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Having a Plan Manager gives you the freedom to stay in control of your NDIS Plan, your provider choices and your personal goals, without having to worry about managing funding, invoices, and providers yourself. How you can manage your NDIS plan There are three options that NDIS participants' can choose from to manage their National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding - Agency, Self or Plan Management. If you're agency-managed, the NDIA will manage your bookkeeping, records and will pay support providers on your behalf. Participants will only have access to NDIS registered support providers with this option. Self-management gives participants the option to manage their own finances. This option also allows Participants to choose from both NDIS registered and unregistered support providers. It's important to know that no additional funding will be provided if you choose to self-manage. Plan management gives participants the freedom that comes with being self-managed without needing to manage the financial aspects of their plan. Participants who are plan managed can choose to engage registered and unregistered service providers, giving them greater choice and control over who is part of their support team. If you’d like to be plan-managed, you can incorporate this into your NDIS plan at no extra cost. Plan management is offered under the Improved Life Choices category and can be addressed during your planning meeting. Once the support is deemed reasonable and necessary by the NDIS, you can employ a plan manager. How to deal with a mediocre Plan Manager Deciding to incorporate a plan manager to keep track of your NDIS funding is a great option for those wanting to spend more time focused on their personal goals rather than the financial side of their plan. However, choosing the right plan manager for you can sometimes feel a little overwhelming. A plan manager needs to be a registered service provider with the NDIS. There are plenty of plan managers to choose from, but not all are created equal. It’s important to do your research and speak with each plan manager you’re considering before committing. When you have found a plan manager you like, it is an excellent idea to talk with them about creating a service agreement. That way you know you’ll be on the same page. A service agreement between yourself and your Plan Manager is a great way to open a discussion on: The types of supports and services you need How they will be provided How you and your provider will handle any problems if they arise A service agreement review date A cancellation policy If you already have a plan manager and you’re not happy with the support and services they provide, you can discuss reviewing your current service agreement, or organise to implement one if you don’t currently have an agreement in place. Alternatively you can seek out a new plan manager, one that fits better with your personal needs and goals. Each plan manager will have their own stipulations regarding a cancellation period if the partnership is not working. Typically, a cancellation period usually ranges from two weeks to a month. How a great Plan Manager can benefit Support Providers and their Participants Having a great plan manager does not only benefit NDIS participants, but also their support providers. The benefits of a plan manager for participants and support providers are: Flexibility, choice and control around your funding and the ability to employ or offer services that are not NDIS registered (for guidance on prices of supports provided, which are in line with the NDIS Price Guide for your region). Better time management and stress reduction when tracking expenses and invoices for both participants and support providers. Security and peace of mind between participants, support providers and Plan Managers can ensure a successful partnership and the management of funding reports and tracking, and invoice payments. Plan Management with First2Care First2Care is a registered NDIS provider of plan management support services, with more than 30 years of experience in financial management. Our goal is to provide dedicated and professional plan management services to all our plan managed participants; to help them dream, plan and live the life they want to live. We are truly independent plan managers, which means that we only provide plan management support service. This enables our plan managed participants to make informed decisions about their support arrangements and to maximise their NDIS plan funding. Your plan, your way. Read more about the benefits of working with an independent, professional Plan Manager. Alternatively, contact our friendly team on 1300 322 273 or support@first2care.com.au.

