NDIS Delegates: Who they are and what they do!

An NDIS Delegate (also known as an NDIS planner) is an employee of the NDIA who has been given authority by the CEO to make decisions under the NDIS Act. 

Delegates are responsible for determining what is reasonable and necessary for a participant's plan. They decide how much funding is included and what it can be used for. Additionally, delegates handle the approval of plan reviews and replacement supports. 

How are they different from Local Area Coordinators or Early Childhood Partners?

Local Area Coordinators (LACs) and Early Childhood Partners (ECPs) are not employed by the NDIA. Instead, they work for subcontracted companies that support participants across the country. While they help you identify your support needs to build a plan, they do not have the authority to approve it. 

LACs and ECPs play an important role in:

• Helping you understand and use your plan. 

• Supporting you to access providers and community resources. 

• Assisting with setting up supports. 

• Guiding you through the NDIS system. 

• Applying for plan reassessments.

If your situation is particularly complex, you may bypass an LAC/ECP and work directly with an NDIS delegate, who will help build and approve your plan.

Why are delegates in the spotlight?

Recent changes to the NDIS Act have introduced the concept of NDIS Supports and non-NDIS Supports, emphasising the intended purpose of a participant's funding. While the "In" and "Out" lists provide guidance, there are still grey areas where it’s unclear whether a support qualifies.

To ensure your funding is used correctly and avoid having to repay the NDIA for unapproved supports, you need written confirmation from an NDIS delegate. Although this process can take time, it’s currently the only way to get a definitive answer about what your funding can be used for. 

What is our role as a Plan Manager?

As your Plan Manager, we do not decide what is reasonable and necessary, that responsibility lies solely with NDIS delegates.

Our top priority is protecting you and your funding. To avoid situations where you might purchase an item or service with your own money only for the NDIA to deem it ineligible, we recommend always seeking delegate approval first. While this step may feel time-consuming, it is a vital safeguard to prevent potential stress and financial loss.

By understanding the roles of NDIS delegates compared to other roles in the system, you can navigate the NDIS with greater confidence and clarity.