The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a government-funded program that provides support to Australians with a permanent and significant disability. The NDIS provides participants with funding to access services and support to achieve their goals and improve their quality of life. Participants can choose how they manage their funding, and one of the options is to have a plan manager. In this article, we will explain what NDIS plan management is and how it works.

What is NDIS Plan Management?

NDIS plan management is a service that helps participants manage their NDIS funding. Plan management involves managing the financial aspects of a participant’s plan, including paying invoices, managing budgets, and keeping track of expenditure. Plan management is essential for NDIS participants who have self-managed or plan-managed plans. It helps ensure that the NDIS funds are used in a way that aligns with the participant’s goals and needs while complying with NDIS guidelines and policies. Plan managers act as a financial intermediary between the participant and the NDIS, ensuring that the funding is used in accordance with the participant’s plan and NDIS guidelines.

What are the different types of plan managers for NDIS?

There are three types of plan management options available for NDIS participants. The first is self-management, where the participant manages their own funds and is responsible for paying invoices and keeping track of their budget. The second is plan management, where the participant chooses a plan manager to take care of their finances on their behalf. The third is NDIA-managed, where the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) manages the participant’s funds and pays invoices directly to service providers.

Self-management

Self-management is the most flexible plan management option, as it allows NDIS participants to have complete control over their funds. This means that they can choose their own service providers, negotiate prices, and pay invoices directly. Self-management is suitable for individuals who have experience managing their finances and are comfortable with budgeting and record-keeping.

Plan management

Plan management is an option where NDIS participants engage a plan manager to manage their funds on their behalf. Plan managers are registered with the NDIS and must comply with NDIS guidelines and policies. Plan managers take care of paying invoices and managing the budget, which frees up the participant’s time and energy to focus on their goals and needs. Plan management is suitable for individuals who want more control over their NDIS funds than NDIA-managed but are not comfortable with the responsibilities of self-management.

NDIA-managed

NDIA-managed is the default plan management option, and it means that the NDIA manages the participant’s funds and pays invoices directly to service providers. NDIA-managed is suitable for individuals who prefer a hands-off approach to their finances and do not want to be burdened with the responsibilities of managing their funds. However, it is worth noting that NDIA-managed plans offer the least amount of flexibility, as the NDIA decides which service providers the participant can use.

Choosing a plan management option

NDIS participants can choose their plan management option based on their goals, needs, and level of comfort with financial management. It is important to note that participants can switch between plan management options at any time, provided they meet the eligibility criteria for the new option. Participants should consult with their NDIS planner or support coordinator to determine which plan management option is best suited to their needs.

How Does NDIS Plan Management Work?

When a participant chooses to have a plan manager, they can select a registered plan management provider. The provider will work with the participant to develop a plan management agreement that outlines the roles and responsibilities of both parties. The plan management agreement will include details such as the participant’s budget, how invoices will be managed and paid, and the fees charged by the plan manager.

Once the plan management agreement is in place, the plan manager will receive the participant’s NDIS funding in their dedicated plan management account. The plan manager will then pay invoices for services and supports as they are received, ensuring that the funding is used in accordance with the participant’s plan and NDIS guidelines. The plan manager will keep detailed records of all transactions and provide regular reports to the participant.

What are the Benefits of NDIS Plan Management?

There are several benefits of having a plan manager to manage NDIS funding. First, plan management can reduce the administrative burden on participants and their families by taking care of financial management tasks. Second, plan managers have experience and expertise in managing NDIS funding, ensuring that the participant’s funding is used efficiently and effectively. Third, plan managers can provide advice and support to participants in managing their funding, including assistance with developing and implementing a plan.

What are the Costs of NDIS Plan Management?

Plan management providers charge fees for their services, which are paid from the participant’s NDIS funding. The fees charged by plan managers vary, but they are generally around 4-5% of the participant’s plan budget. Some plan managers may charge additional fees for services such as bookkeeping or providing reports. The fees charged by plan managers are subject to NDIS price limits, and participants can negotiate the fees with their chosen plan manager.

NDIS plan management is a service that can provide participants with support in managing their NDIS funding. Plan management involves managing the financial aspects of a participant’s plan, including paying invoices, managing budgets, and keeping track of expenditure. Plan managers act as a financial intermediary between the participant and the NDIS, ensuring that the funding is used in accordance with the participant’s plan and NDIS guidelines. Plan management can reduce the administrative burden on participants and their families, provide expertise in managing NDIS funding, and provide advice and support in managing funding. Plan management providers charge fees for their services, which are paid from the participant’s NDIS funding.