Agile Support Services

06/01/2026

🕒 What are “Funding Periods”?
Funding periods are blocks of time when a portion of your NDIS budget is made available to spend. For example, your plan might release funds every 3 months instead of making the whole year’s budget available on day one. Funding periods help with budgeting and aim to keep your supports steady across your plan. This is for plans after 19th May 2025.

Why it matters: If you spend more than the amount available in the current period, the NDIA can’t pay claims that go over that period’s limit—even if you still have money in future periods.

🚫 Can future periods pay for past invoices?
No. Under the NDIS Act (section 45), the NDIA must not pay an amount that would push your plan over its total funding or over the funding set for a specific period or category. That prohibition applies even if you have funds scheduled to be released in a future period. [www5.austlii.edu.au]
Why it matters: If a service happened during a period that’s already exhausted, claims for that service won’t be paid—even if there’s money coming in your next period. Providers and participants need to align service delivery and claiming to the correct funding period to avoid rejected claims. [www5.austlii.edu.au]

🧾 What does section 45 actually say?
Section 45 of the NDIS Act sets out how the NDIA pays amounts under the Scheme. Importantly, it says the Agency must not make a payment if it would cause either:
the total plan funding to be exceeded, or
the amount available in a funding period (or in a specific support category’s funding period) to be exceeded. [www5.austlii.edu.au]
You can read the full text here: NDIS Act – s45.

✅ Are there any exceptions?
There are limited, specific circumstances in the Act where payments can be handled differently, but they are narrow and depend on how your plan is structured and the rules that apply at the time. In everyday terms: don’t rely on an exception—plan and claim within the current funding period. (For the legal detail, see the sub‑sections in s45 and the referenced plan provisions.) [www5.austlii.edu.au]

🧠 Practical tips to avoid problems
Know your periods: Ask your planner or support coordinator to show you the start/end dates and amounts for each funding period in your plan. [ndis.gov.au]
Schedule supports to fit the period: Book services so they line up with what’s available in the current period.
Claim promptly: Submit claims soon after services, so you can see if you’re nearing the period limit and adjust.
If your needs change: You can request a plan variation (to adjust period settings) or a plan reassessment if funding amounts or structures aren’t meeting your needs. [www5.austlii.edu.au]

🧩 Why the NDIA introduced funding periods
NDIA says funding periods help participants budget more easily and keep supports consistent across the life of the plan. They don’t change your total plan amount—only when funds become available. Roll‑out began 19 May 2025 and applies to new or reassessed plans. [ndis.gov.au], [ndis.gov.au]

Bottom line
Spend and claim within your current funding period.
Future funds can’t be used to pay past‑period invoices that exceed the period’s limit. [www5.austlii.edu.au]
If in doubt, ask: your planner, support coordinator, or plan manager can help you map supports to the right period.

18/12/2025

Good morning,
I just wanted to share this short course in case there were people that might like to take advantage of it, it isn’t disability focused, but senior focused. It’s a 9 week course, 3 hours a week, at a super relaxed pace that explores technology delivered by myself! It is a great opportunity to learn, up date some skills (very practical)l, and meet some new people. No skills necessary, we start at the very beginning! I love doing it, and place a special focus on making sure everyone uses texhnology safely! Please contact Tamworth community college if you are interested.

05/11/2025

🌟 Exciting NDIS Tool Alert! 🌟
Good afternoon everyone,

Today I had the pleasure of meeting with Lorien Crossle from Provider Plus, who introduced me to their new AI-powered program designed specifically for the NDIS community: FAM – Your AI Care Companion.

I felt this was worth sharing with you all.

Much like other AI tools such as Co-pilot, FAM allows you to ask NDIS-related questions and receive accurate, easy-to-understand answers. It also helps guide you to the relevant NDIS guidelines—it’s very helpful!

✅ You can start chatting as a guest—no personal info required.
✅ For a more tailored experience, you can sign in.
✅ If you choose to, you can upload your NDIS Plan to receive a personalised summary and deeper insights. (your plan isn’t saved.)

Let me know what you think!

27/10/2025

Any providers linked in with JPS?

