What are the different ways you can manage your NDIS plan?
You can manage your NDIS money in three ways: self-managed, plan-managed[1] , or NDIA-managed. You may also choose a combination of these options for your plan.
Option 1: Self Managed
When your NDIS Plan is self-managed, you are directly responsible and accountable for the payment of your providers, for managing your receipts, invoices, service bookings and budget.
With this option of plan management, you will have complete control over your NDIS plan. You’ll get to choose what supports are provided (as long as they’re in line with your plan), and you have full flexibility over the providers you choose.
Self-management is best for people who are comfortable with and great at handling money, completing complex paperwork and organising your own supports and services. Self-management can require a lot of work to maintain and manage. You will be required to undertake much more financial administration for the NDIS plan, and you will be unable to receive additional services from providers like Maple Plan.
Option 2: Plan Managed
When you choose this option, the NDIS will pay a registered provider of your choice to help you manage your money and pay your bills. Navigating the NDIS and your NDIS funding can be stressful. That’s where Plan Managers come in.
Your Plan Manager is a registered provider who will make the claim from your NDIS funding to pay for the delivered supports from your service providers, help you keep track of the money in your budget, and handle financial reporting for you. Even better, they are here to answer any questions you may have about your budget and paying providers, and assist you with any NDIS-related issues.
When you have a plan manager, you will get to choose what supports are provided in line with your plan and who provides those supports, even if they aren’t registered with the NDIS.
The NDIS has many rules and guidelines that you will have to follow. Your Plan Managers are here to make the process easier, provide advice, and give you peace of mind that the support you received can be claimed. Plan Management is added to the plan under its own category, which means it will not reduce your other funding.
Option 3: NDIA Managed
When your plan is NDIA managed (or agency-managed), the NDIA will help you pay your service providers and manage your NDIS budget.
WIth this option, you will still get to choose what supports you receive in line with your NDIS plan, but you cannot use unregistered providers. You can use the myplace portal to see providers’ claims against your NDIS funds and the NDIA will manage your bookkeeping and records of your spending.
Why should I choose Plan Managed as my option for managing my NDIS funding?
There are several reasons why you should choose to be plan managed.
- Greater choice and control
You get to decide how and when to spend your funding (with registered or non-registered providers). When your plan is NDIA managed, you can only use registered providers.
- You don’t have to worry about the paperwork
Your plan manager will handle the daily administration of your plan, they’ll manage your reporting requirements, and they’ll help you keep track of your budget.
- An expert by your side
As a customer of Maple Plan, our team will partner with you on your NDIS journey. We will give you expert support to help you navigate the complexities of the NDIS with ease.
Do I qualify to get plan management in my NDIS Plan?
Yes. Every NDIS Participant has the right to ask for plan management. However, your Planner will have the final say about the make-up of the plan.
What do I need to do if I want to use a Plan Manager?
To have plan management in your plan, all you need to do is ask for it to be included. When you do this, your planner will assess the request. If supplied, you will have the ‘Improved Life Choices’ funding included in your plan.
This allows your Plan Manager to pay your providers on your behalf and answer any questions you may have about your plan managed budgets.
How much does plan management cost?
There is no out-of-pocket expense for your Plan Manager as long as you have plan management included in your plan under “Improved Life Choices”. The NDIS will then include separate funding for Maple Plan in your budget on top of the NDIS Funding you already receive. Improved Life Choices funding covers the cost of both the set up and monthly fees for plan management for the duration of the plans length..
Making your life easier
If you are ready to make managing your NDIS budget easier and to get back your time, freedom and control so you can focus on achieving your goals, then we recommend choosing Maple Plan as your Plan Manager.
When you choose Maple Plan as your plan manager, we’ll take care of all your claims, invoices and payments for you and help you stay on top of your funding. Better yet, we keep up to date with what is happening with the NDIS and any changes that happen, so we’re here to help make your life easier.
If you’d like a little more information on NDIS Plan Management, you can download the NDIS guides to Plan Management:
- NDIS Guide to Plan Management (PDF 3.6MB)
- Easy Read – NDIS Guide to Plan Management (PDF 7.1MB)
Still not sure what option would work best for you?
If you still feel confused about how best to manage your NDIS Plan and funding, ask for guidance from your LAC, your Support Coordinator, or give us a call on 1800 343 966. Our friendly team is here to help you to make the most of your NDIS funding.
