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01 February 2024

How to switch from agency or self management to plan management.

One of the important choices to make when it comes to your NDIS Plan is how your plan is managed.

You let the NDIS know how you’d like your plan to be managed at your NDIS Plan or plan reassessment meeting, which takes place in person or over the phone. However, you can request this to be changed at any time.

Here we take a look at the benefits of plan management and what to do if you want to change the way you manage your NDIS Plan.

Options for managing your NDIS Plan.

There are different options for managing your NDIS Plan depending on how hands-on you want to be with your budgets and funding.

There are four options:

  1.     Agency managed
  2.     Plan managed
  3.     Self manage
  4.     A combination of the above.

To find out more about each option, visit our information about What is plan management?

Why switch from agency management to plan management?

With agency management, the NDIA manages your budgets and pays providers on your behalf. You are only able to choose NDIS-registered providers.

Common reasons for switching from agency management:

  • The freedom to choose your own providers (registered and non-registered)
  • A support worker you want to use is not NDIS-registered
  • You want more support, advice and resources to help you make the most of your NDIS Plan.

Why switch from self management to plan management?

Self management is the hands-on option where participants look after their own budgets and are responsible for paying providers. A separate bank account is required for managing NDIS funds. People who self-manage can use both registered and unregistered providers.

Common reasons for switching from self management:

  • Get more support to manage your NDIS Plan and budgets
  • Spend less time doing paperwork and accounts
  • Access cheaper supports due to capped pricing.

The benefits of working with a plan manager like Leap in!

  • Get support through the entire NDIS Plan cycle
  • Get help to manage your NDIS budgets
  • We take care of paying your providers
  • No out of pocket expenses (the NDIS puts additional funds into your plan to cover the cost of plan management)
  • Use any provider and get help to find providers near you
  • Our experienced plan managers provide advice and information when you need it.

You’ll also get access to the free Leap in! app to track your budgets in real time, set goals, keep all your information in one place and be more prepared for NDIS Plan meetings.

How to make the switch.

Any person on the NDIS can ask to have plan management added to their NDIS Plan.

This can be done:

  • At your NDIS Plan meeting
  • At your NDIS Plan reassessment 
  • Anytime by contacting the NDIS. 

If you’re a little unsure of whether plan management is right for you, a combination plan is a good way to start. That’s where you only switch part of your plan to plan management, like Core supports for example.

How to endorse Leap in! as your plan manager.

If you’d like to work with Leap in! as your plan manager, you need to endorse us. This means we have your approval to be your plan manager and to pay invoices on your behalf. 

It’s important you do this at your plan meeting or reassessment, or you can contact us on 1300 05 78 78 and we can assist. You can also call the NDIS direct on 1800 800 110 and tell them you would like to endorse Leap in! as your plan manager.

Originally published 6 May 2020, revised and updated 1 February 2024.

 

Further reading.

Interested in learning more? Check out these related resources:

 

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