About the NDIS
What is the NDIS?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is Australia’s way of supporting people with a permanent and significant disability. It provides funding directly to eligible individuals based on their needs and goals, empowering them to access supports and services that increase their independence and participation in the community.
Who is eligible for the NDIS?
To be eligible for the NDIS, a person generally must:
- Be under 65 years of age when they first apply.
- Live in Australia and be an Australian citizen, Permanent Resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa.
- Have a disability caused by a permanent impairment (physical, intellectual, cognitive, neurological, visual, hearing, or psychosocial).
- This impairment must substantially reduce their ability to participate effectively in activities or perform tasks in areas like mobility, communication, social interaction, learning, self-care, or self-management, unless they have support.
- Need NDIS support for their lifetime.
Note: There are also ‘early intervention’ requirements, especially for children or those with conditions likely to worsen. For full eligibility details, visit www.ndis.gov.au
What’s Included in Your Packages?
Eligible individuals work with the NDIS (often through a Local Area Coordinator or Early Childhood Partner) to create a personalised plan. This plan outlines their goals and the ‘reasonable and necessary’ funded supports needed to achieve them. Participants can then choose service providers, like EACS, to deliver these supports.
What are the main NDIS support budgets?
NDIS plans typically have three main support budgets:
- Core: Supports related to daily living activities, social and community participation, and assistance with transport.
- Capacity Building: Supports aimed at building independence and skills to help you reach your goals (e.g., support coordination, therapy, finding a job, learning life skills). Funding is usually allocated to specific categories within this budget.
- Capital: Funds higher-cost assistive technology, equipment, home modifications, or vehicle modifications.
What are the different ways to manage NDIS funding?
You have choices for how your NDIS plan funding is managed:
- Self-Managed: You (or your nominee) manage your NDIS funding directly. You receive the funds and pay your providers yourself. This offers the most flexibility, allowing you to use registered and unregistered providers.
- Plan-Managed: You choose a Plan Manager (a separate provider) who pays your providers on your behalf, manages your budget, and handles financial reporting. This allows you to use both registered and unregistered providers.
- NDIA-Managed (Agency-Managed): The NDIA pays your providers directly. You can generally only use NDIS-registered providers.
- Combination: You can use a mix of these options for different parts of your plan.
What is a Local Area Coordinator (LAC)?
LACs are organisations that work with the NDIS to help participants, families, and carers in the community. They can help you understand the NDIS, apply, create your plan, and connect with supports.
Our Services
What services does EACS offer?
At Equal Access Care Services (EACS) offers a wide range of NDIS supports designed to help you achieve your goals. Our key services include:
Assist Access/ Maintain Employ
Assist – Personal Activities High
Assist – Life Stage Transition
How do you ensure services are right for me?
Our approach is person-centred. We start by listening to you – understanding your goals, needs, preferences, and what’s in your NDIS plan. We then work collaboratively with you (and your support network if you wish) to design support delivery that suits you best, respecting your choices and routines.
What’s the difference between ‘Assistance in Personal Activities’ and ‘Assistance in Personal Activities (High)’?
‘Assistance in Personal Activities’ covers support for everyday personal tasks like showering, dressing, grooming, and mobility around the home. ‘Assistance in Personal Activities (High)’ involves more complex support requiring specific skills or training, such as complex bowel care, tube feeding, catheter care, or ventilator management. Our staff providing high-intensity support have the specific qualifications and experience needed for these tasks.
What does ‘Assistance in Life Stage Transition’ support involve?
This service helps you plan and navigate significant life changes, such as leaving school, starting university or TAFE, moving out of home, or starting your first job. We can help with planning, skill-building for the new stage (like budgeting or travel training), decision-making support, and connecting you with other necessary resources.
What kind of activities are part of ‘Development – Life Skills’?
This service focuses on building your practical skills for greater independence. Activities can include learning to cook nutritious meals, manage your budget, use public transport confidently, maintain your home (cleaning, laundry), or develop communication and social skills.
Can you help me find and keep a job?
Yes! We offer ‘Assist Access/ Maintain Employ’. Your capacity, independence and funding, will act as a guide wherein we can assist you with finding and keeping a job, working on updating your resume, discuss interview skills, initial on-the-job support, and provide more intensive, specialised support if you face complex barriers to employment.
Do you provide support in shared living arrangements (SIL)?
Yes, our ‘This involves providing regular, often 24/7 support within a shared home (or potentially your own home if you have high needs) to assist with daily tasks like personal care, cooking, cleaning, and skill-building for independent living. SIL funding needs to be specifically included in your NDIS plan.
What is ‘Innovative Community Participation’?
We assist with finding creative and tailored ways for you to engage in your community beyond standard group activities. It might involve developing a unique skill through a community project, participating in volunteering roles designed around your interests, or joining specialised peer support groups focused on community engagement goals.
NDIS Funding & Pricing
How much do your services cost?
EACS adheres to the current NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits. This document sets the maximum prices registered providers can charge for all NDIS supports. Our specific rates for each service align with these limits. The allocated funds for specific supports will be clearly stated in the Service Agreement specifically created for you.
Where can I find the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits?
The latest version is available on the official NDIS website under the ‘Pricing’ section for providers and participants.
