Some people want or need someone else to deal with the NDIS for them. In the NDIS, that person can be a nominee. This guide explains how it works and what to think about.
What a nominee is
A nominee is a person who can make NDIS decisions for a participant who is 18 or older. You can only have one if the NDIA agrees to appoint them.
You only need a nominee if you can't, or don't want to, make your own decisions about the NDIS. Many participants do not have one.
A nominee's role is voluntary. They are not paid for being a nominee.
Two kinds of nominee
There are two types.
Plan nominee. Can make decisions for you about preparing, reviewing or replacing your plan. They can also make decisions about managing the funding in your plan.
Correspondence nominee. A smaller role. They can get letters and notices from the NDIA for you. They can also ask the NDIA for information for you. They cannot make plan decisions.
A person can have one or both kinds. The same person can be both.
What a nominee has to do
A nominee has duties. They must:
- try to find out what the participant wants
- act in a way that supports the participant's wellbeing
- act in the participant's best interests
- not put their own interests first
Even when there's a nominee, some decisions stay with you. For example, your goals, and what types of providers you want to use.
Who can be a nominee
Often it is a family member, partner, friend or carer. The NDIA looks at who might be right. It talks to the participant, their family and carers.
The NDIA may say no, for example if the person can't give enough time. They also consider a person's other duties, such as caring for others full time.
A nominee must be an adult. For children under 18, the NDIS uses a child representative, usually a parent or guardian.
You don't always need a nominee
You can get help without a nominee. For example:
- Bring a support person to a planning meeting. They can speak with you, take notes and help you understand. They cannot make decisions for you.
- Give consent for the NDIS to talk to someone you trust.
- Use an advocate to help you speak up.
- Use supported decision-making. This means you make your own decisions, with support to understand your options.
If you are unsure, ask the NDIS contact about the least restrictive choice. Our guide to carers' guide to the NDIS has more on helping someone without taking over.
How to appoint a nominee
The details are on the NDIS website. In general:
- Talk with the participant about who they trust and why.
- Tell your NDIS contact or planner that you want to look at a nominee.
- Fill in the forms the NDIA asks for.
- The NDIA considers the request and may ask you questions.
- The NDIA tells you its decision.
Appointments can have an end date. The NDIA also considers the views of carers who help with decisions when it sets how long an appointment lasts. The participant can ask to review or end the arrangement.
Nominees and your privacy
A nominee deals with personal information. Be careful with it.
- Keep NDIS details private.
- Do not share a participant's information on social media.
- Do not share passwords or NDIS logins with providers.
- Remember that each person uses their own NDIS number and myGov account. Using a nominee's details in place of the participant's can cause errors.
On Goodo, a nominee or carer can earn a Verified carer or nominee badge. We check identity, a declaration of the relationship, and the participant's plan evidence or a vouch. Read how Goodo verifies people.
If you disagree with a nominee decision
If you disagree with a decision about your nominee, you can ask for it to be looked at. The NDIA has review steps. Speak to your NDIS contact first. An advocate can also help. See what to do if something goes wrong with a provider for more places to turn.
Questions to ask yourself before saying yes
Being a nominee is a big step. It is not a title. It comes with duties. Before you agree, ask:
- Will the participant be involved in every decision they can be?
- Do I have enough time for meetings, calls and paperwork?
- Do I understand what a plan nominee is allowed to do?
- Do I have any conflict of interest, for example if I also work as a provider for this person?
- Do I know where to get help if I am unsure?
- Is a smaller step enough, such as being a support person or a correspondence nominee?
If you do not feel ready, it is okay to say no. If you are already a nominee and the arrangement is no longer right, talk to the NDIA about your options.
Respecting the participant's voice
Even with a nominee in place, the participant should be heard. Give them information in a way that they can understand. Ask what they think. Share the results of decisions. Write down the participant's views, even where you decide something different, and explain why. This keeps the focus on what the person wants.
About this guide
Goodo is independent. We are not part of, or endorsed by, the NDIA or the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. This is general information, not advice. Rules change, so check ndis.gov.au or call the NDIS on 1800 800 110 about your own situation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a plan nominee and a correspondence nominee?
A plan nominee can make decisions about your plan, such as preparing, reviewing or replacing it, and managing its funding. A correspondence nominee can receive NDIA letters and ask for information on your behalf, but cannot make plan decisions.
Can a carer or family member be a nominee?
Yes, they can be considered. The NDIA looks at the situation, and consults the participant, family and carers. The NDIA has reasons it may say no, for example if the person is unable to give enough time.
Is a nominee paid?
No. The nominee role is voluntary.
Do I need a nominee to bring someone to my planning meeting?
No. You can bring a support person such as a family member, friend or advocate. They cannot make decisions for you the way a nominee can.
What about children?
A nominee must be an adult. For children under 18, the equivalent role is a child representative, usually a parent or guardian.
Sources
Goodo is independent