No one enjoys living and working or living in an untidy space. However, not everyone has the ability to clean up the space around them. For instance, most disabled people may find cleaning the space around them challenging, and that’s where the NDIS comes in.
Many people do not understand how the NDIS works and whether they are qualified to receive the services they offer. Let’s look at what your NDIS plan can do and everything else you need to know about NDIS cleaning services in Sydney.
What is NDIS Fund?
The NDIS fund is responsible for funding the cleaning services of those with disabilities. NDIS plans are usually different for each participant, depending on the disability. For instance, disabled community members who cannot mow their lawns can receive help from the NDIS and hire a gardener through their NDIS funds. Notably, there are no specific criteria by which these funds are allocated.
What can the NDIS Fund Do and Can't Do?
The NDIS can fund several services, including home cleaning, gardening, vacuuming, and general cleaning. However, the fund doesn’t cover tasks requiring a professional’s presence, such as electrical installations or plumbing. Before working with NDIS house cleaning experts, it should be understood that not everyone is eligible for these funds.
Several reasonable criteria are followed to benefit those with disabilities who cannot perform these activities independently. For instance, a disabled individual sharing a home with other abled persons may take advantage of their NDIS funds and request a cleaner.
However, the cleaner will only be allowed to clean the room allocated for the disabled person, as the remaining residents will clean the rest of the house. Generally, it has been determined that caregivers to disabled persons should take it upon themselves to hire specialists for services that the NDIS will not cover.
Should All Cleaners Be Registered with NDIS?
Currently, most cleaning businesses are yet to register with NDIS, and a good number may not know how the NDIS works. The NDIS requires that its services be offered by businesses that have been registered.
However, NDIS beneficiaries can still access services from unregistered cleaning businesses if their funds are either self-managed or plan-managed. Those who are NDIA-managed will be required to locate a provider already registered with the NDIS.
What to Keep in Mind When Hiring a Cleaner
There are several things to keep in mind when hiring NDIS cleaners Sydney has to offer. First, you will be required to make a service agreement. This agreement plays the role of protecting the beneficiary against any misunderstanding that may arise later. Most agreements are binding and written down and can be easily found. The agreement should state the form of service being offered and the expected completion dates.
The next step is to create a payment agreement. The NDIS uses the hourly pricing system, and the beneficiary must come to an agreement with the cleaning vendor before the work begins. Once the work has begun and the price has not been agreed upon, you will be required to pay the full cleaner price as stated by the NDIS. The NDIS only pays for work done within the hourly period; any other expenses aside from the hourly rate will be paid separately by the beneficiary’s pocket, as it was not included in the agreement.
Finally, it is important to use the NDIS guide whenever filing for payments. Cleaning services are required to follow the requirements of the NDIS when filing for payments to avoid any issues regarding payments. Their final invoice should include the number of hours they worked and any incidental costs they may have incurred. These costs should be included in the hourly rate, or else payment will not be made. The NDIS controls the hourly rate; therefore, cleaners should follow the price guide.
NOTE: When looking for someone to assist you with your cleaning, make sure they have an Australian Business Number (ABN). This is one of the requirements of NDIS that will allow you to use your funding to pay for their services.
What are Professional NDIS Cleaning Services?
NDIS deals mostly with services that are related to the home. Here is a list of services you will benefit from using the NDIS fund.
- Home cleaning (including fridge, oven, garage)
- Kitchen cleaning
- Bathroom cleaning
- Dusting
- Washing and ironing
However, several other services have not been listed, even though they can be performed. In that case, if you wish to be offered a service to the NDIS and you are not sure of the service, the best way is to give them a call or visit their website.
Tips to Remember
- NDIS only funds persons with disabilities who cannot perform household activities independently.
- NDIS only cares for the less abled population. Therefore, those sharing residence with abled people will not entirely benefit from the NDIS services. This is because they have the potential to perform household chores.
- Those assisting with household chores should ensure that they file their invoices following the stipulated NDIS rules or risk not receiving their payment.
- Before any work is done, ensure the necessary agreements are completed to avoid any misunderstandings later.
NDIS is a fairly new concept that most people still struggle to come to terms with. If you are less abled and would like to be assisted in caring for your home through services such as cleaning and gardening, the NDIS fund is a good place to start. However, it should be noted that the services offered by NDIS are non-professional services, and those seeking professional services will have to outsource and pay these professionals.