NDIS Plan Management Guide 2021
NDIS Plan Management Guide 2021
NDIS Plan Management Options
There are 3 main options for managing your NDIS Fund to help you achieve your goals.
- Self Managed
- Agency Managed
- Plan Managed
Pros and Cons of Self Managed Plans
The main pros of self managed plans are that you can use any provider; that is providers that aren’t registered with the NDIS who has an ABN. This provides flexibility in choice. However this flexibility also means that self managed participants should choose their providers carefully as some providers that are not NDIS registered may not be effective or be based in scientific evidence (Russi, 2014, p. 366).
Record keeping is a huge issue for self managed participants. Programs such as Dropbox is a great tool to store invoices. Excel spreadsheets are a great way to create budgets. MyGov allows you to view budget allocations and help you stay on top.
The cons would be the difficulty and responsibility required in monitoring your own plan, keeping track of invoices and your own NDIS plan. You would also be expected to follow up with providers and payments.
Common issues of self management
- difficulty with record keeping
- paying duplicate invoices
- paying invoices on time
A very important point to mention is that many people with disabilities may be taken advantage by service providers and ineffective products with little evidence.
While we’d like to assume that everyone has our best interests, self managed participants face the risk of ineffective treatments with no scientific evidence or proof. Ultimately the choice in how the NDIS funding is up to the participant; however we advise that you do thorough research in your self managed plan. Another issue with self managed plans is that it can be very time consuming – paying invoices, tracking invoices, finding service providers etc.
Find a credible service provider with experience, great reviews and good results.
For a full PDF guide to Self Management from the NDIS
Pros and Cons of Agency Managed Plans
The main pros associated with agency managed NDIS funds are that you can only use providers registered with the NDIS. This means that any issues that arise can be directly reported to and referred to the NDIS. Along with this they are up to date with NDIS and qualifications which is another pro!
The cons would be the lack of flexibility; that is you can only choose providers that are registered with the NDIS.
Pros and Cons of Plan Management
The main pros of plan management are that you can use any provider; that is providers that aren’t registered with the NDIS who has an ABN. This provides flexibility in choice.
Plan management is also more personal – where plan managers are available to answer questions about NDIS budgets, funding and have access to NDIS information.
Another pro is that plan managers will monitor your plan; meaning they will notify of low funds and provide advice on how to best spend funding.
The cons of plan management would be choosing a good plan management provider. Some plan managers can take a very long time to pay invoices and suppliers may grow frustrated with late payments. Some plan managers also lack the systems and knowledge; leading to double payments, invalid invoices and payments from the wrong category.
Overall there are pros and cons to each option; choose wisely!
What should you ask a plan manager?
Choosing the right plan manager can be difficult and confusing. However, it is crucial and is worth spending some time to research.
How long have you been providing plan management?
Typically the longer someone has been in the plan management field, the more experience they have had and the better they understand your needs and concerns.
How quick is the turnover rate?
Cashflow is very important for businesses – so a plan manager with quick turnover rates for payments would help make things seamless and quick. It will help you make things simple and will make providers happy with quick payments.
What kind of programs do you use?
MYOB, Xero are common programs used for plan management. These software ensure that issues such as double payments don’t occur.
How do you keep records of my invoices?
Overall make sure that you are choosing a good plan manager!
What category does plan management fall under?
Plan management falls under Capacity Building; specifically Improved Life Choices in the NDIS Price Guide (as of 2021). This category also includes training for participants that want to learn how to manage their own plan, financial administration, create and monitor budgets, create service agreements, pay providers and claim payments from the NDIA.
References
Russi, M. V. (2014). NDIS and occupational therapy: Compatible in intention and purpose from the consumer perspective. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 61(5), 364–370. https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1630.12138
Plan management can help simplify your funding if you are having trouble with your funding.
Contact All Supports for Plan Management if this is an issue
For a list of plan managers visit Wellbeing Chiropractic – Melbourne Chiropractors