What is NDIS Plan Management?
Plan management is one of the ways you can manage your National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Plan. It offers you more freedom and control over your NDIS budget while taking care of time-consuming tasks like bookkeeping, administration and paying invoices. Plan management has many benefits for participants and carers alike.
How is Plan Management Different from NDIS Agency Management and Self-Management?
Understanding the differences between plan management, NDIS agency management, and self-management can help you make the best choice for your needs:
NDIS Agency Management
When your NDIS Plan is agency-managed, the NDIA handles all financial administration. This means:
- You can only use NDIS-registered providers.
- The NDIA pays your providers directly.
- You have less control over your plan and providers.
Read more about NDIA-managed funding on the NDIS website.
Self-Management
Self-management gives you the most control but also the most responsibility. You will need to:
- Manage your budget and financial administration.
- Find, negotiate, and pay your providers, whether they’re NDIS-registered or not.
- Keep records and receipts for auditing purposes.
Read more about self-managed funding on the NDIS website.
Plan Management
Plan management is a middle-ground option, offering you flexibility and control without the administrative burden:
- You can use both NDIS-registered and unregistered providers.
- Your plan manager handles the financial administration and paperwork.
- You have oversight of your spending without the need for direct payment and record-keeping responsibilities.
Read more about plan-managed funding on the NDIS website.
Are Plan Managers NDIS-Registered?
Yes! Plan managers must be NDIS-registered to ensure they meet the high standards for quality and safety set by the NDIS. This registration ensures compliance with NDIS Practice Standards, which cover participant rights, provider governance, and service delivery, guaranteeing safe and respectful services. Additionally, registered plan managers undergo regular audits by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission for quality assurance and must have robust financial and operational systems in place to protect participants from fraud and financial mismanagement. Moreover, only registered plan managers have access to the NDIS portal, allowing for quick and efficient claims processing and payments.
What are the benefits of Plan Management?
1. Less Paperwork and Red Tape
Navigating the NDIS can be challenging, time-consuming, and even frustrating. If you’re busy and want more control over your NDIS Plan without dealing with the behind-the-scenes work, plan management is a great option. As your plan manager, we submit claims to the NDIS portal, pay your invoices, and help with any NDIS-related issues. You get complete oversight of your NDIS spending without the hassle. We track your NDIS funding and budgets and send you a personalised statement each month to keep you updated. Unlike self-management, you won’t need to participate in payment auditing or provide invoices, receipts, or other evidence to the NDIA. We handle all that for you.
2. Flexibility to Choose Your Providers
With plan management, you have more flexibility in how you use your NDIS funds. You can choose the providers you want, whether they’re NDIS registered or not. Need help finding a new provider? Our team knows the local industry and can help you find providers near you that meet your unique needs so you can make the right choice for your life.
3. Faster Payments
Rest assured that your NDIS claims and payments are processed quickly. Most invoices are processed within one to three business days. We use dedicated plan management software to validate your claims against NDIS rules promptly, claim via the NDIA portal, and deliver faster provider payments and remittances.
The Future of Plan Management in the NDIS
The recent NDIS Review Recommendations suggest that a digital payments system will gradually reduce the need for plan managers, with a strong implication that they might not be needed at all once the system is fully operational. However, the government has said it will take up to five years to overhaul the NDIS, and there’s no detailed implementation plan or timeline yet. These changes won’t happen overnight and should be “coordinated well and communicated clearly and early.” This means NDIS participants and nominees can safely register for plan management now, knowing they can benefit from these services for up to five years.
How Do I Get Plan Management from the NDIS?
Anyone with an NDIS Plan can choose to use plan management. Just ask for it at an the start of your NDIS Plan or at your Plan Review meeting. You can also request it mid-plan by calling the NDIS on 1800 800 110 or contacting your local area coordinator. Find your local area coordinator.
Lifely’s Plan Management Service
Choosing plan management means you can enjoy greater flexibility, less administrative burden, and peace of mind knowing your NDIS funds are being managed effectively.
At Lifely, we are committed to providing top-notch plan management services tailored to your needs. Choosing Lifely Plan Management means opting for a highly qualified and experienced team that truly understands the NDIS. With local offices in Ballarat, Bendigo, and Mildura, we serve Central and Northern Victoria, Melbourne’s outer west, and border communities in New South Wales and South Australia.
Our knowledgeable team is available to you during business hours, offering personal support and expert advice on managing your plan and spending your funds effectively. Whether you have questions or need guidance, you can always pick up the phone and speak with us directly.
Let us handle the details so you can focus on achieving your goals and living your best life. Contact us today to learn more about Lifely’s plan management service and how we can support you on your journey.
