While Plan Management and Support Coordination may work closely together to assist individuals in managing their NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) plans, they serve distinct functions and are not funded in the same way.
In this blog post, we’ll explain the key differences between NDIS plan managers and support coordinators, as it’s a common misconception that they provide identical services under different names.
What does a Plan Manager do?
A Plan Manager is like your own NDIS-specialised accountant, overseeing the financial aspects of your personalised NDIS plan. They are your expert in NDIS funding matters, making it easier for you to navigate the system and get the most out of your entitlements. With a Plan Manager, you retain an active role in managing your funds and choosing your service providers.
What can NDIS Plan Management help with?
Plan Management for the NDIS offers valuable support in several key areas:
- Facilitating payment of your providers’ invoices for supports delivered
- Handling fund claims through the NDIS portal and managing associated paperwork
- Providing monthly budget statements to monitor spending and remaining balances
- Conducting financial reporting and record-keeping for audit purposes
- Providing support in navigating the complex NDIS system
Please click the following link for more information on what exactly NDIS plan management is.
Plan managers also ensure compliance with strict NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits, ensuring that the fees charged by your providers adhere to guidelines, thereby ensuring fair pricing for their services. This means you only pay providers a fair price for their services.
Related: Self Managed vs Plan Managed vs Agency Managed Explained.
How do I ask for Plan Management?
As an NDIS participant, you have the right to request plan management, and there are no eligibility criteria for including it in your NDIS plan. Funding will be allocated to engage a Plan Manager if you choose this option, and there are no out-of-pocket costs for this service.
Find out more about how plan management can help you, as an NDIS participant, in managing payments, claims, and financial administration. You might also find our post on choosing the best NDIS plan manager helpful.
What does a Support Coordinator do?
Support Coordinators play a pivotal role in optimising your NDIS plan, focusing on capacity-building and enhancing your confidence in utilising supports effectively.
Unlike Plan Managers, Support Coordinators do not handle the financial aspects of your NDIS plan. Instead, they act as the go-between for participants and service providers, helping you to set up your supports and checking in regularly to see if any adjustments are needed. They can also help you to choose your supports and providers, arrange assessments, manage Service Agreements, and assist in plan renewal or review.
Funding for Support Coordination must be approved by the NDIA based on what is ‘reasonable and necessary’ for achieving your goals. Eligibility is determined by the NDIA, and if approved, Support Coordination will be allocated to your Capacity Building budget.
There are three levels of NDIS Support Coordination:
- Support Connection – Focuses on enhancing your ability to connect with informal, community and funded supports.
- Support Coordination – Aims to develop your skills in understanding and utilising your plan effectively. This level of support coordination aims to increase your capacity to maintain relationships, manage service delivery tasks, live more independently, and participate in your community.
- Specialist Support Coordination – Tailored for individuals whose situations are more complex and require specialist support. This level assists you in managing any challenges in your support environment, ensuring consistent delivery of services.
NDSP are NDIS Plan Management specialists. As your plan manager, our role is to assist you by paying for your supports from your NDIS funds – leaving you with more time and energy to focus on enjoying your life.
You can also access our disability support provider directory to browse a list of support coordinators closest to you.
What Personalised Plan Management looks like with NDSP Plan Managers
As an NDIS registered provider, we’re a plan management specialist helping NDIS participants across Australia.
Here are just a few benefits to choosing us:
- No more payment delays: Prompt payment of your invoices
- User-friendly online portal, Nappa, for:
- Submitting invoices
- Viewing processed invoices
- Real-time budget tracking, to avoid overspending or underspending your NDIS funds
- A responsive team, with a ‘request a call back’ function that can easily be found in our online portal
- Expert guidance and support from experienced plan managers
Access our participant toolbox for further information and helpful resources on the NDIS and expert plan management, or contact NDSP directly for help making the most out of your NDIS funding.
