Service booking

An arrangement that sets aside agency-managed funding for a provider to claim against.

What it means

A service booking is an arrangement in the my NDIS system that sets aside part of your agency-managed funding for a particular provider to claim against. In simple terms, it earmarks an amount of your budget so a chosen provider can be paid for the supports they deliver to you.

Service bookings are mainly used for agency-managed supports, where the NDIA pays providers directly. If your funding is plan-managed or self-managed, you generally do not need service bookings, because your plan manager or you handle the payments instead.

In practice

A service booking can be created for a provider once you have agreed to work with them. It usually records the provider, the type of support and the amount set aside. As the provider delivers supports, they claim against the booking, and the committed funds are drawn down over time.

This helps everyone keep track of committed funds, so it is clear how much of your budget is promised to each provider and how much remains. If your circumstances change, a service booking can usually be adjusted or ended, for example if you change providers. Your provider or the NDIA can help set these up and keep them accurate.

A real example

For example, Marcus has agency-managed funding and starts with a new therapy provider. A service booking is created that sets aside part of his budget for that provider. As the therapist delivers sessions, they claim against the booking, and Marcus can see how much of that funding has been committed and used.

Service booking — FAQs

Do I need a service booking?
You mainly need service bookings for agency-managed supports, where the NDIA pays providers directly. If your funding is plan-managed or self-managed, you generally do not need them, because your plan manager or you handle payments instead. If you are unsure how your supports are managed, check your plan or ask your support coordinator or planner.
Who creates a service booking?
A service booking can be created by your provider, by you through the my NDIS portal, or with help from the NDIA. It is usually set up once you have agreed to work with a provider. It records the provider, the type of support and the amount of funding set aside for them to claim against.
What does a service booking do?
A service booking sets aside a portion of your agency-managed funding for a particular provider. As the provider delivers supports, they claim against the booking and the committed funds are drawn down. This helps you and your providers keep track of how much of your budget is promised to each provider and how much remains available.
Can I change or cancel a service booking?
Yes. A service booking can usually be adjusted or ended if your circumstances change, for example if you switch providers or your supports change. This frees up any funding that has not been claimed so it can be used elsewhere in line with your plan. Your provider or the NDIA can help you update or end a booking.
What is the difference between a service booking and a budget?
Your budget is the total funding in your plan for different types of support. A service booking sets aside part of that budget for a specific provider to claim against. In other words, the budget is the overall pool, while a service booking commits a slice of it to one provider so their claims can be paid.

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