What are the differences between support coordination and plan management

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an Australian government-sponsored program that provides income and support for people with disabilities. The NDIS aims to help people with disabilities achieve their goals and live their lives fully. However, navigating the NDIS can be difficult, especially when understanding the different types of support available. The two main areas of NDIS support are support coordination and planning management, which often require clarification. This article examines the differences between support coordination and plan management in the NDIS.

What is Support Coordination?

Support coordination are services provided by the NDIS to help people with disabilities navigate the NDIS system and connect with other support services. Support coordinators act as a guide or support person with a disability, helping them understand their NDIS plans, access the right services, and organize their support. Trust support coordination can help individuals identify their goals, develop their NDIS plans, and decide on their needed services.

 

There are three levels of support coordination in the NDIS: Support connection, coordination of Support, and specialist support coordination. Support connection are the highest level and help people understand the NDIS process and connect with community services. Supportive support provides more support in service planning and developing NDIS plans. A combination of specialist support coordination requires strong support and assistance for people with complex needs.

What is Plan Management? 

Plan management, another service provided by the NDIS, focuses on managing people's NDIS budgets and plans. Plan management includes: 

 

• Manage the financial aspects of the NDIS scheme, including payments to providers. · 
• Budget control.
• Cash register. 

The Planning Officer acts as a financial intermediary between the person with a disability and the NDIS.

 

There are three ways to manage the NDIS plan: self-managed, plan-managed, and NDIA-managed. Self-directed plans involve working money and making payments directly, while managed plans involve appointing a plan manager to manage money and make payments on the person's behalf. The NDIA-managed scheme means that the NDIS manages funding and direct payments. 

The difference between support coordination and plan management 

The main difference between support coordination and plan management is their purpose. Support coordination focuses on organizing services and helping people get the support they need to achieve their goals. In contrast, plan management focuses on managing the financial side of the NDIS plan. Although support coordination and plan management aim to support people with disabilities, they have different roles and responsibilities within the NDIS.

 

Another key difference between support coordination and plan management is who provides the work. Several service providers can provide support coordination, including allied health professionals, social workers and disability support staff. Alternatively, plan management is handled by registered NDIS plan providers. 

It is important to note that although support coordination and plan management are separate services, they can work together to provide a comprehensive approach to NDIS support. For example, a support coordinator can help people identify their goals and connect them with their needed services. At the same time, a project manager manages the finances and payments for those services. 

Navigating the NDIS can be difficult, but understanding the difference between planning reliable support and managing the scheme can help people with disabilities make informed decisions about their support. Hi Five is a registered NDIS consultant and scheme manager who helps you get the most out of your money but also helps you achieve your goals. Whether planning management, trust support, personal care, home support and community access, psychosocial recovery or elder care, Hi Five is always with you. As Australia's premium disability service provider, we proudly offer the Victorian disability community flexibility, choice and control.