What’s the difference between registered and unregistered? Why would a service provider choose not to be registered with the NDIA? What does engaging an unregistered service provider mean for an NDIS participant? One of the benefits of choosing to be Plan Managed or Self-Managed over Agency Managed (NDIA) is access to both registered and unregistered service providers. But for some, the word ‘unregistered’ can make them feel uneasy. This term is often misunderstood, and as a result some participants miss out on the opportunity to work with a vast number of professional service providers who can help them achieve their NDIS goals. Registered vs. unregistered To put it simply, a registered service provider is someone who has registered their services and has been approved by the NDIS as a service provider. An unregistered service provider, has not completed this approval process but can still offer a valid service to participants. Agency Managed participants, will only have access to registered providers. Those who are Plan Managed or Self-Managed will have access to both registered and unregistered. When starting your NDIS plan, think about what kind of services you would like to access and whether the best option for you is to be Agency, Plan Managed or Self-Managed. One key difference is that only registered providers can claim their invoices directly with the NDIS, whereas an unregistered provider will send invoices to you or your Plan Manager for payment. Participants who are employing unregistered providers will need to manually claim funds back from the NDIS through their NDIS portal, or you can engage a Plan Manager to do this for you. Why some service providers don’t register The NDIS encourages service providers to register, but this process can take a lot of time, money and effort on behalf of the service provider. For this reason, there are many service providers who choose not to register with the NDIA. You might find that small businesses and sole traders often won’t register, and sometimes even larger businesses choose not to either. This effectively labels them as ‘unregistered service providers.’ It’s important to note that just because a service provider chooses to remain unregistered with the NDIS doesn’t mean you shouldn’t engage their services. Many unregistered service providers offer participants essential and highly skilled services, that can assist in them reaching their goals. Their services are still covered by the NDIS however funding for these services must fit within the price guide otherwise you will be required to fund any gap. Is using an unregistered service provider risky? There is minimal risk in engaging an unregistered service provider. Many of these service providers use their skills and dedication to improve the lives of people living with a disability. However, unlike NDIS registered providers, unregistered providers are not restricted, nor do they have to adhere to the same quality and safeguard requirements of the NDIS Commission. Which means, there are no audits done to show they are compliant with these requirements. If you are wanting to engage an unregistered service provider, one of the best things to do is to speak with your Plan Manager or if you’re Self-Managed, you can request certificates and other proof of qualifications from your chosen unregistered service provider. The fee charges an unregistered provider may levy still needs to be seen as reasonable and at market price. It is also advisable that when engaging an unregistered service provider that you enter into a Service Agreement with them in writing to ensure you know exactly what you are agreeing to upfront so that there is no misunderstanding between either party. Why choose an unregistered service provider? There are several reasons a participant might wish to engage an unregistered service provider instead of a registered one. These reasons may include: Access to a larger network of services to help fulfil your needs Before transitioning to the NDIS, you had already engaged a service provider who is unregistered and you’d like to continue with their services There might not be any appropriate registered service providers in your area You don’t feel the registered service provider options are a good fit for you regarding personality or particular needs Whatever your reason for considering an unregistered service provider, if you are unsure you can discuss this with your Plan Manager, Support Coordinator, Local Area Coordinator or directly with the service provider you’d like to engage. How to access unregistered service providers When it comes to accessing unregistered service providers, you will either need to be Plan Managed or Self-Managed. If you are Agency Managed and wish to engage an unregistered service provider, speak with your LAC or NDIA representative about switching to Plan or Self-Management instead. You can choose to have your NDIS funding Plan Managed by requesting it under ‘Improved Life Choices’ during your planning meeting. This comes at no extra cost to you and is incorporated in your NDIS plan. If you choose to be Plan Managed with First2Care, we can offer some guidance regarding registered and unregistered providers, as well as manage the claiming and processing of your invoice payments for all service providers, registered and unregistered, you engage. While we handle the administrative financial side of your plan, you can focus on your goals. You can easily track your invoices and spending in our online First2Care’s NDIS Plan Management platform. Read more about the benefits of working with a Plan Manager. Alternatively, register today on our FREE NDIS Plan Management platform, so we can start helping you best manage your plan today. Read more about First2Care’s Plan Management features. Over to you We hope this helps you understand the differences between registered and unregistered service providers, as well as the potential benefits of working with unregistered service providers. If you have had experience with using an unregistered service provider as either a Plan Managed or Self-Managed participant, let us know your experience in the comments below.

