Plan management gives all the benefits of self-management without the stress (or the paperwork!). With a plan manager on your team, you have a dedicated professional processing and paying your invoices, choice and control to access registered and unregistered support providers, and support to make the most of your plan funding.
What is a Plan Manager?
A plan manager is one of the three options that you can use to manage your NDIS funding (the other two options are to self-manage or have your funding managed by the NDIA). Think of plan managers as your personal accountant for your NDIS funds. Plan managers (like us!) must be registered with the NDIS. They make claims, process invoices, and manage the administrative tasks of your NDIS plan on your behalf.
Having a plan manager as part of your support team comes at no extra cost to you. To have a plan manager, plan management (referred to as Improved Life Choices in your NDIS plan or as CB Choice and Control in the NDIS myplace portal) just needs to be included in your NDIS funding – that’s it.
Roles & responsibilities of your Plan Manager
The primary roles of a plan manager are to process invoice payments on your behalf, manage the administrative tasks associated with your NDIS plan funding and to help you make the most of you NDIS plan funding. This means that you can enjoy your life and focus on what’s important to you knowing your plan funding is being managed by dedicated professionals.
A plan manager is responsible for:
Receive invoices either directly from a provider or from the participant
Claim funds from the NDIS Portal
Pay invoices within the agreed timeframe
Ensure that providers are sending invoices with the correct information as per NDIS requirements
Provide a monthly statement to the participant including a spending summary and a breakdown of remaining funding overall and in each support category
Establish service agreements with providers
Explore different budgeting options or scenarios
Build your capacity for self-management and financial understanding
Help you to collect data for your plan review
Help you to use your plan as it was intended and to get the most benefit from your plan
Benefits of a Plan Manager
Some of the benefits for having a plan manager on your support team include:
Having choice and control over the providers that you want to work with whether they are registered with the NDIS or not
Having a professional manage the financial and administrative aspects of your NDIS plan funding
Knowing that plan management comes at no extra cost to you (the NDIS include funding for plan management in your plan)
How to access funding for Plan Management
To access funding for plan management, it needs to be discussed with a local area coordinator (LAC) or NDIA planner during your planning meeting or plan review meeting. Unless there are exceptional circumstances, the NDIA typically provide funding for plan management upon request. This is then included in your NDIS plan and funded by the NDIS.
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.