For those of you who are unfamiliar with NDIS plan management, you’re in the right place! As many as 460,000 people will have an NDIS plan up and running by 2019, so we want to make sure you make the most of these new benefits!
Throughout this article, we’re going to delve a little deeper into the role of ‘plan manager,’ and explain how you could potentially benefit from having one.
So, without further ado, let’s dive in!
What Is the NDIS?
NDIS stands for The National Disability Insurance Scheme
Now, this is a new system, and as with any new procedure, people often have no idea how to manage it!
Put simply, this is a new way of delivering funds to people with disability. If you think you’re entitled to these benefits, you need to submit an ‘Access Request’ form to the NDIA accompanied by the necessary proof of your condition.
The critical difference between this and the old system is that disability support is making a shift from funding for groups to the financing of individuals.
This change is fabulous because it means people with a disability will have access to the specific support they need to live a better life. It also means that if you qualify you have the ultimate say over who and what you choose to use for your supports.
Why is NDIS Management Necessary?
So, as we’ve already established, the purpose of an NDIS plan is to help you access the support you need.
As such, your plan highlights all the informal support you receive already. For example friends, family and your surrounding community.
It’ll also list any formal support you require. This is where the NDIS steps in and helps you fund the services you need, providing they’re deemed ‘reasonable and necessary’.
It’s important to fill out this form accurately, so there aren’t any delays in getting your funding to pay for the help you require. For example, physiotherapy, or a wheelchair, etc.
When booking supports you’ll have to keep hold of your receipts or invoices along with service agreements and submit them to the NDIS – and keep an eye on your financials. This is essential for ensuring you receive the full benefit of your plan, and making sure that your funds last the full year of the plan.
So, as you can see, a fair amount of time and energy is spent managing your plan (a bit like an accountant), which is why many choose to hire a plan manager.
So What Does Plan Management Entail?
If you think you’d like someone to manage your plan for you, you have two options:
- You choose for the NDIA can manage your funds
- Or, you can hire a plan management provider
Luckily for you, plan management providers are NDIS funded, so you’ll have a few options available to you, should you choose this route.
When you create your plan, you’re entitled to request funding for a ‘plan manager’. These providers are experts in handling funding. They will submit the paperwork, pay suppliers and keep the necessary records for you.
Plan management works similarly to every other service you receive with NDIS funding. However, this benefit come under the category of ‘Improved Life Choices.’ Simply put, having a plan manager is of no extra cost to you and won’t take away from your plan budget.
This means they’ll take the burden of managing your plans, and make sure everything’s handled correctly, so you don’t need to worry about it. A few of their responsibilities include:
- Handling all your paperwork.
- Paying your invoices on your behalf.
- Filing away all your receipts and payments and keeping them safe.
A standard issue when it comes to the NDIS is that a lot of complex jargon is used in the literature. So, to a layperson, it can be difficult to understand. Consequently, participants don’t exert the full extent of their rights or claim funding for all the services they require.
So, naturally, your plan manager will help you make the most of the NDIS. They work with your Local Area Coordinator or Support Coordinator to fully access available services and supports.
What About the NDIA managing my plan?
Let’s circle back to the NDIA for a second, although they’re fully qualified to manage your plan; you’re options are somewhat limited. For example, you can only use the services and supports they offer from a select list of registered providers.
This means if you’re current support workers aren’t on the list, you’ll have to switch therapists, physios, nutritionists, etc.
However, if you opt for a plan management provider, you should be able to continue your relationship with all of your current caregivers.
How Do I Find a Reputable Plan Manager?
If you like the sound of having a plan manager you need to make sure you hire a reputable one. First things first, your plan manager should be a registered NDIS provider.
This means they won’t take a cut from your funds, instead, they’re paid in addition to your initial funding, so you can spend the money on things you really need.
We also suggest finding a manager who specializes in handling NDIS plans. Not ones who manage plans in amongst loads of other disability support services.
This is the only way you’ll ensure you’ll get unbiased advice from your manager.
Was This Article on NDIS Plan Management of Interest to You?
If you enjoyed this blog post on NDIS plan management, then we’re confident you’ll find our FAQs of interest. Over there we answer loads of questions about plan management providers.
We discuss everything from how a plan manager’s different from a support coordinator, to funding for transport. We hope this helps!
Alternatively, if you have any questions or concerns about this topic, we encourage you to reach out and contact us. No query is too big or too small for us to handle.
Simply, fill out our contact form and one of our friendly team of pros will get back to you as soon as they can. Speak soon!