Your practical next steps
From a proposed service to an informed agreement
Make the service, total proposed cost and working terms understandable before you decide.
- Define the serviceAsk what is included.
- Understand the costRequest all proposed charges.
- Check the termsClarify review, cancellation and exit.
Open a question to see what to do next. You can add a situation to your conversation summary. Selections stay in this browser tab until you review and choose to send them.
Can you explain what service is actually being proposed?
Choose the situation closest to yours
The scope is clear
Do this next: Check who will provide it, where and how often it happens, and the dates proposed for the arrangement.
Go to question 2The description is too vague
Do this next: Ask for a plain-English description, including what is included and what would be charged separately.
Go to question 2
Do you understand all proposed charges?
Choose the situation closest to yours
I have a full explanation
Do this next: Review the total proposed cost, including any travel, reports, cancellations or other charges. Discuss how proposed supports fit your own plan with the appropriate contact.
Go to question 3Some charges are missing or unclear
Do this next: Ask for an itemised explanation and a worked example of a typical period of service. Put the unanswered questions in writing.
Go to question 3
Are you comfortable with the working and exit terms?
Choose the situation closest to yours
I understand them and want to proceed
Do this next: Confirm the start, review, notice and cancellation arrangements. Keep your own copy of what is agreed.
Make your next action clearI need clarification, changes or more time
Do this next: Ask for the wording or format you need and discuss changes. Consider getting independent help to understand an agreement before deciding.
Make your next action clear
Resolve the gaps before making a decision
Circle the clauses or charges you want explained. Ask the provider to respond in a format you can use.
- What is included
- The full proposed cost
- Review, cancellation and exit terms
Read the full guide
Open only the explanation you need, or read them all.
Describe the service in concrete terms
Ask what support will be provided, who is responsible, where it happens and how often. Check the start and end dates and how the agreement will be reviewed. A broad service name can hide very different practical arrangements.
If a coordinator is working through another provider, ask who contracts with you, who invoices and who is responsible for delivery and complaints. Confirm our own provider arrangements before engagement.
Ask for the full cost
Ask for a clear explanation of the rate, quantities or hours and any other chargeable activities. Travel, reports, non-face-to-face work and cancellation terms may be relevant. Find out how charges will be approved and explained.
Ask who can confirm that the proposed support and payment arrangement fit your current plan. The website does not quote our rates, calculate an entitlement or promise that an introductory meeting will be funded.
Know how the relationship will work
Agree a contact method, how appointments are changed and what happens when a usual worker is away. Discuss communication, language, accessibility and the choice to include someone you trust.
Ask about privacy, the records kept, how consent is managed and any business relationship behind a recommendation. Clear expectations help you notice when the actual service differs from the agreement.
Read the cancellation and exit terms
Check how much notice each party gives, which fees can apply and what happens if the provider cancels. Ask how the agreement can be varied or ended and what happens to support during a transition.
If something is unclear, pause and ask for an explanation. Keep the version you agreed to and any later changes. For a dispute about legal obligations, seek appropriate independent advice.
Use a review point
Agree when you will check that the arrangement is useful and affordable within your own approved supports. Bring questions early if actual charges or delivery differ from what you understood.
The provider conversation sheet helps you record questions and answers. It is a personal preparation tool, not a contract or legal advice. Use the official NDIA guidance and seek advice for your particular agreement where needed.
Go to the source
General preparation guidance. Use the current official page and the details of your own plan for decisions.