If you’re enrolled in the NDIS, you will have the option available to you to pick and choose the assistance you get, including which plan manager you work with. However, with so many options for plan managers available, how can you tell which businesses provide the best services?
Some of the companies that provide services for plan administration include small accounting firms, disability service providers, and specialised organisations. Here’s three things you should consider when choosing your plan manager for the NDIS.
Transparency
Plan managers must be trustworthy and upfront with their clients regarding their NDIS finances, and you must be able to put your faith in your plan manager to do so.
The right professional services should be specialists in the NDIS and know all of its ins and outs so they can provide you excellent guidance on how to maximise your budget. You need to know that you have a plan manager that really cares about your NDIS experience and will do everything in their power to assist you get the most out of your plan, which means they should be transparent and honest with you.
If you’re searching for someone you can trust, spend some time investigating your options. Websites often enable users to provide feedback on their experiences with specific service providers or plan administrators. These websites allow you to search for a particular plan manager and give background information and customer reviews for each.
Another wonderful approach to learn which businesses provide high-quality service is to speak with other NDIS participants or your Local Area Coordinator.
What to remember
The management of an NDIS plan’s money takes a lot of time and effort. The time it takes to self-manage your finances might add up to as much as 25 hours each week. With an administrator you can rest easy knowing that your providers are paid on time and correctly. When it comes to NDIS financing, a great plan manager has the inside scoop and can help you stay on top of your spending and squeeze every last penny you’re entitled to.
Unlike NDIA management, plan management gives you access to both NDIS registered and unregistered providers.
Checklist
The features and services offered by each administrator should be examined in further detail after you have a general idea of which ones you’d want to utilise. Using this checklist, you may examine their services.
Assistive Technology:
- What is their sign-up procedure like?
- What are the options for contacting them?
- When you call, do they take the time to sit down with you, listen to your concerns, and provide you with information that’s easy to comprehend and implement?
Budgeting and payment:
- Is it possible to keep tabs on the progress of your NDIS budgets using an online tool and a monthly report?
- The payment procedure, including the due dates for each invoice, should be made plain to the customer.
- There should be an online tracking system for bills.
- To avoid overpaying, are they able to safeguard your finances with pre-agreed-upon service providers?
Expertise:
- Is the administration of NDIS plans one of their numerous specialities, or is it just one of many?
- Can you tell me whether they have experience in both financial services and the disability sector?
- In addition to assisting you with the financial components of your NDIS plan, can they also offer support coordination?
Take your time
To maximise the benefits of your NDIS plan, it’s important to find an administrator who is a good fit for you and your circumstances. Making a list of the things that matter to you can aid in the process.