Plan management gives you more time to focus on what’s important
Plan management takes away the stress of financial administration related to your NDIS plan while empowering you to maintain control over your support choices.
There are three ways to manage your NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) plan.
- Self Managed – Self management provides complete control and flexibility, allowing the use of any support providers, including non-NDIS registered ones. However, it comes with a heavy raft of time-consuming responsibilities, a need for computer literacy and access, and can require a more in-depth understanding of the NDIS than most people will reasonably have. If you are looking to self manage, carefully consider whether you have the capacity and willingness to coordinate the considerable workload involved.
- Plan Managed – Plan management offers a middle ground, allowing you to hand over the responsibility and expertise for your NDIS plan’s financial aspects, while still having a large amount of freedom when it comes to choosing your own services. However, any rates negotiated will need to adhere to the NDIS price limits. This option alleviates the administrative burden associated with self management.
- Agency Managed (NDIA Managed) – Agency management is completely hands off. The NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency) will act as your plan manager, handling all fund-related matters directly. You are restricted to engaging only NDIS registered providers. While Agency Managed plans offer the least flexibility, they also impose the least burden on participants themselves.
For a fuller understanding of all options, see our previous article exploring the pros and cons of each plan management type.
This article will explain what plan management is and whether it is right for you.
What is NDIS plan management?
NDIS plan management offers participants choice and control over their supports and funding while taking care of their administrative and financial responsibilities.
Accessing plan management is your right as an NDIS participant, and you will not need to meet any criteria beyond notifying your NDIA Planner or Local Area Coordinator.
NDIS plan management can address common pain points such as payment delays, invoice transparency, over or under spending, budget tracking challenges, and the need for personalised care.
Do I need plan management?
If you would like to maintain flexibility in your NDIS plan but are struggling to navigate the often-complex system, or the burden of the required financial administration, plan management could be the right solution for you.
Ultimately it is up to you to decide which management model will work best for your needs. Much like your NDIS plan itself, engaging a plan manager should make it easier for you to reach your goals. Ask yourself the following:
- Would you like to use non-NDIS registered providers for any of your supports?
- Do you like the flexibility of self management, but find it too time consuming?
- Do you need help with financial tasks such as paying invoices, managing budgets, or coordinating service agreements?
If you said ‘yes’ to any of these questions, you may prefer plan management over self-management or agency management.
What does an NDIS Plan Manager do for me?
In a nutshell: They help you make the most of your NDIS budget.
It’s like having your own NDIS expert accountant, administrator and bookkeeper, overseeing the financial aspects of your plan. A plan manager can help:
- Pay your providers in a timely manner.
- Coordinate service agreements with your supports.
- Track your NDIS funds budget.
- Communicate with the NDIA about funds.
- Handle your financial administration and record keeping.
Managing the financial side of your plan can be time consuming and draining, so having a plan manager’s NDIS expertise to navigate your financial plan can be a huge weight off your shoulders.
It is important to note, that while NDIS plan managers can help reduce the stress of self-management, they don’t fulfil the same role as a Support Coordinator.
Related: NDIS Plan Manager vs Support Coordinator Explained
How do I choose the right plan manager?
Accessibility and transparency should be key tenets in the relationship between you and your NDIS plan manager. You want someone who can be fast, consistent, and available to help when you need.
Some foundation questions:
- Will they be able to deliver the level of service needed to help you achieve your goals?
- Will they be transparent and proactive in handling payments, invoicing, budgeting and claim processing?
- Can you directly contact them?
- Do they offer a user-friendly digital platform accessible 24/7?
- Do they have in-depth knowledge of NDIS funding?
Related: How to Choose the Best NDIS Plan Manager for Your Situation
NDSP Plan Managers
NDSP offers you the freedom to focus on what truly matters: Receiving the support you need to achieve your goals, allowing you to worry less about the nitty gritty and focus more on living your best life.
As a trusted NDIS registered provider, NDSP provides an experienced plan management service helping NDIS participants across Australia. Our experienced plan managers provide expert guidance and support to help you make the most out of your NDIS funding.
Our user-friendly online portal, Nappa, simplifies your NDIS journey:
- Real-time budget tracking to avoid overspending or underspending your NDIS funds.
- Submitting invoices and viewing processed invoices.
- The ability to request a call back from our responsive team.
We also have a free participant toolbox on our site where you can find information on all things NDIS.
If NDIS plan management seems like the right fit for you, contact NDSP for assistance and expert advice on making the most of your funds.
