The core principles of the NDIS are Choice and Control. At Lend A Friend we want to embrace these principles, for both our NDIS Members and our Helpers alike. For this reason, we implement a unique billing method so that both Member and Helper can find a happy medium for what they think is good value for the services that are being provided.
Rates Agreement Document (RAD)
During the meet and greet between our NDIS Members and Helpers, the Helper and Member will have the opportunity to discuss what they think are fair rates to be charged for the services that are being requested. These rates will then be documented in a form called the Rates Agreement Document (RAD), and sent to an admin member from Lend A Friend. Once we receive this document, we change our billable rate from the rates listed in the NDIS Pricing Arrangement, to what rates have been negotiated between Member and Helper. If any mistakes are made, you can always sign a new RAD to overwrite an old one, and we will never bill more than the NDIS Pricing Arrangement rates.
Benefits of the RAD
Members and Helpers like using the RAD, as it means Members have the opportunity to save money in a variety of different ways. For example, Members can negotiate:
- Different rates for different Helpers, who might have skillsets which you value differently
- Rates dependent on the service type that is being provided
- Different rates for different days of the week or times of the day
- A discounted rate for a trial period, while still getting to know a new Helper
This means that Members will have the opportunity to save money, meaning they will get more hours out of their NDIS plan.
Helpers also benefit from being able to negotiate their own rates, as this allows them to be more in control of their earnings, and it incentivises good quality support. Better Helpers will be able to negotiate better rates!
NDIS Pricing Arrangements
If Members don’t want to discuss rates, then we don’t need to sign a RAD document. We will always comply with the current up to date NDIS Pricing Arrangements and bill accordingly, so if going through the RAD is something you aren’t interested in doing, you will still get the hours promised to you in your NDIS plan.
