Put simply, the NDIS management plan is how the NDIS funding is handled. Plan management is extremely important for individuals to track budgets responsibility and ensure that service providers are paid on time. There are several options for you to choose from, which are all detailed out below, so keep on reading to decide on your best option!
There is a range of services that funds from the NDIS can be spent on. For a more comprehensive list, check it out here.
Types of Plans
There are three options for the NDIS management plan
- Self-managed
- Plan-managed
- NDIA-managed
However, the thing about these plans is that you do not have to choose one and stick to it, but instead you can choose a combination of the three. For example, you can choose to have a plan-manage strategy for the beginning, but have the rest managed solely by the NDIA. This gives you flexibility in planning out your monetary budgets, etc.
You will have a planning meeting with the following (either separate or multiple meetings with each):
ECEI Coordinator
These coordinators are employed by an ECEI partner who are experienced in working with children with disabilities. These people play an important role in the care of a child and can assist in connecting you with appropriate supports, provide short-term and early intervention, pave a way for your child to request support and access to the NDIS, and then consequently help to develop an NDIS plan.
From here, if your child is granted an NDIS plan, the ECEI can assist in many ways such as
- Starting the plan
- Setting up the NDIS ‘myspace’ portal, and running through how to use it with the individual
- Understand and breakdown the plan and types of services that can be purchased with your child’s funding
- Scope out different providers and find the best one who meets your child’s needs
- Assist with service agreements and all the fine print
- Answer any and all questions about the plan in question
Local Area Coordination Partners (LAC)
LAC partners employ LAC who guide people in the NDIS system and help them access the NDIS. This service is aimed at those who are seven years or younger. The service connects individuals with disabilities to their appropriate supports, services, social networking activities in the community. There are also other useful government monitored services available to be viewed. They work within communities to help these services become more connected and inclusive for all people with disabilities.
The purpose of this meeting is to get an idea of how you would like to personalize your NDIS funding. From here, they will assist you in choosing the best possible strategy to manage your funds depending on the circumstances. Despite how these funds are managed, there is always a choice to ensure services are working and that they fit your budget. It is also important that you check your ‘myplace’ portal and funding to ensure that your budget is all on track. This is still vital even if the funding is managed so that you are also kept in the loop!
Regarding self-management, there are a lot of tools provided with funding. This is so that you can access as much support as you need to help you pursue your goals.
NDIA-managed Funding Explained
NDIA-managed funding, sometimes also known as Agency- managed funding means that:
- You have the freedom to select from a range of NDIS registered providers
- You are able to use unregistered providers
- Myspace is available for you to view what claims providers are making against your NDIS funding, and also to keep track of your budget frequently
- NDIA will manage your book-keeping and records of spending, so that you can focus on the good stuff
- Providers claim the payment electronically from funding, so there is no need for the hassle of paperwork and manual signatures
Plan-managed
For plan-managed arrangements, it acts as a financial intermediary- for example, a management organization. They are the ones who run and overlook the financial aspects of the NDIS plan. They are also more likely to receive and pay these invoices on your behalf, as well as making claims as requested by you. The NDIS will pay for the plan manager by adding extra funds, which relieves you of that financial burden!
Self-managed
Having a self-managed plan means that you are completely independent as you directly receive the NDIS funding. You are completely in control of this self-managed plan, and you may not need to follow the guidelines of the NDIS cap rates.
Cap rates are limits of the money you are allowed to spend to maintain the costs charged by Registered providers, as well as independent support workers which only apply to agency-managed plans and plan-managed plans.
Which Plan Should I Choose?
There is no one answer for anyone, as everyone has their own preferences and circumstances they must think about before choosing a plan, or a set of plans. Having said that, make sure you carefully read about all the plans and consult with your adviser before making any big decisions.
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