NDIS Common Terms Explained

NDIS Self Managed vs Plan Managed vs Agency Managed Explained.

There are three ways to manage your NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) plan ranging from taking full control (and responsibility) to a completely hands-off approach. Your ideal management style will depend on factors such as your lifestyle, the time you are willing or able to invest and the level of administrative support you need.

Which plan management option is right for me?
Support is not a one-size-fits-all solution. The best way to manage your NDIS funding is unique to each individual. Your choice depends on your unique circumstances and needs. When making your decision you should consider the time you can dedicate to managing your plan, and how much additional work you are willing to take on in exchange for increased control. Managing your plan is a significant responsibility and can become overwhelming without assistance and expertise.

Here's a quick explanation:
Self-Management provides the highest level of control but also comes with the heaviest burden of responsibilities, administration tasks and time commitment. It involves coordinating and implementing your plan independently.

Plan Management offers the most flexibility and control without the added burden of financial and administrative obligations. Opting for this route will free up both time and mental energy. You’ll receive NDIS funding to engage a Plan Manager should you choose this option.

Agency Management offers the least flexibility and control since the NDIA directly manages your funds. However, it also entails the least burden on individuals regarding administrative tasks, as all billing and management will be handled directly by the NDIS.

Core Supports help you with everyday activities, your current disability-related needs and to work towards your goals.Your Core Supports budget is the most flexible, and in most cases, you can use your funding across any of the following four support categories. However, there are instances where you do not have flexibility in your funding, particularly for transport funding.

Capacity Building Supports help build your independence and skills to help you reach your long-term goals. Unlike your Core Supports budget, your Capacity Building Supports budget cannot be moved from one support category to another. Funding can only be used to purchase approved individual supports that fall within that Capacity Building category.

Capital Supports include higher-cost pieces of assistive technology, equipment and home or vehicle modifications, and funding for one-off purchases you may need (including Specialist Disability Accommodation). It is important to remember that funds within the Capital Supports budget can only be used for their specific purpose and cannot be used to pay for anything else.

Any services listed as ‘stated supports’ are not flexible. This means funding has been allocated for a specific support or service, and you can’t use this funding for something else. You cannot swap ‘stated supports’ for any other supports.

If there are supports in your plan that are listed as ‘in-kind’, it means the service has already been paid for by your state, territory or the Australian government. You must use this provider as they have already received payment and will provide all services that are booked. This means you cannot choose a provider for that service, however if you have a concern about using a specific in-kind provider, you are encouraged to raise your concerns with your ECEI Coordinator, LAC or NDIA planner. As the NDIS roll out continues across Australia, it is expected that in-kind supports will be phased out and you will have choice and control over the providers you use.

Most NDIS participants over seven years of age will have an LAC to help them understand and use their plan. This includes showing participants how to use the myplace portal and connecting them with funded supports. LACs support participants throughout their plans to monitor how the plan is going, and they can check progress regularly.

Families and carers of children aged 0-6 years who have an NDIS plan will work with an ECEI Coordinator. ECEI Coordinators have experience working with children with disability or developmental delay. The NDIS ECEI approach supports families and carers to help children develop the skills they need to take part in daily activities and reach their developmental milestones.

If ECEI or LAC Partners are not available in your area, or you need more help coordinating your supports and services, the NDIA may fund a Support Coordinator in your NDIS plan. A Support Coordinator will help you build the skills you need to use your plan to achieve your goals, live more independently, increase your skills and be included in your community and in employment. Specialist support coordination is a higher level of support coordination. It is for people whose situations are more complex and who need specialist support.

A service provider is a person, business or organisation that delivers funded services. Service providers have different areas of experience and expertise so it’s important to work out what you want and find the right providers for you. Providers can include large companies, charities, small not-for-profits, sole traders, or any other type of business. Providers that are registered are called ‘NDIS registered providers’ and meet government quality and safety standards. If your NDIS funding is NDIA-managed you can only use NDIS registered providers to deliver your services. If you have been working with a support worker or provider for a number of years who is not an NDIS registered provider, encourage them to register so that you can continue to work with them using your NDIS funding. Participants whose NDIS funds are self-managed or managed by a Plan Manager can use NDIS registered providers and non-registered providers.