There are three options when it comes to managing your NDIS plan - Agency, Self or Plan Management. And figuring out which is the right option for you, especially when new to the NDIS, can sometimes be a little overwhelming. Luckily, no matter what stage you're at in your NDIS plan, you can always change your preferred management option by speaking with your LAC or NDIA representative.
Agency Managed, Self-Managed & Plan Managed
It’s important to know the difference between the ways you can manage your NDIS plan effectively, and what might be the best option for you.
Agency Managed – This is where the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) manages your funding for you. The NDIA will hold and pay your Service Providers through the NDIS Portal. You will be restricted to using NDIS registered services only.
Self-Managed – Choosing to manage your plan funding yourself, gives you more Service Provider options, both registered and unregistered. You will be responsible for managing your funding, paying invoices, liaising with Service Providers and the NDIA, ensuring you keep detailed records for plan reviews and that all your expenditures are eligible and correctly assigned to the correct funding buckets.
Plan Managed – This option is one that provides you with the freedom of accessing registered and unregistered Service Providers (like with self-management) but without having to manage the funding. A Plan Manager will act as your personal bookkeeper and record holder, overseeing payments, invoices, ensuring you aren’t over or underspending, provide you with necessary financial statements in the lead up to your plan review and advise you on whether the expenditure is allowed and correctly allocated against your funding budget.
How does Plan Management fit into your NDIS Plan?
There are certain factors that must be included in a participants’ NDIS plan, such as who will manage the financial aspects and what goals you have.
An NDIS plan must include:
A statement of goals, objectives and aspirations
The environmental and personal living arrangements, informal community supports, other community supports, and social and economic participation
A statement of supports, which need to be approved by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA)
A review date (usually in 12 months after the commencement of your plan)
A plan management option
Why you should consider being Plan Managed
Being Plan Managed gives you greater freedom, choice and control over your NDIS plan. It gives you the very best elements of being Agency Managed – such as having someone manage your finances - and Self-Managed – such as having more choice on the supports and service providers you engage.
A Plan Manager will act as your personal NDIS adviser and bookkeeper. They can help you navigate the NDIS and track your goals and finances. A Plan Manager will:
Provide access to NDIS registered and non-registered service providers
Help you choose the right support provider(s) for your needs (if requested)
Receive invoices and pay your providers for their services
Track your supports and funding budgets
Claim funds through the NDIS portal
Adhere to the NDIS Price Guide
Manage financial reporting for your NDIS plan reviews and audits
Be your expert in NDIS funding matters
And best of all, this service comes at no extra cost to you. If you wish to engage a Plan Manager, this can be incorporated into your NDIS plan but you must request funding for it in your discussions with your plan writer.
Switching to Plan Management after your NDIS plan has started
If you decide to transition from Agency-or-Self-Management to Plan Management, you’ll need to make a ‘plan management request’. This request should not only indicate your preference to now be Plan Managed, but who you would like to manage your NDIS funding. There are numerous Plan Managers you can choose from, and it is important that you select a Plan Manager that suites your personal needs and offers dedicated professional financial services and has the right systems and processes in place to maintain good communications with you at all times.
When you have selected a Plan Manager, you can request a meeting with your LAC or NDIA representative. In the meeting, you can discuss with them the reasons you would like to make this change to your NDIS plan and how this change will benefit you in the short and long-term to achieve your goals.
The benefits of Plan Management with First2Care
Working with First2Care means you can let go of any financial stress you may have regarding your NDIS financial management obligations, and focus on your goals, objectives and aspirations. We have a dedicated and professional support team as well as our Case Managers who work closely with participants and their families, nominee or representative to ensure they are well supported, that they understand their NDIS funding, and how to make the most of their funding. At First2Care, we believe in providing Plan Management your way and we will tailor our support to suit your needs.
Read more about the benefits of working with an independent, professional Plan Manager. Alternatively, contact our friendly team on 1300 322 273 or support@first2care.com.au.