When it comes to managing and accounting for your NDIS funding, payments and expenses, the NDIA have a certain set of rules and regulations that need to be followed. Sound stressful? It can be! With the help of a Plan Manager, you can live your best life free from the financial stress of managing your NDIS funding. What are my options? No matter where you are in your NDIS plan, it’s important to consider what options you have for managing your NDIS funding. Agency Managed: The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) can provide financial management for participants. However, as an Agency Managed participant you’ll only have access to service providers who have taken the time to register their supports and services with the NDIA. Self-Managed: With Self-Management, you’ll be responsible for managing, recording, and keeping track of your NDIS funds. You’ll be able to choose both NDIS registered and unregistered providers who you’ll need to pay directly. Plan Managed: When it comes to stress-free choice and control for managing your NDIS funding, Plan Management gives you the best of both worlds. You can engage a Plan Manager at no out-of-pocket expense to help you manage your plan funding. Just like with Self-Management, you can choose from registered and unregistered service providers. Your Plan Manager will coordinate the invoices, claims and payments on your behalf, leaving you to focus on your goals and to live your life. What exactly does a Plan Manager do? Your Plan Manager will act as your personal NDIS accountant, helping you navigate the NDIS, track your goals and stay financially accountable. A Plan Manager is responsible for: Helping you understand your funding and how you can make the most of your plan; Receiving invoices and paying your providers for their services; Claiming funds from the NDIS portal; Adhering to the NDIS Price Guide; Keeping track of your funds; Providing regular budget reports so you can get the best value from your plan; and Managing financial reporting for your NDIS plan review and auditing. First2Care: Your Plan Management Secret Weapon You might think that having a Plan Manager will be a huge out-of-pocket expense. Luckily, it's the opposite. Having a Plan Manager included in your NDIS plan comes at no extra cost to you. If engaging a Plan Manager is the right move for you, the NDIA can add extra funds to your NDIS plan, so your service and support costs are never compromised. To make this happen, let your LAC or NDIA representative know in your next planning meeting. It’s as easy as that. At First2Care, we believe in empowering you to achieve your goals without the stress. By providing transparent financial assistance, you can be confident knowing the team at First2Care have got your back. Leaving you to focus on what’s important – you. Read more about the benefits of working with an independent, professional Plan Manager. If you would like to be Plan Managed by First2Care, you can fill in our First2Care Referral Form to take to your planning meeting, or contact our friendly team on 1300 322 273 or support@first2care.com.au.

Disability advocacy speaks to the fundamental needs, rights and interests of people with disability. Advocacy is important because your voice is important. Be heard. What is Disability Advocacy? Disability advocacy is acting, speaking or writing to promote, protect and defend the rights of people with disability. A disability advocate is someone who is independent from the National Disability Insurance Agency, the Commission and any NDIS providers who offer supports or services to people with disability. This is to remove any conflict of interest. Advocacy helps people with disability facing complex challenges, people who cannot advocate for themselves, or don’t have family, friends or peers who can support them in an informal capacity. Disability advocates can advocate for themselves or another person or group, to ensure choice and control is maintained and the person they are supporting has their voice heard. Types of Disability Advocacy In Australia, there are six broad models of how disability advocacy is approached in Australia. These are referred to as: Self-advocacy: Someone with disability who speaks for and represents themselves. Individual advocacy: A professional advocate, friend or volunteer on a one-to-one basis to prevent or address discrimination, abuse and neglect. Citizen advocacy: People with disability are matched with suitable community volunteers. Family advocacy: Parents and family members are provided assistance with advocating on behalf of the person with disability for a particular issue. Legal advocacy: The rights and interests of individual people with disability are upheld by addressing the legal aspects of discrimination, abuse and neglect. Systemic advocacy: Aimed at removing barriers and addressing discrimination to ensure the rights of people with disability. Why is disability advocacy so important? Although the NDIS has brought a huge shift in the supports and funding people with disability can receive and access, disability advocates are still important to help give people with complex and specialised issues a voice and a platform to advocate for their rights. Advocacy provides assistance and support to ensure that: Rights are upheld; Choice and control is maintained, and people with a disability have their voice heard; Any needs and viewpoints are presented to government, service providers and the broader community; and Changing of policies and practices to promote fair treatment and social justice for people with a disability. How to find a disability advocate If you have a disability or have family member, friend, or neighbour who might need further support navigating the NDIS, you can search the Disability Advocacy Finder to find Commonwealth, state, and territory government funded disability advocacy agencies in your local area. If you’re wanting more information on disability advocacy, our friendly team at First2Care can help. Read more about the benefits of working with an independent, professional Plan Manager. Alternatively, contact our friendly team on 1300 322 273 or support@first2care.com.au.

