What is NDIS Plan Management?

Having difficulty managing your NDIS plan? For those just starting, it does feel like a complex task. NDIS plan management is a service that's designed to manage your NDIS funds with ease so you get the most out of your plan. A plan manager will assist you with managing your budget, paying service providers, and keeping track of your spending. You also get regular updates on your financial situation, allowing you to stay on top while making sure you’re not over or under-utilising your allocated funds.

Whether you're new to NDIS or need assistance with a comprehensive plan, understanding the essentials of NDIS plan management can help you get all the guidance and support you need to navigate the system. Here’s what you need to know.

The Importance of Good NDIS Plan Management

Having a plan manager can be a game-changer as they can assist you in a variety of ways from managing your budget to processing payments to service providers, and keeping you updated on the financial status of your plan. This gives you the freedom to focus on your goals while ensuring your NDIS funds are used well. Your manager will also help you monitor your NDIS claims so services can be delivered as agreed upon with your providers.

Plan management services also include financial capacity-building support to better help you develop the skills and manage your own NDIS plan over time.

What are the Different Ways to Manage a NDIS Plan

There are three main ways to manage your NDIS plan: agency managed, self-managed, and plan managed.

If your plan is agency managed, the NDIA takes care of managing your funds and directly pays registered service providers on your behalf. If you choose to self-manage your NDIS plan, you’ll manage the funds yourself and the NDIS will reimburse you for any services provided. The third is plan managed, where you can select a manager to handle the financial and administrative side of your plan where they’ll receive funding directly from the NDIA and disburse it to service providers, so everything runs smoothly.

Each comes with its own set of benefits, and the choice depends solely on your preferences and needs. Plan management gives you more control over your NDIS funding for you to focus on the services that best meet your needs. Plan management is good for those who want a more hands-off approach to managing their plan, while still maintaining control over how their funding is spent.

How is NDIS Plan Management Funded?

The great thing about plan management services is they’re funded separately from your other supports and services. The cost of the service will be covered under the "Improved Life Choices" category of the plan. There are no eligibility criteria to access plan management, and this support is available to all participants. Your plan manager will work with you to ensure that your funding is spent in a way that maximizes the outcomes of your plan.

The payment for plan management is part of your NDIS funding, meaning that it does not come out of your pocket. Your plan manager will not charge you more than the limits set by the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits, such that plan management costs remain affordable. The support of a professional will get your NDIS plan managed without the stress of financial administration.

Finding the Right NDIS Plan Manager

Finding the right NDIS plan manager is essential to ensure that you’re getting the support you need. You can find plan management providers by reaching out to your Local Area Coordinator or support coordinator or simply searching online. When selecting a plan manager, it’s important to choose someone who is registered with the NDIS Commission. Make sure to review their service agreement, which outlines the services provided, the roles and responsibilities of both parties, and how any disputes will be handled.

Need a NDIS plan manager near you? At Nurse4U, we’re here to help you stay on top of your NDIS plan. Our managers have years of experience in the disability sector and understand the complexities of the NDIS system.

Whether you're new to the NDIS or need help managing a complex plan, our plan management services are designed to make your life easier. Connect now to learn more.