Building Your Support Team Using NDIS Funding with Support Network

The NDIS was designed to make accessing support simpler — but for many people stepping into it for the first time, it can feel a little overwhelming. There’s paperwork, rules, and lots of new terms to understand. That’s why at Support Network, we try to make one part of the process easier: actually using your NDIS funding to find and build your support team.

Your plan is meant to work around you — not the other way around. Whether you’re self-managing or plan-managing your funding, you can use Support Network to connect with independent support workers and start shaping a team that fits your life, your goals, and your pace.

Can I Use Support Network If I’m Self-Managed?

Absolutely, you can. If your NDIS plan is self-managed, you can create an account with Support Network, set up your profile, and start looking for verified, independent support workers right away. You can message them directly or post a job that outlines your needs — for example, personal care, transport, community activities, or therapy support — and suitable workers can respond to you.

Once you’ve found someone who feels like a good fit, we’ll just need a quick confirmation from your NDIS plan (usually the page that mentions your funding is self-managed). After that, you can begin arranging sessions. Timesheets and invoices are all handled through our platform, so you can view everything online whenever you need to track or report your spending.

Many self-managed participants use this approach because it keeps things flexible and in their hands. You decide who you want, how often you need help, and how you’d like your support to run. One of our members once shared that being self-managed helped them feel “more in control” and “less rushed by systems.” They built their own little team of helpers — people they already trusted — by inviting them to join Support Network as verified workers.

It’s that simple. Through slight planning, perhaps a spreadsheet or a budget tracker, you can easily manage your hours and work and spending without losing any independence.

What If I’m Plan-Managed?

Yes — Support Network works perfectly for plan-managed participants too. The process just has one extra step for verification. Once you sign up and find a support worker, your plan manager will need to send a quick confirmation email letting us know they’ll handle the invoice payments on your behalf.

That’s it. We’ll verify your details, and within one business day, your account will be ready to go. After that, you can start connecting with workers and setting up sessions without worrying about payments — your plan manager takes care of those.

Plan-managed participants often appreciate this setup because it gives them freedom and structure at the same time. You get access to independent and registered workers alike, and you don’t have to worry about chasing invoices or submitting claims yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use more than one provider?

Yes, absolutely. One of the best parts of the NDIS is that you’re not locked into a single provider anymore. You can combine services, use different support workers for different parts of your life, or switch things up as your goals evolve. The whole point is flexibility.

Do I have to use only registered providers?

Not necessarily. If your plan is self-managed or plan-managed, you can choose from both registered and non-registered providers. That means you can hire independent workers through Support Network, alongside any other professional services you already use.

Is it safe?

Yes, safety is something we take seriously. Every independent worker joining Support Network goes through a detailed verification process — background checks, NDIS Worker Screening, and insurance coverage arranged through us for any sessions booked via the platform. You’ll also have the option to review worker profiles, qualifications, and feedback before deciding.

What if I can’t find the right worker?

You’re not alone in that. Building a team takes time. This is why we have some support specialists who can help you through the process. They can assist you in writing a job offering, browsing through available talent within your locality and even shortlisting potential hits so you might arrange meet and greets afore of committing.

And if there’s someone in your own circle — maybe a friend, neighbour, or former carer — who already knows your routine, you can invite them to join Support Network as an independent support worker. Many people do this because it feels more comfortable to start with someone familiar.

Making It Work for You

The goal at Support Network is simple — to make sure your funding actually helps you live more freely. You’re not just booking support sessions; you’re creating a small network around yourself that helps you do more of what matters to you.

Whether you’re just learning to self-manage or already working with a plan manager, the process doesn’t have to be stressful. Once your account is set up, the rest flows naturally — from finding your first worker to keeping track of your invoices online.

Every connection you make is one step closer to the kind of independence the NDIS was meant to give. And that’s where Support Network comes in — making it easier, safer, and more personal to build your team your way.