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Below we explore the benefits of plan management, the funding option that gives participants the most flexibility while maintaining control over your NDIS plan.

Let’s face it, becoming an NDIS participant isn’t always a stress-free process. There are decisions to be made, paperwork to be completed, and lots of phone calls and meetings. One thing you should consider is how you will manage your plan. It is an important decision and one that you will generally have to stick with for the life of your plan whether it’s 12 or 24 months.

So, what are your options? Agency managed, self-managed or plan managed. We have a useful NDIS funding table that can help you learn the difference between them.

Current participants will also find this article useful if you’re considering changing to plan management in your next plan or you are interested in changing to a different plan management provider.

1. An expert team of Plan Managers

Our plan managers are available to answer funding and general NDIS questions. The benefit of being plan managed is that you will have a dedicated team you can contact without long wait times. Talk to the same person and have your questions or problems solved quickly. Our team will ensure providers are charging correctly for the services you receive and process payments swiftly so you can continue to access the supports you need.

2. The choice to use any provider- registered or not registered with the NDIS

Being plan managed with Budgetnet gives you the option to use any provider whether they are registered or not registered with the NDIS. This can be a great benefit, giving you the option to shop around to get the best possible service and price that will suit your needs.

For example, your Occupational Therapist has recommended the purchase of some assistive technology such as a shower chair. An NDIS registered company has one for $150. You head down to a local store and find the same one for $50, however, that shop isn’t a registered NDIS provider. Because you are plan managed you can purchase the cheaper chair with your NDIS funding. Send us a copy of the invoice for payment or a copy of the purchase receipt and we will put the money back into your allocated bank account. You have saved $100 from your NDIS budget that can now be used on another service. It is important to make sure you have funding available within your plan before making a purchase, we are always here to help you check.

3. Payments looked after for you

Have peace of mind knowing that you will not have to process your own payments, keep records of invoices, and fix any funding issues, that’s why we are here!

Our invoicing process is simple, once we receive an invoice it’s either automatically approved or an email is sent to you to approve the payment- with one simple click you can approve the payment and we take care of the rest. The below flow chart outlines how the process works in more detail:

4. Tracking your funding is easy with our free app

Keeping track of the funding you have available in each category of your plan can be hard. Another benefit of being plan managed with Budgetnet is our free and easy to use app, which gives you a snapshot of what you have spent and what is still available in your plan. The best part, you can easily view all invoices we have received so you have complete control over your spending.

5. Minimal paperwork

Wondering how hard it is to become plan managed? Its super simple!

New NDIS participants:

Request Plan Management in your planning meeting with the NDIS. You can also print and complete this form to take to the meeting with you if you prefer. Once you receive your first NDIS plan, contact Budgetnet and we will set up your account. We can be ready to take care of your payments within 24 hours.

 Currently plan managed with another provider:

If you are using another plan manager and you are unhappy with the service being provided, it is not too difficult to change over to Budgetnet. Just notify your current plan manager and end the service agreement, then contact us on 1300 402 568 or email ndis@budgetnet.com.au.

Current NDIS participant with an agency or self-managed plan:

Are you currently agency or self-managed and interested in changing your plan over to plan management? Changing the way your plan is managed before the end of your plan requires a complete plan review from the NDIA. This process can be tricky so it may be best to wait until your plan ends. In your plan review, don’t forget to request to change over to plan management.

Head over to our registration page for more information on becoming plan managed with Budgetnet.

Who is suited to plan management?

Plan management is suited to participants who do not want the stress of managing their own NDIS funding but still want the freedom and flexibility to get the most out of their NDIS plan. No matter your needs, whether you work with 2 providers or 20 providers we will make managing your NDIS plan simple.

Visit the NDIS website to understand more about plan management. To find out more about our service contact us on 1300 402 568 or email ndis@budgetnet.com.au

As Victoria moves through stage three and four restrictions, many NDIS participants across Australia are concerned about the effects COVID-19 (Coronavirus) will have on their NDIS plans and accessing supports. Below, our expert plan managers answer some of your questions.

Plan Managed Participants

How to be prepared?

Firstly, put together a plan of the essential supports you need over the next few months.

Talk to your service providers. Most will be adapting their services to accommodate social distancing and online or telephone supports for the moment. Providers may have stopped offering a service, contact them about possibly releasing any remaining funds. You may be able to put that money towards other essential supports needed

Consider having your medications and groceries delivered.

Remember, essential providers will continue to invoice for services as usual. Our plan management process will not change.

