4. What is the difference between the old F.I. service and the new service?

Over the past 10 years, more and more people have received Individual Support Packages to assist them to live the lifestyle of their choice. As more people have chosen to use the Financial Intermediary Service their expectations have grown. The new Financial Intermediary Service improves the original program by increasing flexibility, by improving on the information provided to each person and by being more responsive.

Some of the key differences are:

• It will be easy for a person to change how they use their allocated funding. The only requirements are that the change does not exceed funds available and is consistent with the person’s goals in their approved Individual Support Plan

• There is an enhanced Help Desk facility that will be available from 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday to help any person or service provider who has a question about the Financial Intermediary service. The Help Desk has a 1800 number as well as appropriate support for people with a hearing impairment

• There is a dedicated MOIRA FI website offering information and news

• Each person is sent monthly reports

• Each person will be able to access secure information through the internet about their account details

• DHS will also receive better reports to assist them with planning