Throughout December, there have been a number of questions on the Help Desk relating to Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), particularly around property maintenance responsibilities, as well as a variety of questions around claim availability.

The Help Desk Top 5 for December provides a sample of the thought-provoking questions posted over the past few weeks as we lead into Christmas.

1. Q. How is conflict of interest managed when the one organisation is providing plan management and support coordination for a participant?

A: There is no specific template for conflict of interest, however organisations must be able to demonstrate how the choices offered to participants are not influenced by organisational self-interest. Organisations need to demonstrate that there is a separation of relevant services, reflected in both policies and practice. For transdisciplinary or key worker models of service, it would be unlikely that the participant would also be funded for support coordination.

2. Q: For a participant who has an agency-managed plan and lives in an area with no NDIS-registered providers that meet their needs - How can they utilise their funding?

A: This customer will need to have their funds either self-managed or engage a plan manager, rather than agency-managed. The customer can have the whole of their funds managed this way or just the element they require to access an unregistered provider.

3. Q: The service provider would be at a disadvantage in terms of filling vacancies if the owner/landlord/SDA recipient does not maintain the property well. How would this be addressed? I.e. painting, carpet replacement etc...

A: NDS is seeking clarification from DHHS on the array of issues arising from the recent government decision to extend its property management role to all properties owned by government, including those currently leased to NGOs. NDS is aware there is a close relationship between actions of the owner and property manager and the service provider.

4. Q: In the case of unpaid invoices, who is responsible: the plan manager (fund manager) or the plan nominee?

A: If using a plan manager, the financial intermediary is responsible. If self-managed, the plan nominee is responsible.

5. Q: What happens with property maintenance fees when not all participants have yet got an NDIS plan? Should the provider continue to charge fees for the maintenance from DHHS customers, and what about expenses that have to be shared between NDIS customers and DHHS customers for common living areas?

A: Existing DHHS arrangements apply until the point of SDA plan activation.

The NDS NDIS Help Desk is a free Q&A page, open to everyone. Join by visiting the google+ group at tinyurl.com/ndishelpdesk where you can see more questions or ask you own.