Plan managers versus support coordinators
Plan managers and support coordinators are key players in the NDIS world when it comes to helping participants put their NDIS plan into action. But they both do so in different ways. We know how confusing it can be to keep track of who does what in the NDIS system, so here is a straightforward guide to how plan managers and support coordinators differ.
There is almost no crossover between the role of a plan manager and support coordinator. In short, a support coordinator will point you towards services that you can access with your NDIS funding and a plan manager will help you pay for these services.
Plan managers:
Not everyone will choose to have a plan manager, but every NDIS participant is entitled to one.
Let us explain, when you have a NDIS plan, one of the first questions asked is how do you want your funds managed. You can choose to manage them yourself or have the NDIA manage them on your behalf, or you can opt to be ‘plan managed’. In this case, the NDIA is obligated to provide you with additional funding so you can pay a plan manager.
The plan manager will take over all of the financial administration that is needed for a NDIS plan. This includes reviewing invoices and paying providers’ as well as tracking spending (this will help you to keep an eye on how much of the budget you have spent and how much is remaining). The plan manager will also manage and create financial reports that you can submit during your NDIS plan reviews.
They are the ultimate experts when it comes to NDIS funding and how it’s spent!
Support coordinators:
Unlike a plan manager, not every NDIS participant is entitled to have a support coordinator. Funding for a support coordinator is only provided in special circumstances. Usually, you will have to prove to the NDIA that you require a support coordinator because you lack an informal network (family and friends) that can help you connect with services.
This is the typical role of a support coordinator – they specialise in pointing you towards the service providers who are the best fits for your needs.
They can also help with arranging any assessments you need to qualify for services, liaise with your plan manager to help allocate funding, work with you to manage any service agreements you have in place, and assist you with prepping for your plan review!
You will usually have a lot of contact with your support coordinator when you get a new plan or when there are significant changes to your plan after a review. Once you are settled in with all of your supports and services, your support coordinator will check in occasionally to see how everything is going.
We hope that our guide has answered any questions that you have about plan managers and support coordinators, and the role they play in the NDIS world. If you would like to see a post on a specific question or topic, reach out and let us know!
