Misconceptions NDIS Providers Have
As the popularity of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) increases, more and more service providers are willing to become a part of this support program. NDIS gives its participants the authority to choose their service provider depending on the support and services they need. There is an ocean of options for them, and this amount is only going to increase in the future. As the NDIS is becoming more widely accepted, more people will become a part of it; participants and service providers.
We see a lot of new service providers have some misconceptions about certain things, which is completely normal as they are not aware of the entire program and its policies yet. As soon as you submit your NDIS provider application to the Commission, you are on your way to becoming a service provider. We have taken this responsibility to help you clear out all the misconceptions so you can run your business without any wrong information.
1. ABN Is Essential
ABN stands for Australian Business Number, and it is used when you are registering a business so that you can pay taxes. Businesses need this number to be recognised by the government. However, the need for this number for NDIS providers depends on their status. For instance, if you are self-employed and deliver the service on your own, an ABN is unnecessary. You can state your business income on your tax return, and you will be taxed accordingly.
If you decide to grow your business and employ other people to work for you, in that case, your business will be considered an enterprise, and you will then need the ABN number. Obtaining an ABN is not so difficult, you simply need to apply on the Australian Tax Official website. Your clients might also feel relieved to know that an ABN-registered service provider is serving them.
2. Participants Can Only Use Registered Providers
There are three ways that participants can manage their NDIS plan. They can choose to self-manage their plan, or they can choose to hire a plan manager to handle it on their behalf. For these two ways, the participants are free to use any service provider they want (registered or non-registered). However, if a participant chooses NDIA-managed, which is the third way to manage the funds, they will be bound to use providers that are registered under NDIS.
3. Non-Registered Providers Are Not Qualified
One thing that service providers are sceptical about is whether they should register themselves or continue to work as non-registered provider. Either way, it can work. People often misunderstand non-registered providers as inexperienced and unprofessional businesses, which is not true.
In some cases, non-registered providers can be highly professional and qualified. Of course, there can be some providers that might not stand up to the participants’ expectations but discrediting everyone is not the right thing to do. Being a non-registered provider simply means that you chose not to go through the screening process; it has nothing to do with your credibility as a business.
4. I Need To Have An Office
Having an office is also based on the size of your business. If you are working alone and do not receive visits, you don’t need to have an office. But if you are a business with multiple employees and clients, you might want to build a pleasant office so that can help you create an excellent first impression.
5. Non-Registered Providers Charge More
NDIS has a set price guide for all the services. All service providers are supposed to follow that price range. Since non-registered providers are not answerable for certain things, it is often assumed that they charge more than registered providers. The reality is different though. Regardless of your registration type, you can only charge the participants within the price limit set by the Commission.
If you want to know how you can fill out your NDIS provider application, reach out to Fronto Advisory and let their professional advisors help you become a part of this support program. They are experienced in the field and will ensure your business reaches new heights.