You’ve applied for the NDIS, been approved and decided to engage a Plan Manager to help you manage the financial and administrative aspects of your plan. But with so many Plan Management options out there, how do you know which is the right one for you? Plan Management Plan Management is one of the three main options – alongside Agency and Self-Management – that you can choose to manage your NDIS plan. Plan Management is an excellent choice for participants wanting more choice and control over their plan, without the stress of managing their plan themselves. With a good Plan Manager on your team, you can unlock the full potential of your NDIS plan. But not every Plan Manager is the same, and not every Plan Manager will be the right fit for you. What makes a Plan Manager right for you? (written by Bec Fitzpatrick) Trust and rapport The bonds you form with your support team are integral to your NDIS journey. Just like your other service providers, your Plan Manager needs to match your values and make you feel comfortable. NDIS registration Although you can use registered and unregistered service providers if you are Plan Managed, the Plan Management company you choose to engage will need to be registered with the NDIS. Only a registered NDIS provider can submit claims on your behalf using the online myplace portal. Disability sector knowledge The NDIS is governed by a set of rules, regulations and legislations that can sometimes be difficult to understand. And much of what’s written can be technical jargon. Your Plan Manager should have an intimate knowledge of the NDIS, to be able to translate information and answer any questions you have. Financial expertise Your Plan Manager will be responsible for paying your services providers and advising on what you can and can’t spend your money on. You need to find someone with the right skills for the job. Look for a Plan Manager with an accounting or bookkeeping background (like we have at First2Care). This experience will help you achieve the best support outcomes from your budget. Transparency While you won’t personally manage your money, it’s still important for you to be kept in the loop. Choose a Plan Manager that uses an NDIS Plan Management platform you can log into. You should be able to see all your transactions in real-time. You can also ask if they’ll provide up-to-date monthly overviews for you to track the status of your NDIS budgets. Efficient processes When you’re relying on support from your service providers, you want to know that they’ll be paid on time. Delayed payments can leave providers waiting and frustrated, which can be damaging to your ongoing relationship. Before choosing a Plan Manager, find out if they have a structured invoice payment process, including turnaround times. Ease of communication With a Plan Manager, you should feel relaxed knowing that you have an NDIS expert by your side. You want to know that you can access their support when you need them. When choosing a Plan Manager, find out how they communicate with their clients. Do they use email, face-to-face meetings or talk over the phone? Do they communicate clearly in words or ways you understand? Will you be able to talk to them at any time or only at your scheduled meetings? It’s important that the way they communicate works for you. Plan Management with First2Care At First2Care, we are solely dedicated to helping our Plan Managed participants to maximise their plan while they maintain choice and control. Our friendly, professional Plan Management team act as your personal NDIS accountant throughout your journey. Our Plan Managers will: Help you understand your funding and how you can make the most of your plan; Receive invoices and pay your providers for their services (within 48 hours); Claim funds from the NDIS portal; Adhere to the NDIS Price Guide; Keep track of your funds; Provide regular budget reports so you can get the best value from your plan; Manage financial reporting for your NDIS plan review and auditing; and Always put you and your needs first. With First2Care on your team, you can be confident knowing you’ll be receiving the very best in Plan Management. While our team takes care of your financial and administrative tasks, you can focus on what's important – you and your goals. Read more about the benefits of working with an independent, professional Plan Manager. Alternatively, contact our friendly team on 1300 322 273 or support@first2care.com.au.

