What Are Your Choices?
When you have been approved for the NDIS, you get to decide how to manage the funding for your support. There are three main ways to do this, you can even mix and match these methods if you want. Your choices are:
Self-Management (managing it yourself)
This means you're in charge of your NDIS funding. Using the myplace portal (soon to be PACE) to manage payments and funding, you can choose what services you want, inline with your NDIS plan and pay for them yourself.
Self-Management allows you to:
- Negotiate with providers prices for services that are less or more than the NDIS Pricing Arrangements.
- Choose registered or non-registered providers to deliver your services.*
- Choose to employ your own staff or someone to employ for you.
If you are good at record keeping, using technology such as computers or smart phones, understanding technical documents (guidelines) and have the time to research providers, negotiate services and prices then self-management may be for you.
If you find it difficult to understand budgeting, do research and deal with negotiations like discussing prices and service expectations then you might want to consider other options.
Plan-Managed (engaging a Plan Management provider)
With this option, the NDIS gives the funding to a Plan Manager that you choose. The Plan Manager then pays the invoices for your services, keeps track of your NDIS funding and does all the paperwork for you. The Plan Manager is responsible for paying for the support and services you access that are allocated in your NDIS Plan. They are also responsible for keeping you informed of how your budget is tracking, to ensure you don’t run out of funding before the end of one plan and beginning of another. There are many Plan Managers on the market and they must be a NDIS registered provider. It is worth taking your time to ask around about other people’s experiences and recommendations to find the right fit for you.
Plan Managed allows you to:
- Negotiate with providers prices for services that are less than the NDIS Pricing Arrangements but not more than.
- Choose registered or non-registered providers to deliver your services.*
- Not have to worry about paperwork and paying invoices.
NDIA-Managed (having the NDIS manage your plan for you)
The NDIS takes care of paying for your services directly. You don't have to worry about paperwork or payments, but you'll still get to choose who provides your support.
NDIA Managed allows you to:
- Choose a registered provider (non-registered providers cannot be used).
- Check the myplace portal to see what payments are being claimed by providers and track your funding.
- Not have to worry about paperwork and paying invoices.
https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/creating-your-plan/ways-manage-your-funding/ndia-managed-funding
How to Choose?
During your planning meeting with the NDIS, someone will talk to you about these options. They'll help you figure out which method (or mix of methods) might work best for you. Remember, no matter which way your plan is managed, you always have the power to choose what services you use and make sure they're right for you.
Keeping Track of Your NDIS Funding
Even if someone else is managing your funds, it's good to check in on how your money is being spent. You can do this through the NDIS myplace portal. It's a website where you can see your budget and make sure everything is going as planned.
Making the Right Choice for You
Choosing how to manage your NDIS plan is a big decision, but it's all about what makes you feel most comfortable and supported. Whether you like the idea of handling things yourself, having someone help you with the financial details, or letting the NDIS manage payments, you've got the power to decide.
Remember, the goal of the NDIS is to make sure you have the support you need to achieve your goals. By understanding your plan management options, you're taking an important step towards making the most of what the NDIS offers.
*The NDIS registration process ensures providers are compliant with an extensive list of practise standards to ensure the safety of participants of the NDIS. The Australian Government NDIS Review has identified many issues with lack of regulation for unregistered providers.
Look for the
logo to find registered providers.