Statement on conditions imposed on JPS Audit Specialists Pty Ltd Tuesday 21 October 2025 The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS Commission) has taken decisive regulatory action to protect the integrity of the NDIS Approved Quality Auditor (AQA) Scheme by imposing new conditions on the appr...

20/10/2025

🆕 Update to the Respite Guidelines!

What you need to know

RESPITE is now officially called Short Term Respite (STR)!
So, what is STR?
👉 STR gives you a break from your primary informal supports (like family or carers) for at least one night, while ensuring you still get the support you need. It also gives your carers a chance to rest and recharge. 💤
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✅ What can STR funding be used for?
✔️ Standard accommodation (hotel, motel, cabin, cottage, hostel, respite facility)
✔️ Staying in your own home or a homestay (support only, not accommodation)
✔️ Support with daily activities – like getting ready, cooking, eating, cleaning
✔️ Support worker accommodation if they need to stay overnight with you
✔️ Support to access community, cultural or social activities note: not the activities themselves)
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❌ What STR is not for:

🚫 Holidays, cruises, or tourist travel
🚫 Airfares or interstate/overseas travel
🚫 Accommodation or programs for your informal supports
🚫 Meals, activities, or transport (unless already funded separately)
🚫 Day-to-day living costs (e.g. rent, bills)
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⏳ How long can I use STR?

🗓️ Up to 28 days per year, in blocks of up to 14 days at a time.
You can use it flexibly – for example, one weekend a month.
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📌 STR must meet these criteria:

✔️ You live with or get daily drop-in support from informal supports
✔️ You receive 6+ hours/day of disability-related support from them
✔️ One or more of the following applies:
- You receive high intensity supports (e.g. complex medical needs)
- You have complex behaviour support needs
- You live in a remote area with limited services
- Your informal supports are at risk of burnout
- Your informal supports have other caring responsibilities
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🚫 STR won’t be funded if:

❌ You live alone without drop-in supports
❌ You already receive 18+ hours/day of paid support
❌ You’re not actually taking a break from informal supports
❌ You’re in SIL, MTA, or ILO arrangements
❌ You’re in a housing crisis (other supports may be more suitable)
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👶 For children (under 18), STR is only funded in *exceptional* cases – when care needs go well beyond what’s typical for their age.
Please see read the full guideline here:
https://www.ndis.gov.au/media/8099/download?attachment

14/10/2025

ATTENTIONT! NEW PRICE GUIDE!

📢 NDIS Price Guide Update – Effective 24 November 2025
The NDIA has announced updates to the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits (formerly the Price Guide) for 2025–26. These changes aim to make pricing clearer and fairer for participants and providers.
✅ What’s Changing?

New price limits for Art and Music Therapists, following an independent review.
Updated claiming guidance for ‘Other Professional’ support items.
Removal of the COVID Addendum and related support items.
Updated Modified Monash Model classifications for rural and remote pricing.
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) calculator updates to reflect indexation changes.
Assistive Technology and Home Modifications updates, including new and revised support items.
Updated descriptions for Community and Social Participation activities.
New Operational Guideline for Therapy Supports – outlining what therapy supports are, when they’re funded, and who can deliver them.
https://ndis.gov.au/providers/pricing-arrangements

📅 Effective Date: 24 November 2025

14/10/2025

Good morning!
I’ll be hosting a free NDIS Information Q&A Session on Monday, 27th October at 5:00 PM (AEDT) via Microsoft Teams.
This session will focus on NDIS Price Guide specifics around charging, including an overview of the new Price Guide coming out in November.
Who should attend?

Independent Support Workers (primary focus)
Carers
Parents
Providers

The session will run for 1 hour and is open to everyone.
If you’re interested, please message me with your email address so I can send you the Teams link.
Thank you, and I look forward to seeing you there!

24/09/2025

Hi everyone, I am planning a NDIS information/Q&A session. Depending on interest this may occur over one or multiple sessions. Topics covered might include:
1. NDIS price guide and specifics around charging
2. NDIS code of conduct
3. Required Policies and Procedures
4. Service agreement and intake forms
5. Behaviour support and Behavioural Data collection
6. Report writing
7. Basics to becoming an Independent Support Worker.