Throughout your NDIS journey you’ll interact with a number of people working in various supporting roles like Local Area Coordinators, NDIA Planners, Support Coordinators and Plan Managers. Each of these offer different types of support to help you manage your NDIS plan. Knowing what their roles and responsibilities are can help you to maximise your support network, ensure your NDIS plan is being implemented as intended and ultimately help you work towards your goals. Local Area Coordinators and NDIA Planners Local Area Coordinators (LAC’s) and NDIA Planners have a similar role. Both your LAC and NDIA Planner can help you to: Access and understand the NDIS Create and implement your plan Review your plan if there are any changes to be made or when you’re in need of a new plan at the end of your planning period Connect with support services and your community It’s important to understand that the main difference between a LAC and NDIA Planner is that an LAC will need to make their recommendations to the NDIA regarding a participant’s NDIS plan and cannot approve a plan themselves, whereas NDIA Planners are employed directly by the NDIA and have the ability to approve participant plans. Remember that your LAC and NDIA Planners are available to answer questions you may have throughout your plan. Support Coordinators Support Coordinators can help you to implement your supports and build your capacity and skills. If you receive NDIS funding for Support Coordination, you can choose the Support Coordinator you would like to work with. At the start of your plan, a Support Coordinator will usually assist you a few hours per week to help set up your supports. The contact support hours you will have with a Support Coordinator will likely reduce when your supports are set up and you have the capacity to manage this on your own. A Support Coordinator will: Explain how your NDIS plan works Help you build your capacity and skills so that you understand your plan and how to use it to achieve your goals Help you connect with, select and engage the right supports and service providers for you Help you to negotiate with providers about the supports they will offer, the cost and arranging a service agreement Assist you to prepare for your plan review meeting Arrange assessments Talk with your Plan Manager to allocate funding If you think Support Coordination will be of benefit you, it’s a good idea to discuss this with your LAC or NDIA Planner during your initial Planning Meeting or Plan Review Meeting. That way, they can consider your support needs and determine whether funding for Support Coordination should be included in your NDIS plan. Plan Managers Plan management is one of the three NDIS plan management options you can choose from to manage the financial side of your NDIS plan. Think of Plan Managers as your personal accountants. They manage the daily financial and administrative tasks associated with your NDIS plan and can help you to make informed decisions about your plan funding. Plan Managers will: Process and pay invoices on your behalf Help you to keep track of you funding and budgets Manage your financial reporting Store invoices and information for you Like Support Coordinators, Plan Managers are separate from the NDIA. This means you are able to choose the right Plan Manager for you. With a Plan Manager you can have more flexibility, choice and control over your plan, as well as access to both registered and unregistered service providers who can help you with your support needs and goals. Plan management comes at no extra cost to you. So, if plan management is right for you, be sure to discuss this in your initial planning meeting, your plan review meeting or at any time with your LAC. Plan Management with First2Care We are a truly independent Plan Manager, which means that our only focus is you. We provide tailored support services to all our plan managed participants to ensure that you always maintain choice and control over your plan. To ensure that we provide the very best service, we have a team of Case Managers who work closely with participants and their families, nominee or representative. Our Case Managers: Help explain NDIS funding and budgets Ensure budgets are on track Provide advice and strategies to manage overspending or underspending on budgets Connect participants with Support Coordinators if funding has been allocated for this Answer questions about reasonable and necessary and assisting Participants to make informed decisions Our goal is to do plan management your way. Having a better knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of LAC’s, NDIA Planners, Support Coordinators and Plan Managers can help you to understand what your support needs are, who can provide the assistance you need, and how they can help you to manage your NDIS plan and achieve your goals. Read more about the benefits of working with an independent, professional Plan Manager. Alternatively, contact our friendly team on 1300 322 273 or support@first2care.com.au.

