A lot of NDIS participants and nominees don't realise they have options when it comes to how their funding is managed.
Maybe you started with agency management and now want more flexibility in your choice of providers. Or you've heard about plan management and want to understand if it's something you can access now, without waiting for your next plan review.
The good news? You can request to change your funding management style at any time, mid-plan.
A quick look at your three options
How your NDIS funding is managed affects two things: how much flexibility you have in choosing providers and how much admin you're responsible for.
- Agency managed (NDIA managed): The NDIA manages your payments directly. You can only use NDIS-registered providers and there's no admin on your end because payments are handled between your providers and the NDIS directly. It's simple, but it limits your provider options and control over payments.
- Self managed: You manage your own payments through the NDIS portal. You can also work with registered or unregistered providers, giving you a lot more choice. You have the most flexibility, but also the most responsibility.
- Plan managed: A plan manager handles your payments and keeps track of your budget. You can use registered or unregistered providers. The cost of plan management is covered by the NDIS and added on top of your existing funding, so it doesn't come out of your support budget. A good plan manager does more than process invoices though. They help you understand your plan, stay on top of changes to the NDIS and give you visibility over your budget in real time. That's what we do at Provider Choice.
Your plan doesn't have to be managed one way across the entire plan either. You can mix and match funding management styles across different support categories if that works better for you. For instance, some people may self manage their Core Consumables budget and have the Capacity Building plan managed within the same plan.
How to request the change
If your current setup isn't working for you, you can request a Plan Variation. Here's what that looks like.
Step 1: Pull together your supporting information
The NDIS needs a clear reason for the change. The easiest way to work out what to include is by filling out the Change of Circumstances Form.
More info here: NDIS | Change in circumstances
Step 2: Submit your request to the NDIS
You can contact the NDIS by:
- Email: enquiries@ndis.gov.au
- Phone: 1800 800 110 (National Contact Centre)
- In person: Find your nearest NDIA office
Include all your supporting information when you submit. The NDIS must acknowledge your request within 28 days, then has a further 28 days to make a decision.
What if the NDIS says no?
If your request is denied, the NDIS must give you a written explanation. Their reasoning has to align with Section 44 of the NDIS Act. When reviewing requests, they consider things like:
- Whether the person managing the funds will follow the NDIS rules
- Any risk to the participant's physical, psychological or financial safety
- The financial circumstances of the person managing the funds
- Whether the person has any convictions related to fraud or dishonesty
If you disagree with their decision, you can request an internal review.
Still weighing up your options?
If you're not sure which funding management style is right for you, the NDIS | Ways to manage your funding page is a good starting point. And if you'd like to talk it through with someone who knows the scheme well, our Gurus are here to help. Book a Guru session here.