If you are interested in attending, then please message me to express your interest or email me on paul@agiless.com.au. Please include in your message what your preference is around topics, time of event (days/ nights/ weekends) and also in person or via Teams/

There would be a small charge for each session.

26/06/2025

25/06/2025

So what can you expect from new ndis plans coming out….
Potentially up to a 5 year plan.
If you state that things are stable, you will most likely get a 5 year plan. For some this is going to absolutely suit as there is no stress for reports, plan reviews, meetings, check ins etc. for others it’ll be a concern as their needs are changing.
Make sure you ask for what you want!

Funding divided into quarters. I’ve seen funding evenly worked out over 4 periods per year and I’ve seen funding with the first quarter being 10% more in the first quarter. Ask for what you need. If you have excess funding after a quarter, it will roll over.

Some plan managers are redesigning their platforms to only state the quarter funding, so don’t freak out if you see your funding at a quarter of what it should be,

Increasingly when plan reassessments are being put in, planners aren’t bothering to make contact before making a decision. It’s important when asking for a plan reassessment to have everything in place in terms of your request and evidence.

Hope that helps

Paul.

22/06/2025

I just wanted to share this post I put in NDIS in the NEW England, because I think it's super important for everyone to understand their obligations as providers and also it took me a little bit of time.
"Just to expand on this—because we’re getting a few responses suggesting that unregistered providers “don’t need anything,” which is concerning because I do not think it's the case, personally.
This response is for all providers, participants, and family members.
There seems to be a misconception among some unregistered providers that they don’t need any policies, procedures, or accountability frameworks. But every time a service is delivered without these in place, those providers are walking a very fine line.
All providers delivering NDIS supports—whether registered or not—are NDIS providers. That distinction is made clearly in the NDIS Code of Conduct guidance.
Please review not just the 1-page Code of Conduct, but the full 43-page

https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-10/Code-of-Conduct-Provider-Guidance.pdf

It sets out expectations and standards that go far beyond surface-level compliance.
One simple question to consider:
In the event of an incident whether with the NDIS Commission, NSW Ombudsman, ACCC, or police—do you think having no policies and procedures will be accepted as evidence you acted appropriately? Do you think your word will be enough, especially if it's being questioned?
Here are just some of the key areas outlined in the NDIS Code of Conduct that all providers should have covered:
1. Record-keeping of incidents, complaints, allegations, and feedback (Pages 19–20)
2. Professional liability insurance to protect participants and providers (Page 21)
3. Transparent service costs disclosed to participants up front (Page 22)
4. Conflict of interest policies and guidance around gifts (Page 23)
5. Recruitment policies, including probity checks (Page 23)
6. Avoidance of sharp practices and misleading conduct (Page 24)
7. Compliance with Australian Consumer Law and ACCC obligations (Page 25)
8. Acting with honesty, integrity, and transparency (Page 26)
9. Procedural fairness in handling complaints or incidents (Page 28)
10. Supporting participants to understand and exercise their rights (Page 29)
11. A complaints management system is required (Page 29)
12. While only mandatory for registered providers, incident management systems are still a best-practice safeguard (Page 30)
13. Clear procedures for investigating Code breaches (Page 30)
14. Policies to prevent violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation (Page 31)
15. Understanding and compliance with Restrictive Practices and Behaviour Support Rules, if applicable (Page 33)
16. Guidance and reporting processes for sexual misconduct and staff behaviour (Pages 34–36)
17. Accessible communication policies, including the use of assistive tech (Page 11)
18. Privacy and confidentiality policies and staff training in line with relevant laws (Pages 14–15)
19. A safe workplace culture, supported by adequate supervision and resources (Page 16)
I hope that helps everyone who's reading this, you are supporting the most vulnerable people in society and it is not viewed lightly by those in charge."

21/06/2025

Hi everyone,
Just letting you know that I have entered the lovely world of TikTok and doing some videos for support workers. Just sharing some knowledge, I have gathered over the years.
Hope you find it helpful and please let me know if there’s anything you’d like me to do a video on how I can improve my videos or message. I could do with the tips!

25 Followers, 206 Following, 27 Likes - Watch awesome short videos created by Agile NDIS Services