Navigating the complexities of NDIS Programs of Support (PoS) is essential for group-based support providers seeking efficient and tailored service delivery. 

This article aims to shed light on what an NDIS Program of Support entails, the eligibility criteria, documentation necessities, and key considerations for successful implementation.

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What are the NDIS Programs of Support?

The NDIS Program of Support serve as a formal agreement between you as a group-based support provider and a participant. It outlines the specific supports to be delivered to the participant, focusing on achieving specified outcomes.

Eligible categories for Program of Support include:

• Any support in the Assistance in Shared Living Arrangements – Supported Independent Living section of the Assistance with Daily Life Support Category;
• Any support in the Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation Support Category, including Supports in Employment; and
• Any support in any Capacity Building Support Category.

A Program of Support eliminates the need for constant recalculations of minor changes during each session while providing greater certainty in managing cancellation risks. This, in turn, contributes to the sustainability of group supports and enhances the profitability of your business.

The NDIA acknowledges that NDIS Programs of Support may not be suitable for all providers, activities, or participants. They are not obligatory, and deciding to offer Programs of Support is a business decision that you make based on the specific needs of your business and the participants you serve.

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Claiming for NDIS Programs of Support

Once you and the participants agree on a Program of Support, you can claim a regular weekly amount for delivering the agreed supports for the duration of the Program of Support, which can last up to six months. 

However, pre-claiming is not allowed for programs of support, and each instance of support must be delivered before a claim can be made.

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Duration of NDIS Programs of Support

Programs of Support can last up to six months (an increase from the previous 12-week maximum length), with shorter durations permissible if desired. Regular reviews are crucial, allowing participants the opportunity to assess the ongoing relevance and effectiveness of their program.

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Documenting NDIS Programs of Support

You must enter into an agreement with each participant, specifying the Program of Support, including its length, exit rules, and intended outcomes. These agreements must align with NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits.

Each participant's Program of Support should be personalised, even if they are engaging in the same activities as others. When creating a Program of Support, consider the participant's usual routine, known as their typical pattern of support. This pattern can be determined weekly or in another agreed-upon timeframe, covering aspects such as attendance days, hours, individual or group support, Non-Face-to-Face support, transport, and Centre Capital Costs.

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Exiting NDIS Programs of Support

Participants can exit from a program of support without cost, provided a notice period of no more than two weeks is given. You and the remaining participants can agree to a new Program of Support at any time, with changes to the amount charged. However, this is your commercial business decision that should be discussed with participants.

If a participant stops attending the agreed Program of Support without notice, you can only continue claiming for up to four (4) consecutive weeks from when they stopped attending. This is considered an unplanned exit. However, after this period, you cannot continue to claim unless the participant notifies you within that time that they want to continue in the Program of Support.

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Cancellation rules

The Short Notice Cancellation rules do not apply to Programs of Support. Under the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits, you can claim for supports agreed upon, regardless of participant attendance, unless notice to exit the program has been given. 

It's essential for you to clearly communicate the terms of support, and payment expectations during planned absences. At the same time, participants should responsibly notify you when they plan to exit a Program of Support. In that case, you may need to adjust their service delivery.

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NDIS Programs of Support and Service Agreement

A Service Agreement can include several Programs of Support, so creating a new Service Agreement isn't required every 6 months. However, Programs of Support must not automatically renew and must be agreed upon separately.

When a Service Agreement refers to multiple Programs of Support, it's important to discuss progress toward goals and explore program opportunities with the participant before agreeing to each specific Program of Support.

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1:1 supports in NDIS Programs of Support?

The Group Activities line items (Standard and High Intensity) on pages 60 and 61 of the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits can be delivered to individuals or groups of participants. Therefore, these line items can also be delivered as part of a Program of Support.

Also, providers in Registration Group 0118 (Early Intervention Supports for Early Childhood) can include 1:1 supports in a program of support but only where these are provided in combination with group supports.