NDIS plan management is one of the four options when considering managing the NDIS funding. A participant may decide to self-manage his/her fund, use NDIA-provided agents, choose a plan manager, or combine the options available.
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When you decide to choose a plan manager, the administration of your funds is bequeathed to a plan manager. Any activity carried out by this plan manager in the process of the arrangement is called “plan management”.
In this article, we will briefly discuss plan management, the remuneration, and the duties of a plan manager. We will also take a look at the duties and powers of a beneficiary in the plan management arrangement.
How Much Do NDIS Plan Managers Get Paid?
NDIS plan managers get paid about $55,000 per annum at the entry-level. And the amount allocated by NDIS to its participants is around $1,400 a year.
What Is NDIS Plan Management?
NDIS Plan Management simply implies the art of overseeing the financial and administrative aspects of an NDIS participant’s affairs by an individual that is either self-appointed or appointed by the agency (NDIS).
The management process is handled by a “liaising party” who pays and receives invoices from you (participant) or respective service providers.
The manager also maintains a communication line with service providers (such as physicians, gardeners, therapists etc.) to ensure that you receive attention in due time from these service providers.
NDIS Plan Management involves the services of an expert who should possess the required technical skills to carry out these duties and more, for effective plan management.
What NDIS Plan Management Involves
NDIS Plan Management primarily involves the financial management of an NDIS participant’s benefits from NDIA, and the appropriate administration of these benefits. This process requires the services of a plan manager who will play the role of a financial expert on behalf of the participant.
The manager will perform certain tasks which include auditing, service payment, financial reporting, and benefit claiming available to the participant.
The NDIS manager sometimes teaches the NDIS participant some of the ways to self-manage their finances in case of an impending transition to self-management.
What Does an NDIS Plan Manager Do?
A plan manager assists you in finding your way through the system that has been instituted by NDIS for your benefit. When you have someone whose work is to help you access your money and manage it, things become easier.
A plan manager also handles your financial paperwork and executes virtually all expenditures which affords you the comfort of going about other things in your life.
In other words, the NDIS plan manager falls in line to help NDIS participants fulfill their financial obligations. They carry out the following duties:
- The plan manager advises you on expenses to be made and prioritizes them on your behalf. This enables prudence and cost-efficiency.
- The plan manager accesses your funds on the NDIS portal to pay your providers on your behalf and negotiate with them, and assists in looking for budget-friendly and quality services.
- If you plan on transitioning to self-management, a plan manager will teach you the required skills during the stint of your contract.
- A plan manager receives invoices from a provider and the participant and also provides the participant detailed information on monthly expenses.
However, hiring a plan manager does not deprive you of the freedom to make choices on who your service providers should be. Just ensure that you communicate whatever decision you reach with your plan manager.
When Can You Hire a Plan Manager?
You can employ a plan manager at any time you consider it necessary or when you have exhausted other options. Hiring a plan manager is one of the four options you can choose from when considering managing your NDIS Plan—you can self-manage your NDIS Plan, use an NDIA agent, or hire a plan manager fully funded by the NDIS plan.
You can also combine any of the options. Make sure any decision you are going with goes well with you.
How Can You Find a Plan Manager?
You can find a plan manager through the NDIS Local Area Coordinator or support coordinator. You can simply reach out to any NDIS staff stating that you would like the services of a plan manager.
You can similarly inform your Local Area Coordinator about your interest to hire a plan manager. You can also contact a certified NDIS plan manager you know personally, or check one online.
Once it has been decided that you’ll have a plan manager, an additional budget will be added by the NDIA under the Capacity Building Support budget that is called, “Improved Life Choices.” This budget is meant to cushion the additional cost of hiring a plan manager and give you the freedom to spend your other funds.
The next line of action is to agree on the terms of the extent of the powers with which your plan manager oversees your finances. Remember, you still have the power to control certain parts of your finances.
Whichever way you found plan management from the four ways highlighted. Ensure that your needs are put into consideration when making a choice— choose a plan manager that will help you maximize your NDIS benefits.
The costs that are covered under the NDIS includes:
- An initial one-time payment will help you settle all costs incurred.
- Continuous support throughout the phases of the management plan.
- Monthly salary
A plan manager should possess certain qualifications apart from being an expert in accounting and with knowledge in NDIS. Looking out for certain qualifications will help you in the long run in your relationship—qualifications like being versed in CRM tools and project management skills.
If you want more information on the qualities to look out for, you can check out this article where we took time to explain the qualities to look for in a plan manager before hiring.
Asking your plan manager if he/she is conversant with softwares that can make their work easier is also a brilliant idea. One of these softwares is the Brevity software.
Brevity is an advanced software that comes in handy when it comes to delivering personalised, predictable, and profitable customer experiences while reducing the burdens that come with the usual practice standard.
Originally published Nov 5 2021
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Frequently Asked Questions
Once you have shown interest in hiring a plan manager to an NDIS staff, the NDIA will make provision for separate funding that will be used for the remuneration of your plan manager. It is this money that you pay your plan manager with.
Plan managers get paid an average of $55,000 for entry-level. Although the amount participants receive is $1,400 per annum—which is about $117 a month.
NDIS providers get paid around $50 per hour, and on weekends they get paid around $72 on Saturdays and around $95 on Sundays. NDIS providers are paid higher or lesser based on four major circumstances, namely;
Location—providers working in rural areas get paid more than those in urban areas.
Days of the week—providers working on weekends, and holidays get paid more than other weekdays.
Time of the day—daytime workers get paid less than nighttime workers.
Management method—self-managed or agency-managed.
Plan managers have three major duties which are:
Receiving and paying invoices
Making claims for compensation for expenses incurred during managing the affairs of a participant
Summarisation of monthly expenditures and the unspent money
The post How Much Do NDIS Plan Managers Get Paid? [Full Guide] appeared first on Brevity | NDIS & Aged Care Provider Software.
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