What to include in an NDIS referral
A clear referral helps Due Care Services understand the participant, the support needed, any safety information and who to contact next.
A good referral includes the participant’s details, NDIS plan information, requested services, goals, risks, communication needs, documents and the best person to contact. If you do not know everything, send what you have and the team can ask follow-up questions.
What is a referral?
A referral is the first information sent to Due Care when someone may need support. It helps the team understand what is being requested before services start.
For example, a referral may request daily living support, community access, transport, Occupational Therapy, a Functional Capacity Assessment, progress reports or other NDIS-related support.
Who can send a referral?
A referral can usually be sent by the participant, family member, representative, support coordinator, plan manager, allied health professional or another person involved in the participant’s care. Consent and authority are important, especially when sharing private information.
Useful referral details
- Participant name, date of birth and contact details.
- NDIS number, plan dates and plan management type.
- Requested services such as OT, daily living, community access or transport.
- Participant goals and what support is expected to help with.
- Referrer name, role, email and phone number.
- Known risks, access notes, communication needs and safety information.
- Relevant documents such as plan, reports, behaviour support information or hospital discharge notes if available.
- Preferred appointment contact person and best contact times.
Why risk information matters
Risk information is not about judging the participant. It helps the team prepare properly, match workers safely and decide whether a manager, clinician or senior staff member needs to review the referral before support starts.
Useful risk notes may include mobility needs, allergies, behaviours of concern, communication needs, medication support, manual handling, mental health concerns, access issues, pets at home, family dynamics, emergency contacts or anything staff should know before visiting.
Common referral questions
What if I do not know all the details?
That is okay. Send the information you have. A referral does not need to be perfect. The most important details are who the participant is, what support is needed, who to contact and whether there are urgent risks or deadlines.
What is the difference between a contact form and a referral form?
A contact form is for a general question. A referral form is more detailed and is used when someone may be ready for service intake, review or follow-up from the Due Care team.
What happens after I submit a referral?
The team reviews the information, checks whether the requested support may be suitable, and contacts the right person to discuss next steps. The team may ask for more information before confirming support.
Can I refer for Occupational Therapy?
Yes. If OT is being requested, include the reason for the referral, goals, plan dates, any reports already available and whether a Functional Capacity Assessment, equipment advice, home safety review or progress report is needed.
If a participant has a plan review coming soon, include the review date and report deadline. This helps the team understand urgency and whether a service can be planned in time.
Use the Due Care referral form to send the right information in one place. If you are not sure what to write, call first and the team can guide you.
Open Referral FormCall 0406 371 523