for further information
Phone – 1800 800 110
Email – [email protected]
Website = www.ndis.gov.au – webchat is available
What is an NDIS Plan?
An NDIS plan is a document which is provided by the NDIS. It is based on the planning meeting and the life goals which were established. The plan includes personal information, breakdown of supports and funding available for allocated categories of support.
What is the NDIS process?
- Apply to be an NDIS participant
- NDIS Planning Meeting (determine goals and the NDIS planner will determine the supports to go into the plan)
- NDIS Plan Approval (usually a 12 month plan)
- NDIS plan implementation
- Engaging providers (e.g. establishing service agreement)
- Learning how to manage NDIS funds
- Getting services and supports
- Tracking plan progress
- 5. Annual plan review meeting (review goals and the NDIS planner will determine the supports to go into the new plan)
What supports does the NDIS cover?
The NDIS provides funding to cover the cost of supports from a wide range of areas and is dependent on an individual’s needs. The support can assist social & community participation, independent living, skill development, improved health & wellbeing and increasing independence. All supports must fit within the ‘reasonable and necessary’ framework.
There are 3 types of support purposes which NDIS funding – core, capital and capacity building.
Core – A support that enables a participant to complete activities of daily living and enables them to work towards their goals and meet their objectives.
Capital – An investment, such as assistive technologies, equipment and home or vehicle modifications, funding for capital costs (e.g. Specialist Disability equipment).
Capacity Building – A support that enables a participant to build their independence and skills.
Looking for more information? Please contact the friendly So Joe team.
How do I understand the NDIS support categories?
There are 3 support purposes (core, capital and capacity building) which have 15 support categories. Some of these will be seen in every NDIS plan.
Transport
Consumables
Looking for more information? Please contact the friendly So Joe team.
Can I change my NDIS plan?
If I am not satisfied with the inclusions in my NDIS plan, I have the right to ask for an internal review of my plan by the NDIA. This is also known as an ‘unscheduled review’. My ECEI Coordinator, Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or NDIA planner will explain how to do this and can put me in touch with advocates who can help me with this process.
If my personal circumstances have changed significantly, I can request a review if I feel my current plan is no longer suited to my needs.
How do I track my spending?
So Joe participants have 2 methods:
- Log into my ‘Myplace’ participant portal –
- NDIS website: www.ndis.gov.au or
- Mygov website: www.my.gov.au
- Log into the So Joe dashboard
Contact a So Joe team member if you would like any further information
Plan Management
What is Plan Management?
Plan Management is a financial management option of a participant’s NDIS plan.
NDIS Plan Managers are responsible for paying invoices from providers for the services a participant receives.
Plan Managers are also responsible for providing partcipants with information to enable them to manage their plan effectively, such as monthly spending statements.
How much does Plan Management cost?
There is no out of pocket cost to a participant.
Plan Management is a support which is available to every NDIS participant and is fully funded by NDIS – it does not affect the other funding in a participant’s plan.
How to do I get my plan to be plan managed?
The NDIA will provide funding in my plan to fund a Plan Manager who pays my providers for me, helps me keep track of funds and takes care of financial reporting for me.
I can ask for it to be included in my plan at my NDIS meeting or connect with a So Joe team member to gain a ‘request for Plan Management’ form to provide to my planner.
How do I sign up for Plan Management?
3 Easy options
- Click here or visit the So Joe website & click sign up
- Phone So Joe on 1800 812 813
- Email So Joe – [email protected]
Can I transfer from another plan manager?
Yes, I just need to contact my current plan manager and ask them to cancel their service booking and reduce their available funds to zero. So Joe can then commence supports.
What are the benefits of Plan Management?
A good plan manager provides participants with the security of having their funds monitored whilst taking away the administrative burden. Participants also have access to registered and non-registered providers.
Support Coordination
What is Support Coordination?
Support Coordination is an NDIS support which is designed to assist participants find and connect with the service providers who are best suited to meet their individual needs and achieve their NDIS goals.
How much does the support cost?
If Support Coordination is included in the participant’s NDIS plan, then it will be funded by the NDIS. This support is additional funding within an NDIS plan and does not impact on the other funding within a participant’s plan.
How to do I get Support Coordination in my NDIS plan?
Support Coordination support is only funded to some NDIS participants.
This may include participants who:
- Do not have an informal support network which could provide a similar type of support, e.g. don’t have family, friends or other associates with the ability or time constraints to assist a participant to connect with service providers
- Are a new participant to the NDIS scheme, experiencing a life transition or significant change
- Appears to be likely to develop the skills and confidence to be able to navigate the NDIS independently in the future with some initial assistance
- Are likely to gain a tangible benefit from having the assistance of a Support Coordinator, e.g. coordination to organise required equipment or assistive technology.
For further information contact:
- Local Area Coordinator
- NDIS: Web, email, phone
- So Joe: Web, email, phone
What are the benefits of Support Coordination?
The main benefits of Support Coordination include participants maximising their NDIS plan potential without the stress of organising supports. It enables participants to realise their plan’s potential and achieve their goals with the reassurance that there is assistance when wanted. Support Coordination is designed to build participants’ confidence and individual skills to independently undertake these tasks in the future.
How do I sign up for Support Coordination?
3 Easy options
- Click here or visit the So Joe website & click sign up
- Phone So Joe
- Email So Joe – [email protected]
So Joe Participant
How do I submit an invoice?
How do I submit a reimbursement?
How do I purchase something with my funds?
How do I change my account details?
To change my bank details, I need to send So Joe an email from my email address to [email protected].
Please ensure your email states clearly:
• New BSB and bank account number
• the name of the account
The So Joe team will be in contact to confirm that change.
Can I pay my providers more than the limits set in the NDIS price guide?
No. Providers delivering supports to a participant using a Plan Manager cannot charge more than the price limits outlined in the NDIS Price Guide and Support Catalogue.
Service Providers
What do I include in my invoice?
Invoice Checklist
- Service providers business name
- Service Provider contact information
- Phone/Email for invoice queries
- Email for remittance advice
- Australian Business Number (ABN)
- Invoice number
- Account details for payment (BSB and account number
- Participants details
- Name
- NDIS #(if known)
- Service details
- Service provided
- NDIS line item number (if known)
- Quantity provided
- Rate of support (e.g. hour rate)
- Invoice Date
How do I submit an invoice?
What is a Registered Provider?
A registered provider meets the NDIS quality and safeguards standards. If you decide to use a provider that is not registered, ensure they have the correct qualifications, training and safety checks.
Can I charge NDIS participants more than the limits set in the NDIS price guide?
No. Providers delivering supports to a participant using a Plan Manager cannot charge more than the price limits outlined in the NDIS Price Guide and Support Catalogue.
Why haven’t I been paid yet?
Most invoices are paid within 3 business days of receipt. There may be a bank-to-bank transfer delay. At times there may also be an increased delay from NDIA which will result in a longer timeframe.
How do I change our bank account details?
To change my bank details, I need to send So Joe an email from my business email address or with a letter using my business letterhead to [email protected].
Please ensure your email states clearly:
- New BSB and bank account number
- the name of the account
- ABN
The So Joe team will be in contact to confirm that change.