Support Coordination vs. Plan Management: What’s the Difference?
Two essential services that often get confused are Support Coordination and Plan Management. Though both are designed to help participants maximise the benefits of their NDIS plan, they serve different purposes and offer unique forms of assistance.
What is Support Coordination?
Support Coordination is a service designed to assist NDIS participants in navigating and coordinating the various supports and services outlined in their NDIS plan.
Key Responsibilities of a Support Coordinator:
Connecting with service providers: Support Coordinators help participants find suitable service providers that align with their needs and goals.
Organising and coordinating supports: They ensure that services are running smoothly and effectively.
Problem-solving: If issues arise with service delivery or accessing supports, Support Coordinators can help address and resolve these challenges.
Building capacity: Support Coordinators also assist participants in building their confidence and capacity to manage their plan independently over time.
What is Plan Management?
Plan Management is a financial service that helps participants manage the budget and payments within their NDIS plan. A Plan Manager works behind the scenes to ensure that funds are allocated appropriately, invoices are paid on time, and participants are kept informed about their spending.
Key Responsibilities of a Plan Manager:
Budget management: Plan Managers help participants understand their funding and budget allocation across various categories like core supports, capacity-building, and capital supports.
Invoice management: They receive, approve, and process invoices from service providers, ensuring they are paid within the required timeframes.
Tracking and reporting: Plan Managers provide regular reports on how much of the NDIS budget has been used, helping participants stay on track with their spending.
Liaising with providers: They work with service providers to ensure all invoicing is correct and that participants aren’t overcharged or underpaid.
Can You Have Both Support Coordination and Plan Management?
Yes! Many NDIS participants choose to engage both Support Coordination and Plan Management simultaneously. This combination ensures that both the service coordination and the financial aspects of their NDIS plan are expertly managed.
Support Coordination ensures that participants have the right services in place and that their goals are being met.
Plan Management ensures that participants don't have to worry about the day-to-day management of their NDIS budget and invoices.
Having both can give participants the peace of mind that they are receiving comprehensive support that covers both practical and financial aspects of their NDIS journey.
If you’re unsure about which service you need, it’s a good idea to speak with your NDIS planner or a provider who can help guide you toward the best option for your situation.