There are three options when it comes to managing your NDIS plan - Agency, Self or Plan Management. And figuring out which is the right option for you, especially when new to the NDIS, can sometimes be a little overwhelming. Luckily, no matter what stage you're at in your NDIS plan, you can always change your preferred management option by speaking with your LAC or NDIA representative. Agency Managed, Self-Managed & Plan Managed It’s important to know the difference between the ways you can manage your NDIS plan effectively, and what might be the best option for you. Agency Managed – This is where the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) manages your funding for you. The NDIA will hold and pay your Service Providers through the NDIS Portal. You will be restricted to using NDIS registered services only. Self-Managed – Choosing to manage your plan funding yourself, gives you more Service Provider options, both registered and unregistered. You will be responsible for managing your funding, paying invoices, liaising with Service Providers and the NDIA, ensuring you keep detailed records for plan reviews and that all your expenditures are eligible and correctly assigned to the correct funding buckets. Plan Managed – This option is one that provides you with the freedom of accessing registered and unregistered Service Providers (like with self-management) but without having to manage the funding. A Plan Manager will act as your personal bookkeeper and record holder, overseeing payments, invoices, ensuring you aren’t over or underspending, provide you with necessary financial statements in the lead up to your plan review and advise you on whether the expenditure is allowed and correctly allocated against your funding budget. How does Plan Management fit into your NDIS Plan? There are certain factors that must be included in a participants’ NDIS plan, such as who will manage the financial aspects and what goals you have. An NDIS plan must include: A statement of goals, objectives and aspirations The environmental and personal living arrangements, informal community supports, other community supports, and social and economic participation A statement of supports, which need to be approved by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) A review date (usually in 12 months after the commencement of your plan) A plan management option Why you should consider being Plan Managed Being Plan Managed gives you greater freedom, choice and control over your NDIS plan. It gives you the very best elements of being Agency Managed – such as having someone manage your finances - and Self-Managed – such as having more choice on the supports and service providers you engage. A Plan Manager will act as your personal NDIS adviser and bookkeeper. They can help you navigate the NDIS and track your goals and finances. A Plan Manager will: Provide access to NDIS registered and non-registered service providers Help you choose the right support provider(s) for your needs (if requested) Receive invoices and pay your providers for their services Track your supports and funding budgets Claim funds through the NDIS portal Adhere to the NDIS Price Guide Manage financial reporting for your NDIS plan reviews and audits Be your expert in NDIS funding matters And best of all, this service comes at no extra cost to you. If you wish to engage a Plan Manager, this can be incorporated into your NDIS plan but you must request funding for it in your discussions with your plan writer. Switching to Plan Management after your NDIS plan has started If you decide to transition from Agency-or-Self-Management to Plan Management, you’ll need to make a ‘plan management request’. This request should not only indicate your preference to now be Plan Managed, but who you would like to manage your NDIS funding. There are numerous Plan Managers you can choose from, and it is important that you select a Plan Manager that suites your personal needs and offers dedicated professional financial services and has the right systems and processes in place to maintain good communications with you at all times. When you have selected a Plan Manager, you can request a meeting with your LAC or NDIA representative. In the meeting, you can discuss with them the reasons you would like to make this change to your NDIS plan and how this change will benefit you in the short and long-term to achieve your goals. The benefits of Plan Management with First2Care Working with First2Care means you can let go of any financial stress you may have regarding your NDIS financial management obligations, and focus on your goals, objectives and aspirations. We have a dedicated and professional support team as well as our Case Managers who work closely with participants and their families, nominee or representative to ensure they are well supported, that they understand their NDIS funding, and how to make the most of their funding. At First2Care, we believe in providing Plan Management your way and we will tailor our support to suit your needs. Read more about the benefits of working with an independent, professional Plan Manager. Alternatively, contact our friendly team on 1300 322 273 or support@first2care.com.au.

