How to switch to NDIS plan management

October 16, 2020

How to switch to NDIS plan management

Whether your NDIS plan is currently being managed by the NDIA (agency-managed) and you’re looking for more flexibility, or you’ve been self-managing your plan but feel a little lost, switching to NDIS plan management can be a great choice as it combines the best of all options.

Under normal circumstances, changing your decision from an agency-managed or self-managed plan to being plan-managed by an NDIS plan management provider agency would normally require you to make a plan management request to your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or NDIS representative.

Due to the impact that the global COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic has had on people with disability and many service providers, the NDIS has now made it easier to switch to being plan-managed.

As an existing NDIS participant there are two ways you can make the switch:

At your plan review

Your plan reviews usually happen every 12 or 24 months, depending on your plan, and this is your opportunity to re-evaluate your goals and needs. During this review you can ask for NDIS plan management to be included in your next plan. You do not need to justify a reason for this request.

Make a special request

If you want to make the switch to being plan-managed before your regular scheduled plan review, you will need to make contact with the NDIS on 1800 800 110 and request to switch to being plan-managed. To ensure your request is processed in a timely manner we recommend stating that you need to switch because of COVID-19.

Why switch from your current choice?

If your plan is currently agency-managed by the NDIA but you’re considering other options, this may be because you want more personalised one-on-one advice.

A Plan Manager’s role is not only to take care of your invoices and manage your budgets, but to also help guide you through the NDIS and provide you with recommendations on how to best utilise your plan funds. A good Plan Manager will also be able to see areas within your plan that need additional funding and help you receive more appropriate funding at your plan reviews.

Being agency-managed also means that you are limited to only receiving supports from NDIS registered providers. For some providers, becoming NDIS registered is a costly process and may not be possible right now due to financial pressures caused by COVID-19.

If you already have a preferred service provider that isn’t NDIS registered, switching to plan management means you are able to use them.

When comparing plan managed vs self managed NDIS plans, there are quite a few distinct benefits to making the switch. Self managing your plan funds can be complicated, time-consuming and often overwhelming for participants without previous experiencing managing their own personal budgets.

In this scenario, the ideal NDIS plan management option is to be plan-managed as it allows you to remain in control of how your funds are spent and with the providers of your choice. You have the freedom to choose registered or non-registered providers, receive expert advice on how best to utilise your funding and don’t have to worry about any of the paperwork.

Your Plan Manager will also help you to better understand the NDIS and your plan and answer any questions you have. This can be great if your goal is to become more independent as it allows you to make more informed decisions about your supports.

Making the right choice for you

At the end of the day, you and your family are the best equipped to make a decision about your NDIS plan. Although there are positives to each option, ultimately you have to make a choice that is best for your lifestyle and needs.

If you’re looking to transition from your current management option to plan management and are not sure where to start, the team at Disability Plan Services are here to help you. We can help you prepare for your plan review or assist you in making contact with the NDIS to make a plan management request.

Our team are experienced Plan Managers and Support Coordinators that have first-hand experience with disability. Our team is hand-picked for their passion and values, so you know your plan will be in good hands.

We believe that in order to achieve your life goals, everyone needs a little support from people they know and trust. We like to think of ourselves as your trusted partners on the journey to a more rewarding and fulfilling life.

How to switch to NDIS plan management