Your guide to NDIS plan management
At JP Trusted Advisor, we understand navigating the NDIS can feel complex at times, especially when you are faced with decisions about how your funding or the funding for your loved one, is managed. One of the most common questions we are often asked is, ‘what is a plan manager and do I need one?’
To help understand what plan management is and what a plan manager does, we spoke with our Director, Jodi Perkin, who is also a Specialist Support Coordinator. Drawing on her years of experience supporting participants, families and carers, Jodi shares her insights into plan management, how it works within the NDIS and what to consider when you are building the right support team around you.
What is a plan manager?
“A plan manager is a NDIS provider who looks after the financial administration of your plan. If you choose plan management as your funding option, your NDIS plan manager will pay your service providers from your funding on your behalf, keep track of your NDIS budget, provide regular financial reports and statements and help you ensure your funding is being used in line with your plan,” explains Jodi, JP Trusted Advisor’s Director and a Specialist Support Coordinator.
“They act like a financial partner, handling invoices, monitoring spending and ensuring you know where your funding is at without you needing to manage it all yourself.”
What is NDIS plan management?
“NDIS plan management is one of the ways you can choose to manage your funding, the other two options include NDIA managed and self-managed,” says Jodi.
“As I explained, NDIS plan management is when a plan manager handles the financial side of your NDIS funding for you. While NDIA managed plans enable the NDIS to pay your providers directly and self-managed plans mean you manage your own funding, pay your invoices and track your budget.
“NDIS Plan management offers a balance between flexibility and support. You maintain choice and control of your services, but you’re not burdened with the administrative side of things,” says Jodi.
How does plan management work as part of the NDIS?
“If you choose plan management, funding is included in your plan specifically to pay for a plan manager, so there are no out of pocket expenses to you.
“Typically, you would engage a plan manager and set up a service agreement. Your NDIS service providers then send your invoices directly to your plan manager for payment. Your plan manager processes and pays your invoices and you receive a regular budget report that tracks your plan’s spending,” says Jodi.
“Most importantly, plan managers do not decide what supports are reasonable and necessary, that is not part of their job, their role is to ensure your funding is used in line with your approved plan and to keep your finances on track.”
What can I expect from a NDIS plan manager?
Under the NDIS plan management guidelines, you can expect your plan manager to:
Process invoices promptly and accurately.
Provide clear, regular financial reporting.
Notify you if your funding is running low or if it is being underutilised
Follow NDIS Practice Standards and the Code of Conduct.
“A good plan manager doesn’t just pay your invoices,” says Jodi. “They should also be helping you stay informed and in control of your budget. Plan managers are great if you want flexibility in choosing providers, when you prefer not to manage invoices and budgets yourself and if you would like professional support to track your funding.”
What is the difference between a NDIS plan manager and a support coordinator or a specialist support coordinator?
“This can be one of the most common areas for confusion. While both a plan manager and a support coordinator or specialist support coordinator can be essential in supporting you, they serve very different purposes,” explains Jodi.
“A plan manager manages the financial side of your NDIS plan, pays providers and tracks your budget and provides financial reporting. While a support coordinator or specialist support coordinator helps you understand and implement your plan, connects you with providers and services to meet your needs, builds your capacity to help you navigate the NDIS and supports you working towards your goals.
“The easiest way to understand the difference between a plan manager and support coordinator is a plan manager helps look after your funding, while a support coordinator helps guide you, your carer or family.
What can it mean to me if I have both a NDIS plan manager and a support coordinator?
“For participants who have both supports funded, a plan manager and support coordinator often work together to help ensure your NDIS plan runs smoothly.
“I like to think about a plan manager who will provide financial insights and track your budget, while a support coordinator will use that information to guide service decisions. Together they can help ensure supports are working to helping you achieve your goals and live your life the way you choose,” says Jodi. “This really is a collaboration and a team approach that can make a significant difference in how effectively your plan is used.”
I haven’t had a plan manager before, what should I look for?
“Choosing the right plan manager is an important decision,” says Jodi. “They should help to make things easier for you. You want someone who supports your independence while keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes, so there aren’t any unnecessary surprises.”
Jodi recommends the following guide when selecting a plan manager to support you:
Transparency and communication
“You want a plan manager who is going to provide you with clear, regular updates about your budget and someone you feel comfortable with when asking questions,” says Jodi.
Timeliness
“You need a plan manager who is going to process invoices quickly and on time to avoid disruptions to your supports and services,” says Jodi.NDIS experience
“I would also encourage you to look for a plan manager that has a strong understanding of the NDIS, processes and compliance,” explains Jodi.Collaboration
“It is also important that your plan manager works as part of your team, including with your service providers and alongside your support coordinator as well as your family or carer,” says Jodi.Person centred
“I encourage my clients, when they are looking for a plan manager, to ensure they are person centred in the way they deliver their services. What does that mean? Well… to me it means that they should put you first as a person, not just as their client, they should also respect your choices and your independence, not control your decisions,” explains Jodi.
I would like to explore my options and find a suitable plan manager, can JP Trusted Advisor help me?
“Yes, your JP Trusted Advisor support coordinator or specialist support coordinator can help you explore your options and suggest suitable plan managers, as part of our role in helping you understand and implement your plan,” says Jodi.
“First of all though, you will need funding in your plan to specifically be able to use a plan manager. Plan management isn’t included in every plan, it must be approved and funded by the NDIS. If it’s not already part of your plan, you can request to include it at your next planning meeting or plan review or you can also contact the NDIS and request a change in how your plan is managed. JP Trusted Advisor can help support you through this process.
“As your support coordinator or specialist support coordinator, we can also explain your NDIS plan management options whether your plan be managed by NDIA, by you or by a plan manager. We can help you understand what a plan manager does and support you in comparing suitable plan managers and once you’ve made your decision, we can assist you with setting up a service agreement.
“We can’t make the decision for you or direct you towards a particular plan manager,” says Jodi. “Our role as your support coordinator or specialist support coordinator is to help build your capacity and support you in your decision-making process.
“We are here to support you, your family or carer make informed, confident decisions about your plan by providing clear, practical guidance, recommending options to help meet your needs, support the connection between you and an appropriate service provider and work together with them. Being supported by the right team, can make a big difference. We are here to help you set yourself up for plan that works for the long term, ensuring you are supported to live your life the way you choose and help you work towards achieving your goals,” says Jodi.