How to Choose the Best NDIS Plan Manager

Navigating the complexities of the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) can be overwhelming without the guidance of an expert. Managing payments, deciphering invoices, and ensuring efficient use of your funds can feel like a full-time job.

How do I choose the best plan manager for me?

Here are some key factors to consider who should manage your plan:

1. Personalised Support – They should be easy to get in touch with, and able to deliver the level of service you need to help you achieve your goals.
2. Transparency – Look for one who communicates clearly about payments, invoicing, budget management and claim processing, ensuring you understand every step of the process.
3. Accessibility – Ensure they are accessible. Can you call and speak to them directly if you need to? Do they have an online portal for easy budget tracking? Is their system user-friendly and easy to navigate? This can enhance your choice and control over your NDIS funds.
4. Expertise – The best managers possess intimate knowledge of the NDIS system and use this to your advantage.

Plan management offers a happy medium where you engage the services of your own NDIS-specific (and NDIS-funded) accountant/bookkeeper/administration expert.

Related: How to Get the Support You Need From Your Plan Manager

So, what exactly does a plan manager do? 

The right plan manager helps you handle the financial aspects of your NDIS plan. They possess comprehensive knowledge of the complexities of the NDIS, and leverage their expertise to help you with:

• Ensuring timely payment of your supports. 
• Budget tracking to identify overspending or underspending. 
• Handling the financial administration and maintaining meticulous records.

With plan management, you retain control over how your funds are spent and whose services you choose to engage whether registered or unregistered.

Related: What can NDIS funding be used for?

Plan managers help with the administrative burden of accounting and administrative tasks, which allows you more time to focus on what’s important – like reaching your goals! They help connect you with disability sector professionals and other supports, including registered and unregistered service providers. They will also speak to the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) on your behalf concerning your plan.

For more information, please see our post that explains what NDIS plan management is.

Note: While specialised plan management can reduce the stress of self-managing the financial parts of your NDIS budget, other aspects may be better addressed by a Support Coordinator (they are distinct roles).

For more information on the difference between these two supports, see NDIS Plan Manager vs Support Coordinator Explained.

How do I access plan management services?  

NDIS participants can switch to plan management at any time by request. There is no need to wait for your next plan to start if you need more support now. If you have a planning meeting or review coming up, you can also request it at these sessions. 

You will need to advise your NDIA Planner (or your Local Area Coordinator) and ask to have plan management included in your plan.

Depending on your circumstances and the commencement date of your current plan, a review may be necessary before the change can be implemented.

Understanding the key differences between plan-managed, self-managed and agency-managed support is vital to ensure you make the most out of your NDIS journey. For more information, see NDIS Self Managed vs Plan Managed vs Agency Managed Explained.

Your NDIS plan management specialists

NDSP offers expert NDIS plan management services to empower participants living with disability across Australia – we do more than pay invoices.

Our knowledgeable staff and user-friendly Nappa portal offer comprehensive support to manage your NDIS plan, including financial reporting. This means you can focus on achieving your goals.

For more information on plan management and common NDIS terms, check out our free, comprehensive participant toolbox.

If plan-managed support sounds right for you and your unique situation, or if you’re considering changing to a new provider, contact NDSP – our friendly team will help you make the most out of your NDIS funding.