There are three level of Support Coordination that can be included in an NDIS plan – Support Connection, Support Coordination or Specialist Support Coordination. While Support Connection and Support Coordination provide a good base for building your capacity, some participants may need a little extra assistance to connect with providers and to implement and manage their plan. This is where Specialist Support Coordination can help. What is specialist support coordination? Specialist support coordination is considered to be the highest level of support coordination available to NDIS participants. This type of support coordination is usually for participants who have more complex needs and require a higher level of support. It can also be for a participant in a crisis situation. Specialist support coordination is provided by an allied health professional who can assist you to manage challenges that arise in your support environment (e.g., health, education or justice services) to ensure a consistent delivery of supports and services. Your specific needs help to determine the specialist support coordinator, which can include an occupational therapist, psychologist, social worker or another type of qualified professional. The aim of specialist support coordination is to reduce barriers that are preventing participants from implementing or using their NDIS plan. Who is eligible? If you have complex support needs, you may be eligible for specialist support coordination. During your planning meeting or your plan review meeting, it’s a good idea to discuss specialist support coordination with your LAC or NDIA planner. That way, your LAC or NDIA planner can make a recommendation for specialist support coordination (if relevant) to be included in your NDIS plan. If you believe you need specialist support coordination and it wasn’t included in your plan, you can request to have your plan reviewed early. This can be a lengthy process, so be sure to do your research first before requesting an early plan review. What does a specialist support coordinator do? Your specialist support coordinator can assist with all the same things that a regular support coordinator can. However, unlike a regular support coordinator, they can provide necessary additional support. Your specialist support coordinator can: Connect you with relevant services and supports Help you negotiate your service agreements Set up appointment bookings for you Help you to understand and make the most of your NDIS plan Manage challenges in your support environment such as access to education, health or justice services Reduce barriers that are preventing you from implementing or using your NDIS plan as intended Help you to build your capacity Your specialist support coordinator can develop an intervention plan to be implemented by support workers (if necessary). Where to find a specialist support coordinator One of the best resources for finding a specialist support coordinator is to discuss this with your LAC or Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) partner. They may be able to connect you with a specialist support coordinator to suit your needs. Other resources are Google, Facebook groups and other disability focused forums, and recommendations from people you know. Some good questions to consider or ask a specialist support coordinator before engaging them: Is the person accredited and registered in their field? Do they have the appropriate training specific to your support needs? Do they have experience working with people with similar needs as yours? Are they well connected to NDIS supports and other networks? Are they caring, empathetic and understanding? Including specialist support coordination in your NDIS plan may be time limited. This means that it may only be included for a set amount of time to help you overcome specific barriers around implementing your NDIS Plan or accessing supports. Support coordinators at any level are there to help you implement your NDIS plan. However, when it comes to making decisions, that is up to you. Remember, it's your plan, your way. Read more about the benefits of working with an independent, professional Plan Manager. Alternatively, contact our friendly team on 1300 322 273 or support@first2care.com.au.

