Having a Plan Manager gives you the freedom to stay in control of your NDIS Plan, your provider choices and your personal goals, without having to worry about managing funding, invoices, and providers yourself.
How you can manage your NDIS plan
There are three options that NDIS participants' can choose from to manage their National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding - Agency, Self or Plan Management.
If you're agency-managed, the NDIA will manage your bookkeeping, records and will pay support providers on your behalf. Participants will only have access to NDIS registered support providers with this option.
Self-management gives participants the option to manage their own finances. This option also allows Participants to choose from both NDIS registered and unregistered support providers. It's important to know that no additional funding will be provided if you choose to self-manage.
Plan management gives participants the freedom that comes with being self-managed without needing to manage the financial aspects of their plan. Participants who are plan managed can choose to engage registered and unregistered service providers, giving them greater choice and control over who is part of their support team.
If you’d like to be plan-managed, you can incorporate this into your NDIS plan at no extra cost. Plan management is offered under the Improved Life Choices category and can be addressed during your planning meeting. Once the support is deemed reasonable and necessary by the NDIS, you can employ a plan manager.
How to deal with a mediocre Plan Manager
Deciding to incorporate a plan manager to keep track of your NDIS funding is a great option for those wanting to spend more time focused on their personal goals rather than the financial side of their plan. However, choosing the right plan manager for you can sometimes feel a little overwhelming.
A plan manager needs to be a registered service provider with the NDIS. There are plenty of plan managers to choose from, but not all are created equal. It’s important to do your research and speak with each plan manager you’re considering before committing.
When you have found a plan manager you like, it is an excellent idea to talk with them about creating a service agreement. That way you know you’ll be on the same page.
A service agreement between yourself and your Plan Manager is a great way to open a discussion on:
The types of supports and services you need
How they will be provided
How you and your provider will handle any problems if they arise
A service agreement review date
A cancellation policy
If you already have a plan manager and you’re not happy with the support and services they provide, you can discuss reviewing your current service agreement, or organise to implement one if you don’t currently have an agreement in place. Alternatively you can seek out a new plan manager, one that fits better with your personal needs and goals. Each plan manager will have their own stipulations regarding a cancellation period if the partnership is not working. Typically, a cancellation period usually ranges from two weeks to a month.
How a great Plan Manager can benefit Support Providers and their Participants
Having a great plan manager does not only benefit NDIS participants, but also their support providers. The benefits of a plan manager for participants and support providers are:
Flexibility, choice and control around your funding and the ability to employ or offer services that are not NDIS registered (for guidance on prices of supports provided, which are in line with the NDIS Price Guide for your region).
Better time management and stress reduction when tracking expenses and invoices for both participants and support providers.
Security and peace of mind between participants, support providers and Plan Managers can ensure a successful partnership and the management of funding reports and tracking, and invoice payments.
Plan Management with First2Care
First2Care is a registered NDIS provider of plan management support services, with more than 30 years of experience in financial management. Our goal is to provide dedicated and professional plan management services to all our plan managed participants; to help them dream, plan and live the life they want to live. We are truly independent plan managers, which means that we only provide plan management support service. This enables our plan managed participants to make informed decisions about their support arrangements and to maximise their NDIS plan funding. Your plan, your way.
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.