How NDIS Plans are Managed?
One of the aims of the NDIS is to offer increased control and more choice for those people who need support to manage their disability. By allowing individuals to be involved in developing their care plan and deciding where their funds are best spent, they’re empowered to make choices that will improve their lifestyle and encourage them to be more involved in the community.
There are a number of ways that a plan can be managed, depending on the specific needs of the individual.
Self-Managed
Once you have been assessed by the NDIA. they will determine whether or not your situation is suitable for you to self-manage your NDIS funding, completely or partially.
As a self-managed NDIS participant, you’ll receive funds directly into your NDIS bank account which you can then use to pay for specific equipment and services. You’ll be responsible for choosing and arranging your own support services, and to ensure invoices are paid on time.
The benefit of managing your own NDIS plan is that you have more freedom when it comes to choosing your providers, regardless of whether they are NDIS registered.
If you choose to self-manage your NDIS plan, it’s important that you keep an accurate record of your invoices and payments. You’ll need to request invoice details from providers and then submit a claim to the NDIS in order to receive the funds to pay for them; or pay upfront and then seek reimbursement.
A fully self-managed plan may not be appropriate for all participants, and you can choose to work with an agency or your plan manager to get assistance with managing your plan.
Agency Managed
You can opt to have the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) manage your plan for you. If you choose this option, the NDIA will pay your support providers directly on your behalf. If you choose this option, you will need to make sure your providers are NDIS registered. Look for the NDIS button, like what you see on our website, or ask them directly if they are registered.
• The service provider claims directly to the agency or plan manager
• The NDIA or plan manager is responsible for payment to the service provider
• You can only access services from approved Providers
• You receive regular statements from your service Providers
Plan Manager
Alternately, you can have a third-party plan management look after your NDIS funds and payments. Your plan manager will manage your funding and pay your Providers one your behalf. These are server Providers who are private companies that specialise in working with persons who require multiple supports and therefore there will be a fee charged for services rendered. The cost of this service can be included in your NDIS plan, if appropriate for your situation. Need to explain that these are Registered Providers and will charge a fee for service
Combination
You can also choose to have your plan managed in a combination of the above options. Perhaps you’d like to manage more frequent costs and have payments for things like equipment come directly from the NDIA.
You may also be entitled to set up automated payments to cover transport services you use regularly.
