What is NDIS funding and how does it work for social skills programs?

Answer: NDIS funding helps people with disabilities access support services, including social skills training. At Strivesocial, we're registered to provide services under several NDIS categories that cover individual and group social skills programs like PEERS®. Your NDIS plan allocates funding based on your goals and needs assessment. We work within your plan budget to deliver evidence-based social skills support that helps you build meaningful relationships and confidence in social situations.

What's the difference between plan-managed and self-managed NDIS funding?

Answer: With plan-managed funding, a plan management provider handles your invoices and payments to service providers like us - you simply attend sessions and we sort out the paperwork with your plan manager. Self-managed means you receive the funding directly and pay us yourself, giving you more control but requiring you to manage budgets and invoicing. Both options work seamlessly with our services, and we're experienced in working with plan managers across Melbourne. We'll guide you through whichever option suits your situation best.

Do I need a service agreement for NDIS-funded sessions?

Answer: Yes, NDIS regulations require a service agreement between you and Strivesocial before we begin funded sessions. This agreement outlines what services we'll provide, our rates (aligned with NDIS pricing), cancellation policies, and your rights as a participant. We'll walk you through this during your free 15-minute consultation and ensure you understand everything before starting your social skills program. The agreement protects both you and us, ensuring clear expectations for your PEERS® journey.

Which NDIS funding categories cover social skills training?

Answer: Social skills programs like PEERS® typically fall under Capacity Building categories in your NDIS plan, specifically areas related to social and community participation, communication, and relationships. Our NDIS registration covers multiple relevant categories (0107, 0108, 0117, 0125, 0115, 0136), so we can work with various plan structures. During your consultation, we'll review your plan together to identify the right funding category and ensure your social skills goals align with your NDIS objectives.

How much do NDIS-funded sessions cost?

Answer: Our individual social skills sessions are $80 per hour, which aligns with NDIS pricing guidelines. Group sessions follow NDIS group pricing structures. You won't pay more than your NDIS plan allows, and we're transparent about all costs upfront. Most clients complete our core PEERS® program in 10-14 sessions, though we can extend support based on your individual needs and goals. We'll discuss your budget during the initial consultation to ensure the program fits comfortably within your NDIS plan.

Can I use NDIS funding for online social skills sessions?

Answer: Absolutely! NDIS funding covers our telehealth social skills sessions delivered via Google Meet or Zoom. Online delivery is particularly effective for social skills training as it mirrors how many young people naturally communicate today. We serve NDIS clients across Australia through telehealth, not just our local Melbourne areas. The same NDIS pricing and service agreements apply whether you choose in-person or online sessions.

What happens if I need to cancel an NDIS-funded session?

Answer: We understand that life happens, especially for young people managing various appointments and commitments. Our cancellation policy will be clearly outlined in your service agreement, and we aim to be as flexible as possible while meeting NDIS requirements. We typically experience about one cancellation per week across all clients, so we're well-equipped to reschedule when needed. The key is communicating with us as early as possible so we can adjust your program timeline accordingly.

How do I get started with NDIS-funded social skills training?

Answer: Start with our free 15-minute consultation where we'll discuss your social goals, review your NDIS plan, and explain how our PEERS® program can help. We'll handle the service agreement and any plan manager coordination. About 95% of NDIS clients who have consultations proceed to paid sessions, and most complete our full program. The whole process from inquiry to first session typically takes about a week. Book your consultation through our website or give us a call - we're here to make it as straightforward as possible.