Are you still providing Plan Management?

Yes, we will continue to provide plan management as an essential service to participants Australia wide. You can rest assured, your NDIS invoices will continue to be paid and our plan managers will be available to answer your questions. Interested in becoming plan managed with Budget Net? We will continue to take new referrals, with a simple onboarding process that can be completed remotely. Your account can be set up within 24 hours, without having to leave home. Simply call 1300 402 568 to chat with our expert plan managers who will explain the process and answer any questions you may have. If you prefer, you can simply fill in our referral form and we will give you a call to complete your account set up.

How can being Plan Managed help during the pandemic?

Plan Managed participants have the choice to access items or services from providers that are not NDIA registered. This gives the participant the ability to shop around and find the best deal, with the opportunity to save funds for other essential supports needed.  Find out more about the advantages of Plan Management here.

NDIS Changes

Can I purchase an iPad using my NDIS plan?

Assistive Technology such as iPad’s can be purchased using your NDIS funding if you have a letter from one of your providers, confirming the iPad is necessary to continue receiving supports. With lots of services moving online being connected is more important than ever.

Agency Managed participants will need to purchase these items from an NDIS registered provider.

Self-Managed and Plan Managed participants can purchase using the usual process.

TIP: ensure you shop around and get the best price possible! The NDIA will fund up to $750 for low-cost assistive technologies such as an iPad, however, there must be available funds within your current Improved Daily Living or Consumables budget.

If you are Plan Managed through BudgetNet, just send us a copy of your purchase receipt and we will reimburse you. It is important to check your available funds BEFORE you make the purchase. If you are unsure of your current funding, feel free to call us on 1300 402 568. Don’t forget you can also use our app to easily track your funding.

For further information on this topic, click HERE to visit the NDIS website.

What services can still be accessed?

The current advice from the Australian Government is to stay home unless necessary.  With different rules for each state, it is important to keep up to date with the latest news in your area. For more information on what services you can access, call the Disability Information Hotline on 1800 643 787 or visit their website.

Our advice is to ensure you continue to receive any important health care needed. Even during stage four restrictions, essential disability support will continue to be provided to NDIS participants. Of course, supports such as occupational therapy, counselling, and group programs may be conducted online instead of in-person to limit your movement within the community. Do not forget to maintain regular doctor’s appointments as your health is a priority in this present climate.

Can I still have my 1:1 support worker?

Yes, NDIS participants will continue to have access to 1 on 1 support that assists with daily life. Your regular support worker may attend any health care appointments, help you go grocery shopping, purchase other essential items, and assist with daily activities within your home. Specific rules apply to each state and territory so ensure you are up to date with your local regulations. For plan managed participants, your provider will continue to invoice for services provided during this time.

Can I purchase Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) using my NDIS plan?

If you live in a community where the use of PPE (face masks or shields) is recommended, these items can now be funded through your current NDIS plan within your core budget, providing you:

“Receive an average of at least one hour a day of face-to-face daily living support and you live in Victoria or New South Wales.”

Agency managed participants will need to purchase these items through a registered NDIS provider, Self-Managed or Plan Managed participants can make the purchase using the regular process.

What happens if my plan is about to end?

Some plans may be reinstated or automatically extended for a further 12 months. Your extended plan will have the same funding in all categories apart from Capital Supports. At this time, plan review meetings are no longer taking place face to face and have instead moved to telephone meetings where possible. If part or all of your previous plan was plan managed this will be the case for your extended plan, essentially it will rollover. Any questions about NDIS plans can be directed to the NDIA by calling 1800 800 110 or contact your Support Coordinator or Local Area Coordinator.

Additional Support

Most importantly, ensure you stay connected to friends, family, and services.  It is a tough time for everyone if you need to talk to someone about how you are feeling or need some extra support please reach out to the following organisations:

Lifeline                      13 11 14 | https://www.lifeline.org.au/

Beyond Blue            1300 22 4636 | https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

Kids Helpline            1800 551 800 | https://kidshelpline.com.au/

National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline           1800 250 015

As always, the NDIA is available to guide you through this uncertain period, call them on 1800 800 110 or visit their website.

We will continue to be available for any current or new plan managed participants. Reach out to us on 1300 402 568 or email ndis@budgetnet.com.au.

Stay safe and positive,

The BudgetNet Team.

With so many different plan management companies out there, finding the one that’s going to be right for you can be difficult. Here we take a look at some key factors to consider in order to ensure that the plan manager you end up with is one that’s exactly right for your needs.

