When it comes to disability support, there are a few different key players that work together to provide care and assistance. In this post, we’re going to take a look at two of those roles – plan managers and support coordinators – and highlight the differences between them. Keep reading to learn more to see what assistance they offer to NDIS participants!
What is a Plan Manager?
A plan manager can help you with the financial management of your NDIS plan. They can assist you with claiming, budgeting, and managing invoices and payments for the disability-related services and supports that you receive.
Plan managers can also provide you with advice and support around the types of services and providers that might be best for you, based on your individual needs. They can also help you to understand your plan and what supports are available to you. The service is fully funded by the NDIS so there are no out of pocket costs.
Types of assistance a Plan manager will give you:
- Receive and pay invoices on your behalf
- Manage your funding budgets
- Manage financial reporting for your NDIS plan review and audits
- If needs be assist you in choosing the right support providers
What is a Support Coordinator?
A support coordinator provides you with information, advice, and guidance around the types of services and providers that might be best for you, based on your individual needs. They can also help you to understand your plan and what supports are available to you. Whether you’re plan-managed, self-managed, NDIA-managed or a combination of both, you can access a Support Coordinator to manage the support you need.
Support coordinators can also provide practical assistance with putting together your NDIS plan, making sure that all the necessary paperwork is in order, and connecting you with the right service providers.
Types of assistance a Support Coordinator will give you:
- Select the supports and providers that suits you best
- Connect you with community services
- Assist in preparing for your plan renewal, plan review and service agreements
- Discuss with your plan manager on how to correctly allocate funds
The difference between Plan Managers and Support Coordinators
So, what’s the difference? Essentially, plan managers can help you with the financial management of your NDIS plan, while support coordinators can provide you with information and guidance around the types of services and providers that might be best for you.
Depending on your individual needs, you may work with both a plan manager and a support coordinator, or just one or the other. Either way, these are two key players who can help you to get the most out of your NDIS plan!
How can we assist you?
At Greater Northern Community Services we aim to work closely with your Support Coordinator and Plan Manager to ensure you can make the most of your NDIS funding and have more time to enjoy life. If you don’t have either a Support Coordinator or a Plan Manager we can connect you to services that we trust and are reliable to facilitate your needs.
Our aim is to help participants live independently and participate fully in the community. If you would like to access our services, please contact us on support@greaternortherncs.com.au or 1300 228 311.