The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia provides funding to people living with disabilities to pay for much-needed disability support services.
Established in 2013, the NDIS aims to give people living with disability greater choice and control over their lives by funding support services that are tailored to their individual needs.
Participants receive funding based on their individual needs and goals, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. This funding is used to purchase supports and services that help participants achieve their objectives and improve their quality of life.
NDIS participants have the option to manage their funding in different ways, including self-management and plan-management.
ADEC is one of the leading NDIS plan management providers in Victoria. Established in 1982 as a not-for-profit organisation, ADEC is committed to providing equal access to high-quality disability and aged care services for all people in our most vulnerable communities.
Our culturally sensitive, flexible, and experienced support workers provide a wide range of personal care, community access, and domestic support services that are funded under the NDIS.
We also provide NDIS Plan Management services to reduce your admin burden and help you get the most out of your NDIS funds. But you also have the option to self-manage your NDIS funding.
Here are the pros and cons of plan managed vs self-managed NDIS:
NDIS plan managed vs self managed: Pros
Self-management empowers NDIS participants to take more active roles in managing their own support. Participants have full control over how their funds are spent, and they can choose the providers and services that best suit their needs.
Self-managing your NDIS also means you can directly negotiate rates and agreements with service providers, and have the freedom to explore alternative therapies that may not be covered by traditional NDIS providers.
On the other hand, NDIS plan management services also give participants full control over how their funds are spent and the providers and services they choose, while also handling the time-consuming administrative tasks that are associated with NDIS plan management.
These tasks include processing invoices, making payments, and managing budgets on behalf of the participant.
For example, ADEC’s seamless NDIS payment process simplifies the often complex task of paying service providers. An experienced ADEC NDIS Plan Manager can ensure your providers receive timely and accurate payments, so you don’t have to worry about paying invoices and managing your payment admin.
An expert NDIS Plan Manager can also help participants get the most out of their NDIS budget. They offer guidance and support to help participants navigate the complex NDIS system, find the providers and services that meet their needs, and make informed choices about their support options.
NDIS self-managed vs plan managed: Cons
One of the main challenges of self managed NDIS plans is the administrative burden. Self-management requires participants to handle administrative tasks such as budgeting, invoicing, and record-keeping, which can be time-consuming and complex.
Self-managed participants also bear the responsibility for managing their funds effectively and ensuring their budget lasts until their next plan review.
And without the support of an NDIS plan manager, there's a risk of making errors in budgeting or claiming, which could result in funds being misspent or not utilised optimally.
However, relying on an NDIS plan manager to handle their NDIS funds can leave participants feeling a loss of control and autonomy. That’s why it’s so important to find NDIS plan management services that listen to you and put your needs and goals first.
ADEC always keeps the power in your hands to make the decisions on the providers you choose to work with and the support services you deem to be in your best interests.
NDIS plan managed vs self managed: Understanding NDIS plan management services
So what exactly are NDIS plan management services? ADEC is a registered NDIS plan manager provider. That means our NDIS plan managers in Melbourne can help you manage your NDIS budget.
For example, we can manage your NDIS claims and funding, pay providers on your behalf (invoices are paid within three to five business days), maintain records, monitor your NDIS budget, and provide you with monthly statements.
Our NDIS plan managers in Victoria will also provide expert help and advice to make it easy to understand the complex NDIS system. Best of all, the cost of ADEC’s NDIS plan management services is built into your NDIS plan, so there’s out-of-pocket cost to you.
And remember, with ADEC, you’re the boss. You decide how to use your funds – we manage the paperwork.
We also specialise in working with diverse communities. Our multilingual team speaks 27 languages – including Hindi, English, Somalian, Korean, Turkish and many more – and we can arrange interpreters free of charge to cater for your specific cultural and language needs.
So why not try out our free meet-and-greet service? It gives us the opportunity to get to know each other so we can understand your specific needs, and how to use your NDIS budget to meet all your support goals.
NDIS self managed vs plan managed: The verdict
Ultimately, the choice between plan managed vs self-managed NDIS depends on individual preferences, capabilities, and support needs.
While self-management offers unparalleled autonomy and direct engagement with service providers, it also comes with significant administrative responsibilities.
On the other hand, NDIS plan management services relieve the administrative burden while providing expert guidance and support that helps participants get the most out of the NDIS budget.
So, in the end, the decision between NDIS self managed vs plan managed options depends on individual preferences, needs, and circumstances.
ADEC stands ready to support participants in either capacity. We ensure that your voice is heard, your goals are prioritised, and your rights are upheld. With a focus on empowerment and inclusivity, ADEC champions equality and works to enhance the lives of those it serves within Victoria's diverse communities.
Important Update on NDIS Claim Processing Times
The NDIA are taking longer to review and approve claims. Claims that previously took a day to process will now take 2-3 business days, with some payments potentially taking up to 10 days. During this review process, the NDIA may request additional information before approving the claim and making payment.
At ADEC, we understand that these changes might cause some concern. Our dedicated plan management team is here to make this transition as smooth as possible for our customers. We specialise in providing expert NDIS plan management in Melbourne, relieving you of the administrative burden and guiding you to get the most out of your NDIS budget.
Click here to find out more about how ADEC's NDIS Plan Management services can support you and your loved ones living with disabilities. Or call us on 1800 626 078 (toll free) or email info@adec.org.au for more information.