Nominee

A person formally appointed to make NDIS decisions (plan nominee) or receive information (correspondence nominee) for a participant.

What it means

A nominee is a person formally appointed to act for an NDIS participant. There are two types. A plan nominee can make decisions about the participant's plan and the supports funded in it, such as how the plan is managed and used. A correspondence nominee can receive information from the NDIA and communicate with it on the participant's behalf, but does not have the same decision-making role.

Being a nominee is bigger than simply having someone's consent to speak for them. It is a formal appointment recognised by the NDIA, and it carries responsibilities. A nominee is expected to act in a way that supports the participant's own goals and choices, not to take over their decisions.

In practice

Before appointing a nominee, the NDIA must be satisfied that it is in the participant's best interests. Wherever possible, participants are supported to make their own decisions, and a nominee is only appointed when it is genuinely needed. The participant can usually request a nominee themselves, and the NDIA can also appoint one in limited circumstances.

Once appointed, a nominee must give effect to the participant's will and preferences as far as possible, and act to develop the participant's capacity to make their own decisions over time. They should consult the participant and involve them in decisions that affect them. A nominee appointment can be changed, suspended or cancelled, and the arrangement is reviewed to make sure it still suits the participant. This is different from a support coordinator or a plan manager, whose roles are about coordinating or paying for supports rather than making decisions for the person.

A real example

For example, Marcus has an intellectual disability and finds paperwork and phone calls with the NDIA stressful. With his agreement, his sister was appointed as his correspondence nominee so she can receive letters and talk to the NDIA for him. She always discusses things with Marcus first and makes sure the decisions reflect what he actually wants.

Nominee — FAQs

What is the difference between a plan nominee and a correspondence nominee?
A plan nominee can make decisions about the participant's plan and the supports in it, including how it is managed and used. A correspondence nominee can receive information and communicate with the NDIA on the participant's behalf, but does not make plan decisions. You can have one or both, depending on how much support the participant needs. The role is always meant to reflect the participant's own wishes.
Is being a nominee the same as having someone's consent?
No, it is bigger than consent. Consent lets someone share information or speak on a one-off basis, while a nominee is a formal appointment recognised by the NDIA with ongoing responsibilities. Before appointing a nominee, the NDIA must be satisfied it is in the participant's best interests. A nominee must also act on the participant's will and preferences, not simply make decisions for them.
How is a nominee appointed?
A nominee is usually appointed after the participant requests one, and the NDIA can also appoint one in limited situations. The NDIA must be satisfied the appointment is in the participant's best interests and that they cannot be adequately supported to act on their own behalf instead. Wherever possible, the participant's own views guide who is chosen and what the nominee can do.
Does a nominee override what the participant wants?
No. The participant's will and preferences come first. A nominee is expected to consult the participant, involve them in decisions, and give effect to their wishes as far as possible. Nominees should also help build the participant's ability to make their own decisions over time. The role is about supporting the person, not replacing their choices, and it should never be used against their interests.
Can a nominee arrangement be changed or cancelled?
Yes. A nominee appointment is not permanent and can be changed, suspended or cancelled. The arrangement can be reviewed to make sure it still suits the participant, and it can end if it is no longer needed or no longer in their best interests. If a participant becomes able to act more independently, the appointment can be adjusted or removed to reflect that.

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