Keeping track of your NDIS budget can be the key to financially managing a successful NDIS plan. Budgeting is a vital step in your NDIS plan management as it can indicate to the NDIA how effectively you’re using your funding, if you are overspending or underspending on your budget, and whether you are receiving the right amount of funding that you need. If you don’t manage your budget properly, you can run the risk of overspending and having to pay out of your own pocket for necessary supports, or underspending and having your NDIS budget reduced following your annual plan meeting. Whether you overspend or underspend, it’s important to remember – don’t panic. There are options to help you manage this if either situation occurs. What to do if you overspend your NDIS budget For some, it can be all too easy to overspend on your NDIS budget. For participants who have overspent or are coming close to overspending on their budget, you can speak with your Service Provider(s) or contact your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) to discuss potential options with them. Explaining the situation to your Service Provider(s), can be incredibly helpful for both you and for them. This opens the dialogue to discuss if there are any solutions to ensure your supports can continue uninterrupted, or even to provide the possibility of a cheaper service you could access to reduce the risk of you needing to pay for supports out of your own pocket. Your Local Area Coordinator is another great point of contact should the risk of overspending occur. Through them, you can request an early review of your NDIS plan, with the potential of increasing your budget. It’s important to be mindful that this option can be quite a lengthy process, and is based on the evidence you provide proving it is both reasonable and necessary for a budget increase. There are no guarantees with this option, so it is best to keep on top of your budget from the start of your NDIS plan. What to do if you underspend your NDIS budget The first thing you need to know about underspending on your NDIS budget, is that it doesn’t necessarily mean your funding will be cut following your annual plan review. If you notice you’ve seriously underspent, think about the reasons why this might have occurred. Were you unsure on what you could use the money for? Did you have trouble accessing Service Providers in your region? Were there personal or health reasons that meant you couldn’t access services over a certain period? All of this, along with your spending history, will be considered at your next NDIS planning meeting. It’s also important to note, that at your annual planning meeting your spending history will be looked at whether you’ve underspent, overspent or spent accurately within you budget. If you have a large amount of funding remaining towards the end of your plan, although it might seem like a logical step, it’s not recommended you try to spend the remaining amount just for the sake of it. The risk of spending a large amount of funding quickly in the lead up to your planning meeting, is that it could be construed as unnecessary spending. Meaning, the potential negative impact of having too much funding remaining, then becomes a potential negative impact of unnecessary spending – a bit of a catch 22. What’s the outcome? Whether you’ve overspent or underspent, the NDIA indicates they will assess each new plan based on what is considered reasonable and necessary for the participant, not based on decisions regarding previous spending trends like over or underspending. Although, there are cases where this may not occur. One of the best ways to make sure you continue to have access to the funding you need, is to be prepared for your planning meeting. You’ll need to explain why you’ve either over or underspent to your LAC during your plan review, and be sure to provide plenty of supporting materials. How a Plan Manager can help Keeping track of your budgets, overspending, underspending, understanding what your funding can be used for, and preparing for your plan review… all of this can sometimes feel a little overwhelming, especially when you have other things, like achieving your personal goals, to think about. This is where a Plan Manager, like First2Care, can help. Having an independent Plan Manager track the financial side of your plan can be a great option for participants who are wanting the freedom of self-management, including access to both registered and unregistered service providers, but who don’t necessarily want to deal with the stress and workload of financially managing their plan themselves. You can include First2Care as your Plan Manager in your NDIS plan at no extra cost to you. Simply discuss this option with your LAC, and provide them with our referral form. One of the great benefits of having a Plan Manager to assist is that they provide a monthly summary report to tell you exactly where you are at each and every month. At First2Care, we pride ourselves on providing personal and professional financial assistance to NDIS participants. We offer a tailored service in keeping financial records, organising providers and payments, paying invoices and tracking expenses. If one of our Plan Managers notices you are over or underspending on your budget, they can discuss this with you and help create solutions for a well-managed plan. We also offer a free NDIS Plan Management platform, which we have designed specifically for our NDIS participants to help guide them through the planning process step-by-step. This includes: pre-planning, plan renewals, monthly budgets and reports, goals, and provider portals, which allows them to review the status of processing invoice and reconciliations, and how your budget is tracking. Read more about the benefits of working with a Plan Manager. Alternatively, register with our FREE NDIS Plan Management platform, so we can start helping you best manage your plan today. Read more about First2Care’s Plan Management features. Over to you Sometimes keeping track of your NDIS funding and spending can be tough. Which is why we offer professional and technological options to help you stay on track. We hope this gives you a better understanding of what could happen if you over or underspend on your NDIS budget, and what to do if this occurs. If you’ve had personal experience with over or underspending, or accessing the assistance of a Plan Manager to keep your funding on the right track, let us know in the comments below.