NDIS plan management is a type of service funded through the National Disability Insurance Scheme. The main objective of this service is to help participants to manage their NDIS funding better.
As an NDIS participant, there are a couple of different ways to manage your funding; self-management, NDIA management and plan management.
In self-management, the NDIA provides you with the funding, and you can directly reach supports that you need.
NDIA-managed funding means the participant authorises the National Disability agency to pay the providers on her behalf.
Lastly, NDIA can provide funding in your plan to pay plan managers so they can pay providers on your behalf.
Most participants choose one funding option, but combining the three and making the most out of your budget is possible. It’s possible to self-manage certain parts of your plan and gets the rest sorted by NDIA or a plan manager.
All plan management providers are obliged to be registered with the NDIS commission. This is an independent agency established to bring better quality and standards for participants and providers.
Why Should You Use a Plan Manager?
Plan managers are responsible for managing providers, processing payments, keeping track of funds and financial reporting.
But overall, a plan manager can help you with a wide range of things:
- Improve your financial and plan management skills,
- Get better on how to self-manage your plan,
- Find out how to pay providers,
- Expand your choice of providers,
- Have a greater budget oversight by NDIS plan budget reports.
How to Find a Plan Manager?
The process starts at the initial meeting with the NDIS staff. Participants can tell them they want to have a plan manager, and NDIA will include funding in their plan to pay for a plan manager.
Once your budget is allocated, you can search for your NDIS plan manager. Here are a couple of different ways to do it:
- Contacting a Local Area Coordinator, Early Childhood Partner, or support coordinator,
- Checking peer networks and seeking recommendations,
- Using the Provider Finder tool on the NDIS myplace portal,
- Exploring other online resources and websites, including the NDIS Commission.
Once you come up with a couple of prospects, you can check out their legitimacy in the NDIS Commission’s register. It’s also important to set a service agreement once the participant and plan manager decides to work together. Ensuring both sides of the agreement have a clear understanding of their deal. You can find more information about service agreements on the NDIS website.
NDIS Plan Management 4 Primary Activities
Also called NDIS Plan Management principles, these activities are outlined after consulting NDIS participants, and their main purpose is the set expectations right.
1- Achieving Goals and Outcomes
According to this principle, plan management providers are responsible for supporting participants with budget management and NDIS-funded supports administration activities. Providers should work harmoniously with the participants, making the most out of the funds. They must plan and advise on how to spend the budget most effectively to achieve individual goals.
2- Ensuring Independence
Plan management providers assist participants with the financial parts of their plans. Still, when doing so, they shouldn’t be seeking any further interests for themselves, the organisation they work or other parties. Nevertheless, NDIA suggests participants work with independent plan managers. That means the plan manager doesn’t provide additional support services. This will ensure that plan management services are unbiased.
3- Demonstrating Accountability
Reporting the spenditure and balance to the participant monthly is a must for plan managers. Also, keeping proper evidence records, such as invoices, is handy for claiming funds from a participant’s plan. Plan management providers are also responsible for alerting participants in case the overall spending will exceed the budget or if there are any services that NDIS doesn’t fund. Lastly, plan management providers must take all the security precautions to protect participant information online and offline.
4- Consumer Awareness
Plan managers or providers are also expected to protect the rights of participants as consumers, allowing them to have a wider choice and control over the support and services they receive. Disability items or services bought with NDIS funding aren’t different from other goods and services. Still, with the help of a plan manager, a participant is encouraged to make better purchasing decisions.
We are Devote Care, enabling dignified lives through personalised service. It’s no understatement to say that every member of the Devote Care family sees what we do as a job; it’s a calling and a privilege. Achieve your NDIS goals with us. We are at our service on 1300 300 999, or get a free consultation here!
