Navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can feel overwhelming, especially when trying to understand the roles of a Plan Manager and a Support Coordinator. Working with a Plan Manager and Support Coordinator can streamline both the financial and coordination aspects of your plan ensuring you get the most out of your funding. While these two services share the common goal of supporting you, their responsibilities are distinct. In this guide, we will break down these roles, highlight the differences and explain how they can work together to empower you.
What Is an NDIS Plan Manager?
A Plan Manager simplifies the financial aspects of your NDIS plan, acting as your personal accountant. They handle administrative and budgetary tasks so you can focus on achieving your goals without the stress of paperwork or financial tracking.
Key Responsibilities of a Plan Manager
A Plan Manager helps you:
- Process Invoices: They handle invoices from all your service providers, ensuring they are paid on time.
- Track Your Budget: They keep an eye on your funding to make sure you do not overspend or leave funds unutilised.
- Provide Financial Reports: You will receive regular updates about your spending and remaining funds.
- Submit Claims: They lodge claims through the NDIS portal, so you do not have to navigate the system yourself.
Why You Should Choose Plan Management
Here’s why Plan Management is a smart choice for NDIS participants:
- Flexibility with Providers: Unlike NDIA-managed plans, Plan Management allows you to choose from both registered and unregistered providers, giving you more options to suit your needs.
- Less Administrative Stress: No need to worry about invoices or budgeting; your Plan Manager handles it all for you.
- Cost-Free Service: The NDIS fully funds Plan Management, so you would not face any out-of-pocket costs.
To include Plan Management in your NDIS plan, simply request it during your planning meeting. It is available to every participant and no special approval is required.
What Is an NDIS Support Coordinator?
A Support Coordinator helps you get the most out of your NDIS plan by connecting you with the right services and supports. They serve as your guide, ensuring you know how to use your plan effectively and helping you achieve your goals.
Core Functions of a Support Coordinator
A Support Coordinator:
- Explains Your Plan: They help you understand the details of your plan and what supports are available to you.
- Connects You with Providers: They find and recommend providers that best match your needs.
- Coordinates Your Supports: They ensure all your services work together seamlessly, so you do not experience gaps or overlaps.
- Builds Your Skills: Over time, they empower you to manage your supports independently.
Levels of Support Coordination
Support Coordination services come in three levels:
- Support Connection: Basic assistance to link you with informal, community and funded supports.
- Support Coordination: A more in-depth service that focuses on helping you use your plan effectively.
- Specialist Support Coordination: For participants with more complex needs, offering highly tailored assistance.
Unlike Plan Management, Support Coordination is included in your plan only if the NDIA determines it is ‘reasonable and necessary.’
Key Differences between Plan Managers and Support Coordinators
Although both Plan Managers and Support Coordinators are there to support you, they focus on different aspects of your NDIS plan. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Plan Manager | Support Coordinator |
| Primary Focus | Financial and administrative tasks | Connecting and coordinating supports |
| Eligibility | Available to all participants upon request | Requires NDIA approval |
| Provider Flexibility | Works with registered and unregistered providers | Recommends providers that meet your needs |
| Skill Development | Does not involve capacity building | Focuses on teaching you to manage your supports |
| Cost | Fully funded under Plan Management | Funded under Capacity Building supports in your plan |
Why You Might Need Both Services
Plan Managers and Support Coordinators often work together to help you get the best outcomes from your NDIS plan. Choosing both a Plan Manager and Support Coordinator can give you a balanced approach to financial management and service coordination, allowing you to focus on achieving your goals.
- A Plan Manager ensures your providers are paid on time and that your funding is managed effectively.
- A Support Coordinator makes sure you are connected with the right providers to deliver those services.
Together, they help you reduce stress, gain confidence in managing your plan and stay on track to achieve your goals.
How to Decide what’s Right for You
Choosing the right mix of supports in your NDIS plan is essential. If you prefer to focus on your goals without worrying about financial admin, a Plan Manager is ideal. On the other hand, if you need guidance in understanding your plan and accessing services, a Support Coordinator can provide that support.
If your situation allows, consider combining both services. Having a Plan Manager and Support Coordinator simultaneously can ensure your NDIS journey is financially organised and strategically guided, giving you the flexibility and support to concentrate on what truly matters achieving your goals and living your best life.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between Plan Managers and Support Coordinators is crucial for making informed decisions about your NDIS plan. Both roles offer distinct advantages and together, they provide a robust framework to support your journey. By choosing the right combination of supports, you can reduce stress, save time and make the most of your NDIS plan.
At SAN Support, we are here to help you navigate your options and get the best from your plan. Whether you need financial management through personalised guidance with Support Coordination, we are ready to support you every step of the way.