The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plan management can raise several questions, especially if you’re new to the system or are just organising your first or next NDIS plan.
There are three main ways to manage your NDIS plan: plan management, self-management, and agency management (managed by the NDIA).
In this article, we’ll explore the different ways to manage your NDIS plan, with a focus on the benefits of plan management and why it’s often the better choice for most participants.
Key Takeaways
While self-management can be suitable for some participants, plan management often provides the ideal balance of control, support, and ease of use for most NDIS participants. By partnering with a reputable plan manager like Trinity Plan Management, you can enjoy the benefits of choice and flexibility while minimising the administrative burden and compliance concerns associated with self-management.
Plus, when you choose plan management the NDIS will include extra funds in your Plan for this service when the new NDIS plan is issued. You will not be out of pocket or use funds ear marked for other supports.
Introduction to NDIS Plan Management
There are three main ways to manage your NDIS plan:
- Plan management
- Self-management
- Agency management (managed by the NDIA)
Each option offers different levels of control and support. However, plan management often provides the best balance of flexibility and support for most NDIS participants.
The Benefits of Plan Management
Plan management provides numerous advantages that make it an attractive option for many NDIS participants:
- Expert Financial Management: Plan managers handle budgeting, invoice processing, and financial reporting, ensuring your NDIS funds are managed efficiently and compliantly.
- Time-Saving: By taking care of administrative tasks, plan managers free up your time to focus on your supports and goals.
- Choice and Flexibility: Like self-management, plan management allows you to choose your own service providers, giving you control over your supports.
- Reduced Administrative Burden: Plan managers handle the paperwork, record-keeping, and claiming processes, significantly reducing your administrative responsibilities.
- Compliance Assurance: Plan managers are well-versed in NDIS rules and regulations, helping you stay compliant without the stress of navigating complex guidelines.
- Streamlined Provider Payments: Plan managers coordinate with service providers’ accounts departments, ensuring timely payments and reducing your financial management tasks.
- Budget Optimisation: With their expertise, plan managers can help you make the most of your NDIS funding, adjusting allocations as needed to meet your changing circumstances.
- Support Coordination: Plan managers can liaise with your support coordinator, making it easier to access and manage your supports effectively.
- Financial Reporting: Plan managers generate comprehensive reports for your plan reviews, demonstrating how your funds have been used.
- Peace of Mind: With a plan manager, you can feel confident that your NDIS plan is being managed professionally and efficiently.
Understanding Self-Management
Self-management is an option that offers complete control over your NDIS plan, but it comes with significant responsibilities:
- Direct Control: Self-managers have full say in how their NDIS funds are used and can make on-the-spot decisions about supports. This is true also for plan-managed funds, and a good NDIS plan manager can provide guidance on funds remaining and what they may be used for.
- Customisation: You can tailor your supports to fit your specific needs, including timing, duration, and nature of services. This flexibility is the same as with NDIS plan management.
- Budget Control: Self-managers have direct control over their NDIS budget, allowing for claiming of funds directly from their plan.
- Support Combination: Self-management allows for combining different types of supports for a holistic approach. This can also be done when engaged with a plan manager as it depends on the services you choose.
- Wide Range of Purchases: Self-managers can use NDIS funds for a broad range of purposes that support independence and wellbeing, while staying within the goals of your NDIS Plan and within the guidelines of the NDIS. This is also possible when plan managers are involved.
Self-management also involves:
- Significant time commitment for administrative tasks
- Responsibility for budget tracking and record-keeping
- Need for in-depth understanding of NDIS guidelines and compliance requirements
- Potential stress from managing financial aspects of the plan
- Providing details of invoices and/or correspondence from the service provider to the NDIS during an audit
Comparing Plan Management and Self-Management
While self-management offers maximum control, plan management provides a balance of flexibility and support that is often more beneficial for participants:
- Administrative Burden: Plan management significantly reduces the administrative workload compared to self-management.
- Expertise: Plan managers bring professional knowledge of NDIS processes and compliance requirements.
- Time Management: Plan management frees up your time to focus on your goals and supports.
- Financial Management: Plan managers handle complex financial tasks, reducing stress and potential errors.
- Freedom from Paperwork: Both options allow choice of service providers, but plan management offers this without the administrative responsibilities.
- Support: Plan managers provide ongoing support and guidance throughout your NDIS journey.
It’s important to note that while self-management provides increased control, it requires participants to invest more time and effort in administrative tasks. Choosing plan management allows you to choose the best disability support providers for you, while someone else looks after administrative tasks.
At Trinity Plan Management, we pride ourselves on giving personalised care. We take the time to learn about your goals and desires. If you would like more information, please contact us here.
NDIS Plan Management Case Study: Nina’s Journey.
