Red Flag Behaviours Every NDIS Participant Should Know
[Image Description: A man in a suit is waving a big red flag with a blue sky and clouds behind him.]
If you have an NDIS plan, you’re likely working with different service providers all the time, and inviting them into your home and life. That can be a really vulnerable spot to be in, especially with constant news about NDIS fraud and dodgy businesses.
How do you know who to trust? Which providers are genuinely there to help you? Who will put your needs first?
One way to tell the trustworthy from the treacherous, is to look out for the red and green flag behaviours that providers wave.
Red flag behaviours are potential warning signs that can indicate possible problems with a service provider. Recognising them can help you avoid exploitation, ensure you receive the quality care you deserve, and protect your rights and personal information. Green flag behaviours on the other hand, signify reliability, transparency, and respect.
We've teamed up with My Plan Manager Group to highlight the red flag behaviours that every NDIS participant should be aware of. By staying alert to these behaviours, you’ll be empowered to make informed decisions, assert your rights, and navigate the NDIS landscape with more confidence. So, let’s start spotting those flags.
What are the red and green flag behaviours you look out for? Login or signup to the supportive Kinora community and share with us!
🚩 Not explaining charges
When you're charged for services, you should know exactly what you're paying for. Businesses can sneak in extra fees if you don't make sure the invoices clearly list what you're getting and when.
Invoices should include clear descriptions and be broken down by hours and individual service dates. Be careful of services claimed across date ranges, for example, if it says “240 hours for a month period”, that makes it really tricky to check if it’s accurate.
If your invoices aren’t entirely clear, ask your provider to explain them to you in more detail, if they are hesitant or gloss over it - that is red flag behaviour. If your NDIS plan is plan managed, your plan manager can help you talk to your providers and make sure their invoices are meeting both NDIS and ATO requirements.
🚩 Wanting access to your personal devices
No one should want to see your phone, computer, or tablet, and should respect your right to privacy. Anyone with access could see or change your private information, like bank details and passwords.
If a provider asks you for access, ask them why they would need it. Make it clear your devices are personal to you, and it is your choice what information you share from them.
🚩 Asking for login info
Nobody should ask for your online account details for things like MyGov, Medicare, or your bank. In fact in most cases, it would actually be a breach of terms and conditions for you to give anyone those details.
With your login details, people could use your accounts to pretend to be you and commit fraud and other serious offences - this is known as “identity fraud” or “identity theft”.
If you've given someone your account info, follow the steps from the Office of Australian Information Commissioner.
🚩 Stopping or discouraging you from talking to the NDIA
The NDIA wants to understand your disability needs and support you the best they can. Even if their processes feel new or uncomfortable, with practice and support, you can become confident in managing your own NDIS affairs.
Nobody should control your decisions or communication when it comes to dealing with the NDIA (or anything else for that matter). It's your right to lead your own life.
If you feel like someone is trying to stop you from speaking for yourself, or managing your own affairs, you might be at risk of being isolated or exploited. Talk to someone you trust, like your doctor, friend, or neighbour.
🚩 Forcing you to use certain providers
Some providers might say you can only use them or their partner organisations for services, in order to get more business. They might stop you from shopping around and using different providers, but you have the right to choose the services that work best for you.
It's fine for providers to recommend services that suit you, but if they insist you use only them, that's a red flag behaviour. Watch out for conflicts of interest, like when your provider benefits from you choosing their recommended service, such as getting a fee or more clients for themselves.
No-one should prevent you from seeking out different providers or supports.
🚩 Threats, bullying, or intimidation
Some providers might threaten you to keep you from speaking up. They might tell you they will stop your services, make you homeless, report you to the NDIS, police or immigration, or otherwise make you feel scared or not safe.
But everyone, including people with disabilities, deserves to feel safe and be free from all forms of violence, abuse and exploitation. If a provider intimidates, scares, or bullies you, or makes you feel unsafe in any way, it’s important to report it to the NDIS Quality & Safeguards Commission, no matter what your circumstances are.
If you feel you are in immediate danger you should contact the police on 000.
Stay alert and speak up
Not every issue means fraud or a major problem, but these red flag behaviours should prompt you to ask questions and stay alert.
All NDIS providers must have a complaints policy and a way to raise concerns, in fact, it’s part of the NDIS rules for providing services. Start by talking to your provider and clearly explain your concerns. You have the right to feel safe when doing this.
If you’re not happy with how they manage your concerns, it’s important to notify the NDIS Quality & Safeguards Commission.
If in doubt, look to the code
Take time to understand the NDIS Quality & Safeguards Commission Code of Conduct for Providers and Workers, as well as the NDIS Practice Standards. These resources help you know what quality service to expect from registered providers.
Remember, good providers will demonstrate green flag behaviours:
✅ Respect your right to to shop around and make informed choices
✅ Help you to make decisions for yourself, rather than making them for you
✅ Assist you in managing your own affairs, instead of taking over
✅ Support your preferred ways of communication, not speaking for you
✅ Allow you to independently access your devices and personal info, stepping in only when needed and asked by you
✅ Respect and safeguard your privacy
✅ Work to keep your information and identity secure.
In today's technology-driven world, keeping track of information, managing accounts, and making everyday decisions can be challenging for all of us, and especially so for NDIS participants working with different providers. At Kinora, with the support of My Plan Manager Group, we want to empower you to navigate these challenges with confidence, by helping you identify and manage your risks.
By knowing the red and green flag behaviours to look out for, you can stay savvy and assured that you’re working with providers you can trust. And if you need extra support (or a new provider), our online community of thousands of NDIS participants and families is here for back up, whenever you need it.
