As Plan Managers, we have been hearing many misconceptions or myths circulating around the NDIS Plan Management. As an NDIS participant, you have the choice, of managing your own plan. The NDIS provides participants, with the flexibility of managing their own budget through these options. Including self–managed, agency-managed, or working with a plan manager.

According to Care Plan Managers, “Hiring plan managers gives you the control and flexibility to manage your plan with an organized financial approach”.  Moreover, you can also work with your plan manager to understand your monthly financial reports.

Below given are the most common myths about plan management –

Myth One: I need to pay for plan management using my own support budget.

Plan Management budget is an additional budget funding, separate to the participant’s provided NDIA support budget. This simply means, “no out of the pocket expense”. During your planning phase or meeting with your Local Area Coordinator (L.A.C) or NDIA Planner, you can request to be plan managed. Your LAC or NDIA Planner will include an “Improved Life Choices Budget” in your plan. Hence, providing you with plan management support budget.

Myth Two: NDIS Plan Managers can hold participants’ funds to pay their invoices.

 No, plan managers do not have access to a participant’s budget. However, they can only lodge claims and process payments to the providers. Also, supporting participants with financial reporting requirements, a plan manager can help you keep your financials on track.

Myth Three: My Plan Manager needs to be local to my area.

No, your plan manager need not be local and can also provide you with online services that is easy to communicate via emails, phone, or their online portal.

Myth Four: NDIS Plan Management is only for participants, who are unable to manage their plan.

Not true, NDIS Plan Management is exactly like outsourcing your financials to an accountant. The only difference is that they process claims and payments on your behalf, to your providers. As an NDIS participants, individuals can either choose to self-manage their plan, agency-managed, or utilize the service of plan managers.

Myth Five: If I am working with a plan manager, I can only work with a registered provider. 

Participants who choose to work with a plan management provider can access supports and services from both registered and non-registered providers (for most supports). All the NDIS Providers (registered or non-registered), are regulated by the NDIS Commission. More importantly, required to comply with the NDIS Code of Conduct. The NDIS Commission can support you with complaints about NDIS supports and services delivered by providers that are registered or non-registered.

Remember, there are no eligibility criteria for plan management, except that you need to be an NDIS participant. There no direct cost involved and it should not affect your support budget for other categories such as support coordination, assistive technology or accommodation support.

Still, have questions?

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