Navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can sometimes feel like decoding a complex puzzle. You may be asking yourself: Is Plan Management covered by the NDIS? How does it actually work? And most importantly, is it right for me?
If these questions have crossed your mind, you’re in the right place.
Understanding what the NDIS covers, especially when it comes to an NDIS Plan Manager, can significantly simplify your experience. Let’s dive in.
What is Plan Management, and Why Does It Matter?
Before we answer the question about coverage, let’s clarify: What is Plan Management?
- Plan Management is a financial support service that helps participants manage their NDIS funding.
- It takes care of paying provider invoices.
- Tracks your plan’s budget and spending.
- Ensures compliance with NDIS guidelines.
- Removes the burden of financial admin from your shoulders.
Sounds like a dream, right?
But does the NDIS actually fund this service?
Is Plan Management Covered by the NDIS?
Short answer: Yes.
When you develop or review your NDIS plan, you can include Plan Management as part of your supports.
This means the cost of hiring an NDIS Plan Manager is funded by your NDIS budget.
But how does it work in practice?
Types of NDIS Funding Management: Which One Fits You?
The NDIS offers three main ways to manage your funding:
- Agency-Managed
- The NDIA manages your funds directly.
- Payments are made straight to service providers.
- You don’t handle invoices or budgeting.
- Self-Managed
- You control your funding.
- You pay providers and manage invoices yourself.
- Full control—but also full responsibility.
- Plan-Managed
- You hire an NDIS Plan Manager.
- They pay providers, track spending, and handle paperwork.
- You get flexibility and support.
Many participants opt for Plan Management to get the best of both worlds.
What Does Plan Management Cover Under the NDIS?
You might wonder, What exactly does Plan Management funding pay for?
Here’s what’s typically covered:
- Invoice payment and processing: Your Plan Manager pays providers on your behalf.
- Budget tracking: Regular updates on how much of your plan remains.
- Financial record keeping: Keeping all your NDIS financial paperwork organized.
- Claiming and reporting: Ensuring all services are claimed correctly.
- Helping with provider choice: While Plan Managers don’t coordinate services, they can provide advice on how providers fit your budget.
Why Choose Plan Management?
Still unsure if Plan Management is right for you? Consider this:
1. Want More Control, Less Hassle?
Plan Management offers flexibility in choosing any registered or non-registered providers.
That means you can access a wider variety of supports without worrying about payment logistics.
2. Need Help Navigating Complex Budgets?
Managing multiple supports and services can be overwhelming.
An NDIS Plan Manager keeps your spending on track.
You’ll avoid common pitfalls like:
- Overspending
- Missing invoices
- Late payments to providers
3. Desire Transparency in Spending?
With Plan Management, you receive regular, easy-to-understand reports.
You’ll always know exactly how your funds are being used.
4. Don’t Want to Lose Control?
Unlike agency-managed plans, Plan Management lets you keep the freedom to choose providers.
But without the stress of managing invoices and payments.
How Does Plan Management Work With Support Coordination?
You might be wondering: What’s the difference between Plan Management and Support Coordination?
It’s a common question.
- Support Coordination helps you build your plan, find providers, and link services.
- Plan Management focuses on handling the money and paperwork.
Together, they complement each other. You can have both if your NDIS plan includes these supports.
How to Include Plan Management in Your NDIS Plan
Want to add Plan Management to your next NDIS plan?
Here’s how to approach it:
- Discuss your needs with your NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC).
- Explain how Plan Management can help you manage your budget more effectively.
- Ask to include Plan Management as a support in your plan.
If your current plan doesn’t include it, you can request a plan review.
Is There a Cost to Me?
Nope.
If Plan Management is included in your NDIS plan, the cost of the service provider is paid directly from your NDIS funding.
You don’t have to pay anything upfront.
Choosing the Right NDIS Plan Manager
Not all Plan Managers are created equal.
Here’s what to look for:
- Experience and expertise: Do they know the ins and outs of the NDIS?
- Responsiveness: Are they quick to pay providers and answer your questions?
- Transparency: Do they provide clear, easy-to-understand spending reports?
- Customer service: Do they treat you like a partner, not a number?
Liberty Disability Services ticks all these boxes and more.
Common Myths About Plan Management
Let’s debunk some myths:
- Myth: Plan Management means I lose control of my plan.
Fact: You still choose providers; your Plan Manager just handles payments. - Myth: It’s only for people who can’t manage their money.
Fact: Many people prefer Plan Management to avoid paperwork and stay organised. - Myth: Plan Management is expensive and uses up my funding.
Fact: The cost is covered by NDIS and doesn’t reduce your budget for supports.
What Happens If You Don’t Include Plan Management?
You’ll either self-manage or be agency-managed.
- Self-management requires handling invoices, payments, and budgeting yourself.
- Agency management means less control over who you engage.
Plan Management offers a middle ground—giving flexibility and support.
How Does Plan Management Support Your NDIS Journey?
Think of your NDIS Plan Manager as a financial ally.
They help you:
- Avoid overspending and funding interruptions.
- Navigate the financial side while you focus on your goals.
- Access providers not registered with NDIS.
- Stay compliant and up-to-date with NDIS requirements.
Is Plan Management Right for You?
Ask yourself:
- Do I want flexibility without the hassle of managing payments?
- Would I benefit from financial support to track my spending?
- Do I want to reduce stress around NDIS paperwork?
If you answered “yes,” Plan Management could be the solution you’ve been looking for.
Take the next step by connecting with a trusted NDIS Plan Manager and experience a smoother, more empowering NDIS journey.
Ready to simplify your NDIS experience?
Visit Liberty Disability Services to learn more about professional, reliable NDIS Plan Manager support tailored to your needs.