After your NDIS Plan gets approved, you can look forward to an improved quality of life. However, after the approval, there are a lot of things that must be planned and managed to make the process of getting further support better and easier for you. Begin with looking for support providers who provide the services you require and compare their costs to allocate your funds better. The key to making this easier is planning well ahead.
How Will I Know My NDIS Application Was Approved?
If you applied for the NDIS online, you will receive an email within a few days, confirming your application’s approval. If you apply for the NDIS over phone or in person, you will be informed about your application’s status through a letter within 20 working days.
Once your NDIS plan is approved, you can start creating your plan in line with your goals and aspirations.
Planning Meeting
After your NDIS plan is approved, it’s time to start thinking about what you want to achieve and how you plan on getting there. This is where a planning meeting comes in, giving you and your support team a chance to sit down and map the path ahead. You’ll discuss your goals, what support you need to achieve them, and how to get that support within your allotted budget.
Finding a Support Coordinator
After you have a plan set, the next thing you’ll need to do is find a support coordinator who will help you implement your NDIS plan and connect you with the necessary services and support providers.
There are a few different ways to go about finding a support coordinator. You can search for one on the NDIS website or ask your local NDIS office for a list of support coordinators within your area. You can also ask your family or friends if they know of good support coordinators. Once you’ve found a few potential candidates, you must interview them to see whether they are a good fit for you.
When you’re interviewing potential support coordinators, there are a few key questions you should ask them. Find out how much experience they have working with people who have hindrances and disabilities. Finding someone you can see yourself get familiar with and who can navigate the NDIS system is really important. It would be best if you also asked about their availability and whether they have other clients with similar needs to yours. Do not forget to ask them about their charges and whether they accept insurance.
Developing your first support plan
A support plan is a document that outlines the specific supports and services you will need to implement your NDIS plan to its full potential. It should be developed in consultation with your service providers, reviewed, and updated regularly.
The first step for developing your support plan is identifying your goals and objectives- what do you want to achieve with your plan? Once you have a clear idea of your goals, you can develop an action plan.
Also, you’ll need to identify the people and organisations who will be involved in helping you achieve your goals. It might include family members, friends, carers, therapists, support workers, or other service providers.
You’ll need to see whether your NDIS funds can cover the costs of your care and support, along with any other additional expenses you may need to take on. Make sure your funding supports your plan by covering all of your expenses. Always reach out to your support team if you get stuck anywhere.
Once you have identified the roles of the people who will be involved in your support plan, the next step is to adopt an individualised approach that will meet your unique needs. It might involve finding new service providers or making changes to existing services.
Putting Your Plan Into Action
Once you have everything in place, it’s time to implement it. Attend therapy sessions, use assistive technology, and get out and about in the community with the help of a support worker. Start using your funding. Once you have chosen your service providers, you can use your NDIS funding to pay for the services they provide. Be sure to keep track of your expenses to stay within your budget.
As you start using your plan, you may find that some things are working well while others aren’t. Don’t hesitate to contact your support team, and make changes to your existing plan as and when the need arises.
Reviewing and Updating Your Plan
Reviewing and updating your NDIS plan is important, as your needs and circumstances change over a period of time. Here’s a small guide on what you can do for staying up-to-date on your plan:
- Review your plan with your NDIS plan coordinator or local area coordinator.
- Make sure you understand what supports are available and how much funding you have allocated to them.
- Identify any changes in your needs or goals since the NDIS developed your final plan.
- Update your plan accordingly, including any new services or supports you may need.
- Share your updated plan with your support or local area coordinator and make sure they are aware of any changes.
- Review and update your plan regularly as and when needed. This ensures the plan continues to meet your changing needs and circumstances
What Kind of Providers Can I Use?
If you’re not sure what kind of provider to use, don’t worry. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can help you find the right provider.
There are four main types of NDIS providers:
- Registered providers
- Support coordinators
- Local area coordination (LAC) services
- Unregistered providers
To find a list of registered NDIS providers in your area, visit the NDIS website and use the Provider Finder tool. The tool will help you filter providers, by type, location, and the services they offer.
NDSP Plan Managers is an NDIS-registered provider that helps you plan and manage your NDIS funds. With us, you can live your life the way you want to. We will help you realise the plan you want and get you in touch with the service providers like therapists and support workers. Our skilled professionals will help you review and adjust your plan to always meet your requirements. NAPPA, our plan management portal, can assist you 24/7 with all your needs. Not only this, we will send you timely updates regarding your funds, strive to serve you better, and of course, always support you in planning and living your life on your own terms.
