Coordinating your NDIS plan may be daunting, particularly if it’s your first time going through the process. Regardless of whether you’re self-managing, utilising a plan manager, or having your plan coordinated by the NDIA, the aim is to make certain that you’re getting the most out of your funding and achieving access to the assistance you require. But without knowing the system well and the correct strategy, it’s simple to get things wrong that can lead to lost opportunities, inefficient spending of funds, and undue stress.
In this blog, we will be talking about the most frequent errors that individuals commit when managing their NDIS plans and how you can prevent them. By knowing these errors and how to avoid them, you can manage your NDIS plan more effectively and maximize your funding.
Not Monitoring Your Expenditure Closely
One of the largest errors NDIS participants make is failing to monitor their expenditure closely. Your NDIS plan contains a certain budget for various support categories, and it’s crucial to monitor your expenditure to avoid exceeding your budget.
Though it’s tempting to believe that the NDIA will monitor your spending for you, you can find yourself in for a surprise when your money is exhausted or when you run short in a specific category. Checking your spending regularly will provide you with a good idea of how much of your funding is left and enable you to better control your budget.
How to avoid this mistake:
To prevent this error, implement a system for recording your expenditure. If you are having a plan manager assist you, they will most likely help monitor your budget and give you guidance on how you should be spending your money. If you’re managing yourself, you can employ the use of an NDIS app or spreadsheet to record your funds and expenses. Be sure to regularly review your NDIS plan and realign your expenditure with your requirements.
Not Seeking Assistance When You Need It
Most participants battle with the complexity of managing their NDIS plan, but they attempt to do it on their own without consulting. Whether you are not aware of how to claim services or you require consultation on how best to utilize your funding, not seeking expert advice can result in confusion and improper management of your plan.
Plan managers, support coordinators, and other professionals can assist you in navigating the process and ensuring that you’re getting the best out of your plan. NDIS portals and service providers can also help with any queries or issues you might have.
How to avoid this mistake:
If you’re unclear about any part of your NDIS plan, don’t be afraid to seek help. Plan managers, support coordinators, and even local area coordinators are good resources to have available to clarify your plan and how to make the most of it. If you’re self-managing, use online materials, NDIS support phone lines, and community organizations that can assist.
Not Preparing for Your Annual Review
Your NDIS plan is not fixed. It is reviewed every year (or earlier if needed) to make sure that it is still suitable for your needs. Yet, many participants forget to prepare for their plan review, which results in lost opportunities for more support or changes to their funding.
The review of your annual plan is an opportunity to determine if your plan is still serving you. It’s also a time to make changes based on your evolving situation. If you don’t prepare for the review, you may lose the opportunity to ask for more funding or assistance.
How to avoid this error:
Don’t miss out. Prepare for your annual review months ahead of time. Think about how your goals, needs, and perhaps any changes in your life over the past year might have changed. Document the support you’ve accessed, how effective it has been, and where you could do with more help. Be clear about your successes, your difficulties, and what lies ahead for you in support terms when you meet for the review.
Failing to Appreciate the Difference Between Plan Management Options
The most frequent error made by NDIS participants is failing to appreciate the various options through which they can manage their plan. There are three categories of plan management options: self-management, plan management, and NDIA-managed.
Self-management refers to managing every aspect of your NDIS plan, including making payments to providers and monitoring expenditure.
Plan management is where you have a third-party plan manager assist you with managing your funds and monitoring costs.
NDIA-managed means the NDIA takes care of paying the providers, and you have few options in selecting service providers.
Selecting the incorrect plan management choice may lead to unwarranted stress or limitations in accessing services you require.
How to prevent this error:
Take time to understand what each plan management option involves before you make a decision about what option is right for you. If you value flexibility and autonomy in choosing providers, plan management could be the best choice for you. Alternatively, if you like having autonomy over your money and paperwork, self-management could be for you. If you are not sure, a plan manager can assist in walking you through your choices and recommend the most suitable option for your requirements.
Failing to Emphasise Provider Agreements
One of the most frequent errors in managing an NDIS plan is failing to have formal and explicit agreements with service providers. Provider agreements specify the services being provided, the price, and any terms and conditions that you and the provider will need to accept. Without such agreements, confusion can occur regarding what is to be done, what is to be paid, and when the services are to be delivered.
How to prevent this error:
Ensure that you have a signed provider agreement before any services are delivered. This agreement helps to clarify expectations and ensures both you and your service providers are on the same page. It’s important to keep track of all agreements and review them regularly to ensure they reflect your current needs.
Not Taking Advantage of Flexible Categories
NDIS plans have the provision of flexible categories that are used to meet diverse needs, yet most participants don’t exhaust the flexibility offered. For example, if you still have unspent money in a category, it is possible to transfer them to another category where they can be utilized more.
How to avoid this error
Maintain communication with your plan manager or the NDIA if there is flexibility within your plan. If you determine that one category is not being utilized, speak with your plan manager about reallocating funds to a more significant need.
Conclusion
Good NDIS plan management is essential to ensure that you can access the right support and services to achieve your goals. By not making common errors such as not keeping track of your spending, not asking for help when you need it, and not preparing for your plan review, you can make sure your NDIS plan works for you. Always remember, you don’t have to go through the NDIS system by yourself. With the proper tools, assistance, and preparation, you can get the best out of your funding and establish a plan that really suits your needs.