Here is a link to the page
How will I be billed for services?
This depends on how your plan is managed:
Self-Managed: We will send invoices directly to you (or your nominee). You are then responsible for paying us by claiming reimbursement from your NDIS portal.
Plan-Managed: We send invoices directly to your Plan Manager, who then pays us from your NDIS funds.
NDIA-Managed: We claim payment directly from the NDIA after delivering the support.
Do you charge for support worker travel?
In line with NDIS rules, we may charge for support worker travel time in specific circumstances, such as when travelling to provide face-to-face support to you, or when transporting you during a community access activity.
- There are limits on chargeable travel time (e.g., typically up to 30 minutes each way in metro areas).
- Non-labour costs like tolls, parking, or per-kilometre costs (if using their own car to transport you) may also be charged if agreed upon.
- All travel charges must comply with the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits and will be discussed and agreed upon with you in your Service Agreement beforehand.
What happens if my NDIS funding for a service runs out?
It’s important to monitor your NDIS budget throughout your plan. If you are concerned about funding running low, please discuss this with us, your Support Coordinator, or your LAC/NDIA planner as soon as possible. We can help review service levels or explore options, but we cannot provide services without available funding in your plan. You may need to request a plan review if your needs have changed or the funding is insufficient.
Can I use funding flexibly between support categories?
Generally, funding within the Core Supports budget is flexible. For example, you might be able to use funds allocated for consumables towards community participation activities if needed. However, funding in Capacity Building and Capital Supports budgets is usually not flexible and must be used for the specific purpose or category it was allocated to. Always check your NDIS plan details or speak with your planner/LAC/Support Coordinator if unsure.
Getting Started with EACS
How do I start using services with EACS?
The first step is to get in touch! You can:
Enquire Online: Contact Us page. We’ll have an initial chat to understand your needs, goals, and NDIS plan details.
Call Us: 1300 702 745
Email Us: admin@eacsndis.com.au
What information do you need from me?
To get started, we’ll typically need:
Details of how your plan is managed (Self-Managed, Plan Managed, or NDIA).
Your contact details.
Your NDIS number and plan dates.
A copy of the relevant sections of your NDIS plan (showing your goals and funded supports).
Information about your support needs and preferences.
What is a Service Agreement?
A Service Agreement is a formal document between you and EACS. It clearly outlines:
Details regarding cancellations and notice periods. We will go through this agreement with you carefully before you sign it and services begin.
The specific supports we will provide.
The agreed costs based on the NDIS Pricing Arrangements.
When and how the supports will be delivered.
Your rights and responsibilities, and ours.
How any potential issues or complaints will be handled.
How long does it take to set up services?
This can vary depending on the complexity of your needs, staff availability, and how quickly we receive the necessary information (like your NDIS plan details and signed Service Agreement). We always aim to commence services as efficiently as possible and will keep you informed throughout the process.
Working with EACS
What areas do you provide services in?
EACS provides services across Australia. Please contact us to confirm if we service your specific location.
Who are your support workers? Are they qualified and screened?
Our support workers are the heart of our service. We carefully select staff who are not only qualified and experienced but also compassionate, respectful, and dedicated to providing person-centred care.
- All staff undergo mandatory screening checks (e.g., NDIS Worker Screening Check, Working With Children Check, Valid Police Clearance and First Aid Certification.).
- They receive ongoing training relevant to their roles, including mandatory NDIS modules.
- All staff providing specialised services (like High-Intensity Personal Care or Community Nursing) hold the required professional qualifications and registrations.
Can I choose my support worker?
We believe a good match between participant and support worker is important for a positive relationship. While scheduling and staff availability play a role, we will always try our best to accommodate your preferences regarding support workers where possible. We encourage open communication about what works well for you.
What happens if I’m not happy with a service or support worker?
Your feedback is important to us. If you are unhappy with any aspect of our service, please let us know as soon as possible.
- You can speak directly to your support worker, our scheduling team, or management.
- We have a formal feedback and complaints process outlined in your Service Agreement.
- We take all feedback seriously and will work with you to resolve any issues promptly and fairly. You also have the right to contact the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission if you feel your concerns haven’t been addressed.
How do you ensure the quality and safety of services?
Quality and safety are paramount. We adhere to the NDIS Code of Conduct and Practice Standards. This includes:
- Robust staff recruitment, screening, and training processes.
- Regular supervision and support for our staff.
- Clear policies and procedures for service delivery, risk management, and incident reporting.
- Seeking regular feedback from participants.
- Compliance with all NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission requirements.
What are your operating hours?
Our office hours are typically Monday to Friday, 09:00 AM to 17:00 PM and Saturday 10:00 AM to 14:00 PM. However, our direct support services can often be arranged outside these hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays, depending on your needs, NDIS plan funding, and staff availability, as agreed upon in your Service Agreement. Please discuss your specific scheduling needs with us.
Emergency Contacts:
Remember you are never alone; help is always just a call away.
· 000 – Police, Ambulance or Fire Departments.
· 1800 737 732 – Women’s Helpline
· 13 11 14 – Lifeline Services
· 1300 224 636 – Mental Health Support Beyond Blue
· 13 21 11 – Child Protection Services