Nina, a dedicated mother of three, including her beloved Suzy, who receives NDIS funding for her mental health support, initially chose the path of self-management because she wanted to be hands-on in ensuring her daughter’s well-being. However, the demands of daily life soon made it clear that Nina simply didn’t have the time to juggle bill payments, funding tracking, and NDIS reimbursement paperwork. Her top priority was to make sure Suzy’s services continued without interruption, and she often found herself worrying about having enough in the budget to cover Suzy’s care providers.
In this challenging situation, we had the privilege of working closely with Nina to take the burden out of the budgeting and tracking process, ensuring that Suzy’s needs would always be met, and providing her with peace of mind.
Now, Nina retains full control over the choice of services and service providers for Suzy. Plus, with the weight of financial management lifted from her shoulders, she has found more time and energy to support Suzy and care for her other children. It’s heart-warming to see this family thrive together.
Navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plan management options can be a significant decision for participants and their families. Understanding the differences between self-management and partnering with plan management organisations like Trinity Plan Management is essential for informed decision-making that aligns with your individual needs.
Conclusion
While self-management can be suitable for some participants, plan management often provides the ideal balance of control, support, and ease of use for most NDIS participants. By partnering with a reputable plan manager like Trinity Plan Management, you can enjoy the benefits of choice and flexibility while minimising the administrative burden and compliance concerns associated with self-management.
At Trinity Plan Management, we pride ourselves on delivering personalised care. We take the time to understand your goals and preferences, tailoring our support to suit your individual needs. If you would like more information about how we can help you manage your NDIS plan effectively, please contact us here.
Common Questions about Plan Management
Here are some common questions about NDIS plan management:
What is NDIS plan management?
NDIS plan management is a method of handling your NDIS funds, allowing you to receive and manage your disability-related supports and services.
How do I choose a plan management option?
Your choice depends on your preferences and needs. You can discuss the options with your NDIS Local Area Coordinator to determine which suits you best.
What are the benefits of having a NDIS plan manager?
A plan manager can handle financial aspects, process payments, track expenses, and provide support in managing your NDIS plan, offering more flexibility and choice in service providers.
How does plan management differ from self-management?
Plan management involves a third party managing your NDIS funds, while self-management means you personally handle your NDIS budget, pay providers, and claim reimbursements.
Can I change my plan management option once it’s in place?
Yes, you can change your plan management option during your plan review or if your circumstances change.
How do I find a registered NDIS plan manager?
You can search for registered plan managers on the NDIS website, or your NDIS Local Area Coordinator can provide a list.
What services can a plan manager assist with?
A plan manager can assist with paying service providers, managing invoices, tracking spending, and providing advice on how to use your NDIS funds effectively.
How does funding work with plan management?
Funding remains the same regardless of the plan management option you choose. NDIS funds are allocated to your plan, and your plan manager helps you use those funds.
What fees are associated with plan management, and who pays them?
Plan management fees are covered by your NDIS plan. They are not an out-of-pocket expense for you.
Can I use my plan manager for support coordination?
Yes, some plan managers also offer support coordination services. It’s best to discuss this with your chosen plan manager.
Do I need to keep receipts and invoices for expenses under plan management?
It’s important to keep all receipts and invoices for the services and supports you receive, however your plan manager will have all the copies of the invoices.
How often should I contact my plan manager?
You can contact your plan manager as needed for support with financial matters or any questions related to your NDIS plan.
What happens if my funding runs out before the end of my plan year?
Your plan manager can help you manage your budget and adjust if necessary, depending on your circumstances. They can let you know when you’re running short of funds. In that case, you either need to adjust your spending, or seek a review of your NDIS plan.
Can I use my plan manager for both my core and capacity building supports?
Yes, you can use your plan manager for both core and capacity building supports.
How does plan management affect my choice of service providers?
Plan management typically offers greater flexibility in choosing service providers, as you are not limited to NDIS-registered providers.
Can I still make decisions about my NDIS supports if I have a plan manager?
Yes, you still have control over decisions regarding your NDIS supports, even if you have a plan manager.
What are the responsibilities of a plan manager?
A plan manager’s responsibilities include managing funds, processing payments, record-keeping, and providing guidance on how to use the funds budgeted within the NDIS plan.
How can I keep track of my NDIS plan spending?
Your plan manager should provide regular statements and reports to help you track your NDIS plan spending.
How does plan management relate to my NDIS goals and aspirations?
Plan management can support your NDIS goals by helping you access the services and supports that align with your aspirations.
It’s important to note that answers to some of these questions may vary depending on your specific circumstances, location, and the NDIS rules and regulations in place at the time. It’s advisable to consult with your NDIS Local Area Coordinator or contact the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding NDIS plan management.
