In this article, Evie answers some of the most frequently asked questions we get about Plan Management.

WHAT IS PLAN MANAGEMENT?

Plan Management is one of the four options NDIS participants to manage their NDIS funds:

1. Agency Managed: The NDIA holds the funds and pays providers through the NDIS Portal. This is the most common option (68% of participants).
2. Self Managed: NDIS participants/nominees receive invoices directly (in arrears) & then are responsible for ensuring timely payment. They can either pay the invoice first & then claim reimbursement via the NDIS portal or claim the invoice amount from the NDIA on the portal and then pay after receiving the funds.
3. Plan Managed: A financial intermediary (i.e. an accountant or bookkeeper) manages the Plan. Providers invoice the Plan Manager.
4. A combination of the above

WHAT DOES A PLAN MANAGER DO?

Plan Management is, in its essence, a financial intermediary function. As a minimum, a Plan Manager is responsible for:

• Receiving invoices:
  • Directly from provider
  • Via participant
• Claiming from NDIS Portal
• Paying Invoices
• Providing monthly statement to participant including:
  • Summary of expenditure
  • Breakdown of budget totals remaining

Some Plan Managers may also be funded for Capacity Building and Training in Plan and Financial Management, where they support people to engage providers, develop service agreements, maintain records, pay providers, and make claims.

WHY WOULD A PARTICIPANT WANT TO USE A PLAN MANAGER?

People who choose Plan Management have a few distinct advantages: 

• You can buy supports from non-NDIS registered providers (like Jim's Mowing, local community members or organisations and Therapists who have chosen not to register).
• You don't have to use the NDIS Portal.
• You have a partner in navigating the NDIS and someone to help you make the most of your Plan.
• You have most of the choice and control of Self Management without the administrative burden.

HOW MUCH FUNDING DO PEOPLE RECEIVE?

Plan Management funding is made up of two components (see the Price Guide for the current pricing):

• 12 x monthly processing fee
• Set up fee (paid in every plan)

Occasionally people are also funded for an amount of Capacity Building hours, though this is fairly uncommon.

Plan Management is always included in the Plan in addition to other supports. Participants do not  pay a percentage of their Plan and Plan Management supports should not come at the expense of any other supports.

CAN PARTICIPANTS GET FUNDED FOR PLAN MANAGEMENT EVERY YEAR?

Yes, if they want it.

WHEN IS THE PLAN MANAGER CHOSEN?

At the planning meeting a participant will specify their preferred mode of funds management. They may elect a particular Plan Management provider at this stage or the participant and/or their nominee can make this decision once the plan is approved (maybe with assistance from Support Coordinator).

CAN ORGANISATIONS PROVIDE BOTH PLAN MANAGEMENT AND OTHER DIRECT NDIS SUPPORTS?

Yes. As with Support Coordination, providers can offer both services, provided they can demonstrate effective strategies to mitigate the conflict of interest.  

WHAT ARE THE DRAWBACKS TO ORGANISATIONS IN PROVIDING PLAN MANAGEMENT?

Plan Management is funded at a flat fee for everyone, regardless of the complexity of their Plan or support environment. This means it's sustainable to support people who may have consistent invoices from a limited number of providers. But for people who use their funds more flexibly or who want to be more actively engaged with their Plan Manager, the funding is often inadequate to invest the time and energy required. We hear many Plan Managers say that this leaves them in a challenging position, wanting to support this choice and control but having to do so at the organisation's expense.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS TO ORGANISATIONS IN PROVIDING PLAN MANAGEMENT?

Like Support Coordination, Plan Management is a support that requires staff to understand the NDIS inside and out and support participants to get great outcomes from their individualised funding. This is a great organisational capability to be building. And Plan Management is designed to be ongoing, meaning that organisations can grow Plan Management services that can support participants to reach these outcomes for years to come.

Looking for more Plan Management training?

Check out our online training for Plan Managers: https://training.disabilityservicesconsulting.com.au/collections/plan-management