Summary
Discover your NDIS plan management options and which one can help you get the full benefit of your funding. Get curious and keep reading for all the details.
If you’re living with a disability, you could be eligible for government support which helps to connect you with services and resources that can make life easier.
An NDIS plan is designed to give you as much choice and control as possible. It’s tied to your NDIS budget, meaning you’re able to put your budget towards services that cater to your individual needs and goals.
Management options available to you
Once your NDIS plan is set out by an NDIS representative, you have the choice to either manage it yourself, or seek assistance from a Plan Manager (like us!) or the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).
This blog will unpack the pros and cons of each option, so you can make an informed decision about the best path forward for you.
When considering how you’d like your NDIS Plan to be managed, it’s important to assess your understanding of the NDIS guidelines, organisation and administration and the support network that surrounds you, such as family and friends.
Self-management
Put simply, Self-management is when you opt to manage part or all of your NDIS plan.
You, or the person you’ve nominated to act on your behalf, will be responsible for all parts of your budget and reporting. This includes:
- Choosing your own service providers
- Managing, tracking and recording all spending
- Paying your own invoices
- Staying on top of reporting requirements
Self-managing your NDIS plan gives you the flexibility and independence to make decisions, like choosing supports from both registered and unregistered NDIS service providers.
It’s important to note that self-management requires a certain level of organisational skills, time commitment and financial responsibility. You will need to have a good understanding of the NDIS rules and guidelines to ensure you’re claiming within them.
NDIA-managed funding
If you choose NDIA-managed funding, also known as ‘agency managed’, you’re allowing the NDIA to deal with the financial and administrative tasks of your NDIS plan. They will manage all bookkeeping and records of spending, so you don’t have to.
Agency managed NDIS plans give you access to services and resources from registered NDIS providers only, unlike self-managed plans that can use both registered and unregistered NDIS service providers.
NDIA-managed funding can be beneficial if you prefer a simpler approach to plan management or if you don’t have the capacity (or desire) to handle the financial responsibilities yourself. However, it’s important to consider the potential limitations in terms of your control and choice of providers.
Engaging the NDIA to handle the financial and administrative side of your NDIS plan will come at no extra cost. The benefit comes under the ‘Improved Life Choices’ budget category, meaning the service will be factored into your overall NDIS budget and won’t take away from your NDIS funding.
Plan-managed funding
When engaging with an NDIS Plan Manager, you’ll be allocated funding for this service within your NDIS plan. Just mention your preference during your NDIS planning meeting.
Plan Managers are experienced professionals in managing all types of individual NDIS plans. Like agency management, Plan Managers pay your service providers on your behalf and handle the administrative legwork.
Having a Plan Manager as part of your team will help you to get the full benefit of your NDIS plan, secure additional funding that you’re eligible for and have an expert on hand to answer any questions.
They also help you build knowledge in managing your plan, so you can work with your providers in full confidence and be empowered to one day embark on the self-management path.
Just like working with the NDIA management option, Plan Management doesn’t cost you anything. The service will be factored into your overall NDIS budget and won’t take away from your allocated NDIS funding.
Plan-managed funding is a great option that sits in between self-management and agency management as it allows you to hand over the administration to a professional while still being actively involved in the process. You have flexibility in choosing your service providers, participate in budget management and you’re able to access a broader range of supports.
You can focus on your goals and the services you need while having the assurance that your NDIS funding is managed effectively and transparently.
Plan management made stress-free
Find out more about how an NDIS Plan can help you in our blog article.
We’re passionate about plan management and have more than 8 years’ of experience helping participants access the care and support they need.
Our innovative approach and dedicated support will help you navigate your unique path, giving you the confidence and capability to enjoy an independent life.
Give us a call on 1800 968 775 and speak to our friendly team today.