Combining your NDIS funding to get more value from supports.

There’s a new way for people on the NDIS to purchase supports which can help reduce costs.

It’s called a “coordinated funding proposal” or CFP for short. A CFP is a process that helps a group of people combine some of their NDIS funding to buy supports from one provider.

Trials conducted by the NDIS found this approach offered more choice and control. Let’s take a look at CFPs in more detail.

How does a coordinated funding proposal work?

A CFP starts with a group of people with shared interests or support needs. You can develop a group with people you know on the NDIS in your community. It could also be formed by an LAC, support worker or support coordinator who has clients who could benefit. 

For example, an inclusive football club has a team of 15 people who need support for coaching and game days under the Core/Daily Activities budget.

Individuals can also use a CFP to bundle their funding and buy a range of supports from one provider. 

For example, someone who uses the same allied health provider for occupational therapy, physiotherapy and podiatry can negotiate a single agreement for all services.

A CFP can be implemented by a member of the group, a support coordinator, an advocate, a peak body representative or a person who the group trusts to help.

There is no minimum or maximum number of people to form a CFP group.

Advantages of using a CFP.

• Reduce extra costs such as provider travel and accommodation costs
• Better value for money by sharing costs
• Bring specialist providers to your community
• Improve the quality of supports available
• Strengthen buying power by purchasing more supports which can reduce the price
• Simplify purchasing several supports from a single provider.

The 6-step process for developing a CFP. 

1. Build a CFP group. Find a group of people with the same or similar support needs. Select a team leader to coordinate everything – a member of the group, a support coordinator, support worker or another person the group trusts.
2. Agree on NDIS supports. It’s important that everyone is in agreement about the types of supports and how they will be delivered. Complete the NDIS “Description of supports template” to send to providers. An example template is available.
3. Ask for a quote. Identify up to three providers, send the completed Description of supports and ask the providers to supply a quote.
4. Choose a provider. The group and team leader work together to review the quotes and decide on the provider.
5. Set up the supports. Notify the successful provider and set up service agreements. A service agreement with the provider is required for each group member.
6. Monitor the supports. Check that everyone receives their supports. 

Roles and responsibilities of providers to CFP groups.

Providers of services or supports through CFPs cannot charge more than the prices in the NDIS Pricing Arrangements.

Successful providers will:

• Provide a quote per participant for delivery of the supports
• Be NDIS registered or unregistered
• Have capacity to engage with the participants and provide face-to-face supports in the locations identified
• Be highly skilled and experienced
• Promote choice and control in all interactions
• Provide culturally and socially appropriate supports
• Support a participant centred approach with a clear understanding of each individual’s goals and outcomes.
• Work with the CFP group identified team leader/support coordinator/LAC and NDIA representatives if required.
• Providers cannot take the money upfront before they deliver services.

What if something changes?

The CFP does not change any of your existing service agreements so these continue as normal. If you are replacing a service you already have a service agreement for with a CFP, don’t forget to follow any exit rules or notice periods.

If something changes and you or another group member wants to pull out of the CFP, you should refer to your service agreement. Your service agreement should include details about what happens next.

Do you have questions?

The friendly Leap in! Crew is here to help you navigate the NDIS and get the most from your NDIS Plan. We’re Australia’s leading NDIS plan manager and proudly not-for-profit.

We’d love to speak with you about the unique benefits of Leap in! plan management.

Please call us on 1300 05 78 78, email crew@leapin.com.au or chat with us on our website (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm AEST).

Information source: NDIS, Coordinated Funding Proposals, 21 December 2022