Stepping into something new like your NDIS journey can be overwhelming, especially when unfamiliar with the process. Going through it alone can be too much especially if you are a disabled individual and can also be too much for your carer to handle. If you or your caregiver are looking to work with NDIS plan management in 2025, it is indeed worth a try as it would ease the burden and make your every step clearer. You don’t have to navigate it without support if assistance is available.
In this guide, explore the most important steps to enable you to handle your plan confidently and get the best value from your investment.
What is NDIS Plan Management?
Let’s first briefly explain what NDIS plan management is. When you are allocated with an NDIS plan, you are in control of how your fund is handled. There are three primary choices:
- Self-managed – You pay for and receive your funding.
- NDIA-managed – Providers get paid directly by the National Disability Insurance Agency.
- Plan-managed – A registered plan manager assists with your budget, payments, and invoices.
Plan management offers you choice and flexibility such as self-management, but without the heavy administrative load. You are able to have both registered and unregistered providers, and your plan manager ensures that invoices get paid, and records are kept.
Step 1: Understand Your Plan
The first thing to do when you’re in charge of your NDIS plan is to get familiar with what’s inside. Your NDIS plan sets out your goals, funded supports, and budget categories. It typically divided into three support budgets:
- Core Supports – for daily tasks and basic living needs
- Capacity Building – to assist you to develop skills and independence
- Capital Supports – for assistive technology or home modification
Spend time reading your plan thoroughly. If something does not make sense, your Local Area Coordinator (LAC), Support Coordinator, or plan manager will be able to break it down for you.
Step 2: Select How You Wish to Manage Your Funds
If you have not yet made a decision, this is the time to select how you would like to manage your funds.
Most participants choose NDIS plan management because it strikes a nice balance between autonomy and support. You can choose your providers (even unregistered ones), but someone else does the admin such as claiming from the portal, paying bills, and monitoring your budget.
If you already have a plan manager, that’s great! If not, you can ask for plan management at any time by speaking with your LAC or Support Coordinator.
Step 3: Get a Plan Manager You Can Trust
This is perhaps the most crucial decision you will make in managing your plan.
A good plan manager will:
- Clearly outline your budget in easy language
- Process invoice payments efficiently
- Keep you posted on how your money is progressing
- Assist you in making informed decisions about your supports
- Be responsive and simple to discuss with
You need someone that views you beyond number. They should see your objectives, respect your choices, and make your life easier not harder. Don’t be shy to ask before you decide.
Step 4: Keep Track of Your Spending
Even when you have a plan manager looking out for you, it’s still wise to remain connected with what’s being done with your money. After all, it’s your plan. This is how you can remain up to date:
- Request monthly budget breakdowns from your plan manager
- Check your provider invoices
- Monitor your supports and whether they are assisting you in reaching your objectives
- Say something if something does not feel quite right
Plan management must be a collaboration. The better you know, the more confident you’ll be in making the right decisions.
Step 5: Get Ready for Your Next Review
Your NDIS plan is not forever fixed. You’ll have regular reviews of your plan every 12 to 24 months so you can see how things are progressing and if your supports should be altered. So, to get the best out of your review:
- Take notes throughout the year on what is going well and what isn’t
- Gather evidence from your providers to demonstrate your progress
- Discuss any areas where you may need increased support with your plan manager
- Consider any changes in your life that may impact your goals
Your plan manager can assist you in preparing for the review and in advocating for the funding you require.
Step 6: Don’t Be Afraid to Speak Up
If it’s not working, be it a service, a provider, or how your plan is being administered, you can change it. The NDIS is all about you and what will help you achieve your needs and goals.
Whether you wish to change plan managers, have a look at other services, or want a plan reassessment, your voice is important. You have the right to feel heard, supported, and in control.
Conclusion
You don’t have to be stressed about managing your NDIS plan. Let Ixora Care guide you through plan management with confidence so that your funding is in capable hands and your goals are within reach.
At Ixora Care, we offer NDIS plan management that’s personal, trustworthy, and open. Our support staff exists to take the hassle out of the experience so that you can do what’s most important- live life on your terms.
Ready to regain control of your NDIS experience with a staff that cares, contact Ixora Care today.
