NDIS plan management

NDIS plan management is a type of disability service designed to help a NDIS participant manage their plan’s funds in the best possible way. It is funded through the NDIS, and participants are able to choose who provides them with this service.Some of the tasks a NDIS plan manager does for are:

• Monitoring a NDIS participant’s budget
• Processing NDIS claims on behalf on the participant
• ensuring service providers are paid on time
• Providing regular statements to participants, showing how much funds is in their plan
• Notifying participants if their funds are over or underused
• Checking invoices are accurate
• Helping participants keep track of their spending so they can make informed choices
• Helping participants understand their funding and how it works

A plan manager provides different types of support compared to a Local Area Coordinator or support coordinator. They are not responsible for helping participants connect with providers or community supports. They are not expected to maintain a participant’s NDIS supports through rostering services, or provide NDIS advocacy services.

Plan management providers in Australia should be registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.

Plan management comes under ‘Improved Life Choices’, one of the sub-categories in the Capacity Building funding category in the NDIS. This item is designed to help NDIS participants manage their plan, so they can increase their independence, be in control of their funding, and improve their confidence. Plan management support is available to all NDIS participants, and there is no eligibility criteria that you need to meet.

You can get plan management included in your funding by telling NDIS staff (for example, your Local Area Coordinator, NDIA representative or support coordinator) at your next planning meeting that you would like support from a plan manager. The NDIS can then include funding in your plan to pay for a plan manager. This funding is separate from other services and supports in your plan.

Plan management services come at no cost to you, as payment comes from your NDIS plan and is funded separately from your other supports and services. If you are using an NDIS Plan Manager, the provider cannot charge more than the price limits outlined in the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits.

Managing a NDIS plan can be overwhelming and complex at times. To help you manage the load, a plan manager can help take care of the various administration tasks, so you have more time to invest in reaching your goals. They can also ensure your service providers are paid on time and invoices are processed correctly, giving you peace of mind.

A plan manager can also help you have better control over their funding. They can answer any questions you may have, help you make the most of your funding, teach you how to manage your plan, increase your financial and management skills to build your capacity, and give you better oversight over your plan. They should work collaboratively with you, and give you advice on how to use your funding to achieve your unique goals.

There are three different ways you can manage the funding in your NDIS plan:

Plan managed: this is when you choose a NDIS plan management provider to help you with managing your funds. A NDIS plan manager can distribute funds on your behalf to other service providers, according to your plan.

Agency-managed: this is when you choose the NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency) to manage your funds by selecting from a range of NDIS registered providers. In this option, the NDIA directly pays the relevant service providers on your behalf. The NDIA will manage your book-keeping and records of your spending.

Self-managed: this is when you choose to manage your NDIS plan funds yourself. You are responsible for making payment requests, and paying for your supports and services on time. The NDIS will reimburse you directly for the supports you receive

Home Caring provides disability care services – including NDIS plan management – to NDIS participants in various locations across Australia, including major cities and regional New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia.

To find out if we provide plan management services in your local area or chat to someone about your specific needs, please get in touch today.

When you choose Home Caring as your NDIS plan manager, we will collaborate with you to manage your NDIS plan.

Part of this includes establishing a service agreement. This is a document that ensures everyone has a clear understanding about the services being agreed on. It outlines the services we provide as your plan management provider; how the services will be provided; how long they last; the roles and responsibilities of provider and participant; how problems will be resolved, and what happens if you want to change or cancel our plan management services.

When negotiating a service agreement, make sure you understand the different aspects outlined, so you know what you are signing on for.

It is not the role of a NDIS plan manager to decide if certain supports and services are ‘reasonable and necessary’ for you. Your NDIS plan will already have funds approved for the supports that you need. The plan manager’s job is to make sure your plan is being implemented correctly, and funds are being spent according to your plan.

While plan managers and support coordinators both help participants implement their NDIS plans, they do this in different ways.

A plan manager helps you stay on top of the financial administration of your funds, and pays your providers for the services they deliver. They get your service provider’s invoices paid, as well as provide you with a statement outlining how much funding you’ve spent, and the amount remaining in your budget.

A support coordinator helps you implement your plan by linking you to providers, organisations, community groups and services that best meet your needs. They help you understand and implement the supports included in your plan, but don’t manage any of the spending or financial aspects.

You can choose to change your NDIS plan manager at any time, as long as you follow the notice periods in your service agreements.

If you want to switch to Home Caring’s NDIS plan management services, your current plan management provider will assist the transition by providing you with information on whether any invoices are due to be paid, and their last day for processing invoices. We will also assist with the process, and answer any questions you may have along the way.