NDIS registration

First and foremost, any plan manager needs to be NDIS registered. This is your guarantee that they are part of a reputable organisation that’s been through some initial checks and which meets some basic criteria of trustworthiness. The NDIS holds information on all registered providers within your state. Take a look at <a href=”https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/working-providers/find-registered-provider”>the NDIS website</a> to check that your provider is on the list.

The ability to facilitate your wishes

Being able to communicate effectively with your plan manager is crucial to success! It’s important to feel at ease with the manager, and to trust them with getting the best outcome for your NDIS funding. Some budget holders may wish to access alternative treatments or manage their disability in an unconventional manner. Checking that your plan manager will feel comfortable in advocating to have your requirements met on your terms is vital if the relationship is going to work well.

Can they help you build capacity?

Ultimately, some budget holders will want to take over the management of their funding themselves. Others will want to equip themselves with additional knowledge of the providers available, type of costs which are reasonable and how best to select a suitable provider. A good plan manager will see part of their role as informing, facilitating and enabling, helping budget holders to keep control of how their budget is being used.

Do their communication methods suit your needs?

Some plan managers work entirely virtually, others offer a range of ways to keep in touch. Similarly, managers may want monthly, bi-monthly or fortnightly meetings to check in with budget holders. Take the time to find out how each one of your shortlisted plan managers operates to ensure you get the best fit for your needs.

Testimonials and reviews

Previous and current users are often the best way to get a good feel for how a plan management company operates. Luckily, reviews and testimonials are usually readily available online. These can give you an excellent idea of how a company operates, as well as any pitfalls or things to be aware of.

We offer a comprehensive, high-quality plan management service that’s suitable for almost every budget holder. Get in touch on 1300 402 568 to find out more about what we can offer.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is funding paid to individuals with a disability in order for them to have access to the support they need to live as independent and fulfilled a life as possible. 

To obtain NDIS funding, an individual submits a plan containing details of their disability and the assistance they need: this may range from a carer to assist with activities of daily living right through to housing adaptations.

Once the funding is awarded, participants can spend the money as they think fit, in line with various criteria, in order to achieve the plan’s goals. 

Although some people choose to manage their NDIS plan themselves, there are other alternatives which may result in better outcomes: here we take a look at the pros and cons of self-management, and outline what to expect should you decide to opt for a plan manager, or agency management option.

Self-management

Managing your own plan ensures you have total control over who you contract with and what they provide. Whilst this can work well for some people, for others it can feel like their lives are dominated by completing paperwork, organising tendering processes to find a preferred provider, chasing equipment and similar administrative tasks. 

Self management demands a good grasp of budgeting, as well as a comprehensive knowledge of the various products, providers and choices available on the market. Particularly for more complex plans, self-management can leave some people feeling overwhelmed and not confident that they are getting the most from their funding.

Agency management

In this scenario, an agency manages the budget on your behalf. This frees up participants from the day-to-day responsibility of accounting for how their money is spent. 

On the downside, it also means they don’t have the flexibility to find appropriate providers for their requirements. 

Because agencies only contract with NDIS registered providers, using an agency can limit the range of service providers that can be accessed. Participants lose some of the autonomy over how their NDIS is spent, in comparison with self-managed plans. There is also some loss of flexibility in how the budget can be spent.

Using a plan manager

In many ways, plan managers provide the best of both worlds. Plan managers work with participants to ensure they get optimal value for money, without needing to do the job themselves. 

A plan manager enables participants to opt for non-NDIS providers, as well as assisting them with any questions should they get stuck. Funding for plan managers is included in an NDIS funding plan, so there’s no need for any out of pocket costs to use one. Plan managers take care of all the paperwork and bills: aside from periodic meetings to ensure you’re aware of how your budget is being spent and are happy with how things are going, you need have nothing further to do with the day-to-day administration of your NDIS. 

A good plan manager will also provide you with monthly statements along with tools, such as an app or a web portal to assist you in managing your plan. They can also engage with key people, such as your local area coordinator, Planner or Support Coordinator. 

For many people, ensuring that all parts of their NDIS plan are facilitated appropriately can be a time-consuming and onerous task if they choose to do the job themselves. 

Whilst agency management has some advantages, it lacks the flexibility which the services of a dedicated plan manager can provide. 

To see why a growing number of NDIS participants are turning to skilled, experienced plan managers to help them get the most for their money, contact BudgetNet today on 1300 402 568.