Support coordination and plan management are both parts of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). They help the participants in the implementation of their NDIS plans, but both do it in different ways. Because both these services have the same function, people often get confused about what each support does. We have made this guide to help you identify the differences between the two.
Complete Connect provides support coordination in Brisbane. They are registered service providers who can help you achieve your goals in the most efficient way possible.
Support Coordination
A support coordinator’s job is to make sure that you get the right support to fulfil your needs. They help the participants in putting their plans into action by connecting with the right support providers. Unlike plan managers, support coordinators don’t help the participants manage any financial aspects of their plans. They help you:
- Negotiate services with the service providers.
- Understand your NDIS plan completely.
- Advise and guide you throughout your NDIS journey.
- Arrange any required assessments.
- Help you in emergencies and times of crises.
- Attend plan review meetings with you.
- Enhance your ability to manage your own plan.
- Track your progress.
- Use the NDIS portal.
- Understand your service agreements.
How To Get Support Coordination?
Everyone is not eligible for support coordination. You will have to request this service in your initial plan meeting with the National Disability Insurance Agency, but the NDIA will only include it in your plan if the Agency considers this support reasonable and necessary for your needs. If it is not included in your current NDIS plan and your situation changes, you can request for a pan reassessment and request again.
After it is added to your plan, you can ask your NDIS planner to connect you with a support coordinator in your area. This support is funded under Capacity-Building Support which is the second category of the budget under NDIS and different from Core Supports.
Plan Management
The key difference between the two services is that while support coordination helps you manage different types of services in your NDIS plan, plan management helps you pay for those support services. A plan manager is responsible for ensuring that you spend the funding efficiently. Your plan manager can:
- Pay your service providers.
- Keep a record of your spending.
- Give financial advice to ensure safe spending.
- Help you increase financial independence.
How To Get Plan Management?
If you want to access the plan management support for your funding, you can let the Agency know that you would like to add plan management to your NDIS plan. There are no other conditions attached to this service. Unlike support coordination, all participants can access plan management. Participants can manage their funds in three ways, and they are free to choose any of them. You simply have to ask, and the Agency will add it to your plan.
You can find a plan manager at my place portal, or your support coordinator can help you find the right plan manager for your NDIS plan.
Support Coordination And Plan Management
You can also work with both a support coordinator and a plant manager at the same time if you need them. If NDIS finds you eligible for the services, they can be funded in the same plan, and it gives you an even bigger opportunity to enhance your skills and independence.
Still Confused?
If you want to know anything else related to support coordination and plan management, Complete Connect can help you understand these two services better. They are service providers who provide support coordination in Brisbane; contact them now and let their support workers guide you so you can understand the difference between the two services funded under NDIS.
