The plan administrator's role is to ensure that your plan is implemented as planned. This includes making sure that funds are spent according to your plan. Self-management consists of managing NDIS funds. It gives you the flexibility and the option to decide what supports to buy to achieve your plan's goals.
NDIS stands for National Disability Insurance Scheme. It is an organization that provides support to people with disabilities in Australia. The NDIS offers several benefits for people with disabilities, because with the help of these supports, they can live a safe and independent life. A key advantage of managing the plan is that it won't cost you more to have a plan administrator, as the NDIS itself takes care of it.
NDIS plan administration gives you the freedom and control to use your NDIS budget with the help of a plan administrator who manages your funds, pays your bills and monitors your budget. Plan administrators are also expected to follow the service expectations set out in the NDIS Guide to Plan Management. Each NDIS participant has the freedom to choose the administration option at their NDIS planning meeting. An NDIS partner in the community that provides local or early childhood coordination services can support you in implementing and monitoring the plan.
Having the right plan administrator can greatly improve the effectiveness of your NDIS plan and help build strong relationships with other experienced professionals. As for the administration of the plan, the NDIS funds you so that someone else can handle your procedures and manage your funds. If you use a plan manager, providers cannot charge more than the price limits described in the NDIS price agreements and price limits. Plan administration is not the same as having the NDIA manage your NDIS plan funds or you deciding to self-manage your plan.
The plan administrator may be required to refund any amount that hasn't been spent according to your plan. If your NDIS plan funds are being spent faster than expected and there is a risk that the funds will run out before your next review, the plan administrator should talk to you about it. No, the role of the plan administrator is not to determine if the supports or services purchased are “reasonable and necessary.” If the plan administrator detects excessive or under-planned spending, they should let you know as soon as possible, regardless of how often the reports are submitted. This will involve regular reporting on the budgets managed by the plan, as described in the NDIS Guide to Plan Management.
If you are not satisfied with that result or do not want to discuss the matter with your plan administrator, you can file a complaint with the NDIS Commission.
