There are three main ways that you can choose to manage your NDIS plan, they are:

Agency managed – this is where the NDIS manage your NDIS plan on your behalf. If you are Agency managed you can only select registered NDIS providers for supports and services. The NDIA will manage your funding and pay your providers.

Self-managed – if you are self-managed, you are responsible for the financial administration of your NDIS plan including managing your budget and paying your providers. You can select from both NDIS registered and non-registered providers.

Plan Managed – when you are Plan Managed, a provider like InFocus manages the financial administration of your NDIS plan. Your Plan Manager is a bit like your NDIS bookkeeper. You can select from both NDIS registered and non-registered providers.

There is also a fourth option which is a combination of any of the three main options.

How do I get Plan Management?

To get Plan Management included in your NDIS plan, you need to request it from the NDIA. There is no cost to you when you choose to be Plan Managed.

Why choose Plan Management?

Plan Management gives you choice and control over your NDIS plan. With Plan Management you can still choose non NDIS registered providers which means that you have the freedom to choose your providers based on how they will meet your needs. However, unlike with self-management, your Plan Manager will do your NDIS financial administration for you. So you really get the best of both worlds when you’re Plan Managed.

What are the other ways that Plan Management can help me?

When you’re Plan Managed you:

• have more time to yourself because supplier payments and communication is managed for you
• don't have to worry about the day-to-day tasks involved in managing your NDIS plan
• don’t have to use the NDIS portal
• can be confident that your provider invoices are processed efficiently and paid on time
• get help to keep track of your spending and budget

How do I switch to Plan Management?

If you’re part way through an NDIS plan that is self-managed or Agency managed and you decide that you would prefer to be Plan Managed, then you can request to switch. To do this, you can make a “Plan Management request.” This lets the NDIA know that you’d like to be Plan Managed and that you don’t want to wait until your next plan review to switch to Plan Management.

To do this, you can call the NDIA directly on 1800 800 110 or your LAC and ask for a “light touch review”. This is different from a full review which you would request if you weren’t happy with the supports or funding in your plan. Explain why you’d like to switch. Once your request is approved you can select a Plan Manager.

Further Information

The NDIS have a Guide to Plan Management which has useful information about how Plan Management works, it is also available in easy read format.

Or, you can chat to our friendly team of Brisbane based Plan Managers about how we can help. Simply call us on 1800 928 437 or email enquiries@infocusdisability.org.au