Understanding the distinction between NDIS Plan Management and Support Coordination and what to anticipate from their services can help you handle your NDIS plan efficiently. Support Coordinators and Plan Managers help NDIS Participants. When used properly, these services can offer additional professional advice, guidance, and assistance to assist you in living your life as freely as possible.
How Do NDIS Plan Management and Support Coordination Differ?
The primary distinction between an NDIS Support Coordinator and Plan Manager is that a Plan Manager can assist with the financial aspects. In contrast, a Support Coordinator can assist with the management of your providers and supports.
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Support Coordinators
While a Plan Manager can offer access to NDIS registered and non-registered service providers and assist you in selecting the best provider for you, it is the responsibility of a Support Coordinator to handle the supports and providers you employ. If the NDIS deems reasonable and essential, you can access a Support Coordinator regardless of whether you are self or plan-managed, NDIA-managed, or a combination.
There are three levels of support in NDIS Support Coordination. These may include the following:
Support Connection
This generally takes a few hours per month and gradually decreases as you link with your community and funded supports. The goal of Support Connection is to assist you in understanding your plan and developing the skills required to implement and handle your NDIS plan.
Support Coordination
This works as a Capacity Building Support within the NDIS to assist you in implementing all other necessary supports. NDIS Support Coordination will briefly perform a few hours per week to assist you in setting up your support. When those supports and Service Agreements are in place, your Support Coordinator will check in with you to see if you’re satisfied with them and if any changes need to be made.
A Support Coordinator is responsible for:
- Assist in the selection of services and providers;
- Discuss funding allocation with your Plan Manager;
- Plan assessments;
- Get in touch with mainstream and community services;
- Manage Service Agreements, including the modification or termination of an agreement;
- Assist with plan renewal and plan review preparation.
Specialist Support Coordination
This functions similarly to Support Connection. Both communications are generally a few hours each month, reducing over time and assisting you in making preparations for your plan renewal. This form of Support Coordination offers specialised assistance in more complicated matters. It is used for individuals who may require the assistance of various government agencies or services in order to fully achieve their strategy and personal objectives.
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Plan Managers
This is one of the possibilities for managing your NDIS funding. The other choices are self-managed, agency-managed, or a combination of the two. It is critical to thoroughly research all of your options in order to select the best one for you.
Plan Managers serve as your individual NDIS accountant. With a Plan Manager, you’ll be able to self-manage your plan without the pressure of paying bills and handling budgets. Plan Management is accessible to all NDIS Participants at no additional cost. The service is entirely funded by the NDIS and can be obtained by requesting that a Plan Manager be added to your plan.
A Plan Manager is responsible for:
- Assist you in selecting the best support provider for your needs;
- Allow both NDIS Registered Providers and non-registered service providers access;
- Obtain invoices and pay your service providers;
- Keep track of your funding and support budgets;
- Use the NDIS portal to apply for funds;
- Manage your NDIS plan review and financial audit reporting;
- Follow the NDIS Price Guide;
- Be an authority on NDIS funding issues.
Support Coordinators vs. Plan Managers
You can ask a Plan Manager or Support Coordinator (or both) for your NDIS plan at your preparation meeting. When necessary, your Plan Manager and Support Coordinator can communicate about your support and providers.
Consider the following when selecting a Support Coordinator and Plan Manager:
- How frequently does your Plan Manager check in with you to ensure that you are on track with your plan?
- Is your plan manager genuinely independent and looking out for your best interests, or do they offer other services that they want you to use as well?
- Are they committed to assisting you in achieving both your current and future goals?
- How well do they comprehend the NDIS and how it applies to you?
- Is it the same person every time, or do they have a great personal rapport with you?
How NDIS Funds Support Coordination and Plan Management
The NDIS can fully fund both NDIS support coordination and plan management, but there is one significant difference between the two. There are no circumstances in the NDIS Act for having financing for plan management included in your plan, which means that if you request it in your planning session, your NDIS planner and NDIA must give it to you.
However, not everybody is eligible for support coordination. The NDIA evaluates each case individually to determine who is qualified for NDIS support coordination and will usually only offer to fund if you do not have an informal network of family and friends who can help you find and interact with service providers.
Because NDIS plan management and support coordination address two distinct needs, they are funded in separate categories, which means you can receive funding for both in the same NDIS plan.
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NDIS plan management and support coordination are services that assist people in putting their NDIS plan into action as effectively as possible. Want to learn more? Check this article!