NDIS Self Management for Your Funds & Useful Tips

What is NDIS Self Management?

 NDIS self management is an option for patients, or family members, seeking to take on the responsibilities associated with managing their National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plan. Daily NDIS self-management tasks may include:  

• Administrative work and organization (i.e., record keeping, invoice tracking) 
• Budgeting and allocating funds 
• Paying bills and invoices 
• Providing documentation (e.g., invoices, receipts) for payment audits 
• Scheduling/Booking provider services 
• Drafting service agreements between you and your providers 
• Participating in plan reviews 

 By electing an NDIS self managed plan, participants must open a separate bank account to be utilized only for NDIS funding. The account must be in the NDIS participant’s name or a legal guardian’s name if the participant is a child. 

 NDIS self managed participants will most likely be expected to pay at the time of service, then submit a claim for reimbursement online in the NDIS portal. Most reimbursements take approximately two business days to process. 

Related Articles:

• What is the NDIS? – National Disability Insurance Scheme
• NDIS Service Agreement: What They Are & Benefits
• NDIS Practice Standards, Quality Indicators, Your Rights & Responsibilities 
• NDIS Cancellation Policy – Providers & Participants
• NDIS Price Guide 2021/2022: Pricing Information & Changes 

Is NDIS Self Management Right for Me?

 NDIS self management allows patients to maintain control and flexibility over their NDIS plans. However, NDIS self management can be rather time consuming, so it is important to weigh your options. See below for a list of pros versus cons when it comes to NDIS self management. 

Pros:

• Full control
• Flexibility
• Choice between registered and unregistered providers
• Financial and administrative skill set development

Cons:

• Time consuming
• Need to communicate with multiple providers and resources at once 
•  Need to resolve billing issues without assistance
• Payment for provider services may be expected upfront, therefore you will need to wait to be reimbursed

Choosing to self manage your NDIS plan equates to taking on multiple roles; financial analyst, support coordinator, administrative assistant, and plan manager. There are additional assistance programs and resources available for those participants who want to self manage their NDIS plan, but aren’t sure if they possess all the necessary skills. Suggested resources include: 

• Using a bookkeeping or accounting service 
• Streamlining your processes via helpful software applications 
• Selecting a support coordinator 
• Peer support groups

For more information regarding additional resources for NDIS self managed plans, reach out to your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) planner.

How Do I Opt into NDIS Self Management?

 To elect a self managed NDIS plan, you will need to nominate yourself so that the NDIA can determine your eligibility and suitability. NDIS self managed participants can also request NDIS worker screening clearances, which clear a person to work within specified roles and reduces the risk of causing harm to disabled persons.   

For more information on NDIS self management nomination, visit the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission website. 

Related Categories:

• Living Aids 
• Mobility/Walking Aids 
• Specialty Seating 
• Bathroom Equipment
• Bedroom Equipment 
• Wheelchairs 
• Hoists/Slings 

Where can I purchase supports for my self managed NDIS plan?

 When electing a self managed NDIS plan, there are various options for purchasing additional supports, such as:  

• Businesses and Organisations can be registered or unregistered as NDIS providers and can also provide additional support to NDIS participants through purchased service offerings
• Self-Employed Contractors can be registered or unregistered as NDIS providers as well. It is up to you to determine if your self-employed contractor has the proper qualifications and skillsets to help you manage your plan. Keep in mind that your self-employed contractor should always have an Australian Business Number (ABN) and insurance.

NDIS Self Management Tips

 Participants, currently enrolled in NDIS self managed plans, recommend the following: 

• Generate a new email address to be used solely for NDIS related matters 
• Store a folder on your computer or on Google drive to manage invoices, receipts and other pertinent documentation

Additional Resources

Patient Handling, Australia’s leading supplier of disability and mobility aids, is a registered NDIS provider. Patient Handling can help you understand the benefits of NDIS self management and connect you with additional resources. You can contact Patient Handling by calling 1300 734 862.  

Check out the Patient Handling blog to “Understand the NDIS and How You Can Benefit From It.” For more details on product coverage, read “What Mobility and Transfer Products Are Covered by NDIS.”   

Further Assistance 

For more information about NDIS self-management, visit the NDIS Website or contact NDIS support at 1800 800 110 (Operating Hours: 8am – 8pm, Monday to Friday). If you require additional assistance, please contact myGov support or call at 1300 169 486 (Operating Hours: 7am – 10pm, Monday to Friday and 10am – 5pm, Saturdays and Sundays AEST).