For National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants, finding the right drop in support NDIS service is crucial for achieving your goals and living with independence. Yet many find their funding disappears faster than expected, often paying for support time they don’t actually need. This issue is often linked to the practice of 2-hour minimum shifts, a common challenge that can significantly drain an NDIS budget.

This isn’t a choice most providers make lightly. It’s a response to industrial relations requirements, specifically the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services (SCHADS) Award, which mandates that support workers are paid for a minimum of two hours for each shift.

At MACS, we believe there is a better, more efficient way. For over 30 years, we have pioneered a model of flexible NDIS support designed specifically to meet participants’ short-duration support needs, while optimising NDIS funding, ensuring you only pay for the support you actually receive.  

The 2-Hour Dilemma vs. The MACS Solution

The core problem is simple: your needs don’t always fit into neat two-hour blocks. You might only need 20 minutes of help to get ready for the day, 45 minutes of assistance with meal preparation, or a quick 15-minute check-in. Under a standard model, these short tasks could cost you six hours of funding.

This is where the MACS drop in support NDIS model is different. Instead of dedicating one worker to one participant for a long shift, we build efficient rosters for our staff by grouping multiple, short, geographically close visits together. This innovative approach allows us to meet our obligations to our support workers while offering you true flexibility.

With MACS, you can book support in 15-minute increments and only pay for the time you use, plus a standard travel fee for each visit. That 20-minute morning routine costs you just that: 20 minutes of funding, not two hours. This is the key to making your plan last longer and achieve more.  

The High Cost of Overnight Availability

The same issue of paying for unused time is even more apparent with overnight support. Participants who need occasional assistance during the night are often directed towards a Night-Time Sleepover shift. This involves a support worker staying on-site for a continuous eight-hour period, and you pay a flat rate for their availability, whether you need them for two hours or not at all. According to the NDIS Support Catalogue, this can cost nearly $300 per night.

This model provides peace of mind, but at a significant cost if you only need help once or twice.

MACS provides the same reassurance with a much more cost-effective approach. Our on-call team operates from 6 pm to 6 am, ready to respond when you need us. If you need help during the night, you simply call, and a support worker will drop in. You only pay for the short time they are actively assisting you. This transforms overnight care from a major, recurring expense into a minor, usage-based one, freeing up thousands of dollars in your plan.  

Stretch Your NDIS Budget and Maximise Your Independence

Choosing a more efficient support model is about more than just saving money; it’s about unlocking the full potential of your NDIS plan. The funds you save by avoiding wasted hours can be reallocated to other critical areas. This is the most effective way to stretch NDIS budget allocations further, helping you to achieve your personal and professional goals faster.

All MACS attendant care services are funded under the flexible Assistance with Daily Life category within your Core Supports budget, making it a simple and powerful way to take back control of your funding.

Stop Paying for Time You Don’t Use

If you feel your NDIS plan is being consumed by inflexible shifts that don’t match your needs, you can explore a smarter alternative. The MACS model is designed to provide the right drop in support NDIS service is the key to ensuring every dollar in your plan is working towards your independence.

Ready to get more from your NDIS plan? Contact MACS today on 07 3857 0333 or enquire online for a personalised assessment of how our model can stop fund wastage and help you achieve your goals.