Self-managing your NDIS plan means you can have choice and control of your support.
In this guide, we will explain how NDIS self-management works and how you can find support on your own terms through Mable.
How to start self-managing NDIS plans?
Self-managing your NDIS funding is a path that allows you to choose your support to meet your lifestyle goals. By self-managing your NDIS plan, you will have the choice, flexibility and capacity to connect directly with your support team. This also gives you the ability to negotiate costs and gives you the freedom to control your journey.
When you have a self-managed NDIS plan, you can tailor your services to meet your individual preferences. As a bonus, understanding your NDIS support budget categories helps to allocate funds effectively.
At Mable, we’re here to make sure everyone seeking support has access to these benefits – not just those with a self-managed NDIS plan. We are also here to provide guidance on navigating the NDIS support budget categories so you can get the most out of your funding.
How does NDIS self-management work?
If you self-manage your NDIS funds, you can connect directly with independent disability support workers, schedule support sessions, organise meet-and-greets with workers and pay for supports.
What fundings are available in a self-managed NDIS plan?
With a self-managed plan, people with disability might receive up to 3 types of support budgets – core budget, capacity building budget, and capital budget.
- The core budget covers assistance with daily living, social and community participation, transport or consumables (these include everyday items you may need).
- The capital budget covers the costs of any assistive technologies or home modifications you might purchase.
- The capacity-building budget covers living arrangement costs, employment-related support, training, wellbeing and health costs, and more.
What are the benefits of self-managing your NDIS plan?
More choice and control
If you self-manage your NDIS plan, you have control over the ‘who, what, when, where, and how’ of your support.
You have complete control over your support journey, which means;
- Things are likely to get done in a timely manner
- You don’t have to be at the mercy of another person or organisation
- You don’t have to chase to ensure bills are correct and get paid on time.
You can engage non-registered providers
As a self-manager, you can purchase support from anyone running a business. They don’t have to be a registered disability service provider. They can be a company, charity, not-for-profit, independent contractor or any other type of business.
For example, you can book support workers on Mable to receive various support services such as cleaning, gardening, meal preparation and grocery shopping.
The only exception is if you want to purchase Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) or Specialist Behaviour Supports. These can only be provided by NDIS-registered providers.
More transparency about use of funds
Because you manage your own NDIS funding, you know about invoicing, payments, expenses and claims. You can track exactly how and where your funds are being used.
You can also use the information on the NDIS portal to see how you are spending your funds.
No unnecessary fees
Potentially more support hours
When you self-manage your NDIS plan, there are no unnecessary fees, and you can negotiate rates with workers because self-managed participants don’t need to adhere to NDIS price limits.
How to self-manage my NDIS plan and what do I need to do?
Engaging supports that align with the goals in your NDIS plan
Making agreements with your providers
Selecting an NDIS provider that suits your individual needs is crucial for achieving your care goals. When self-managing your NDIS plan, Mable will allow you to take more control over your support choices so you can engage workers that match your needs and lifestyle.
It’s important to consider things like qualifications, rates and making sure agreements are documented for insurance coverage. When you consider NDIS self-managed vs plan-managed options, self-management can give you more choices and autonomy.
Managing your budgets
A spreadsheet detailing the ins and outs of the funding across the life of your plan will be a helpful addition to your self-managed NDIS plan. You can also set up a separate bank account (if you wish) for all NDIS transactions.
The account must be in the name of the person responsible for self-managing the supports. This may be the person with a disability if they are managing their own plan, the nominee, or a child representative for participants under 18.
Having a separate bank account makes tracking funds easier and is helpful during an audit if that happens.
Paying for your supports on time
Paying your workers on time is important because it creates trust and builds assurance around your continued quality of care. Any delays can disrupt services, and it’s not fair to the workers who rely on prompt payments for their livelihoods.
If you’re worried about missing payments, consider setting up automatic reminders and schedules for reviewing and paying your invoices. For those learning how to self-manage their NDIS plan, using shared digital calendars can help keep you on top of payment deadlines.
Keeping records of invoices and receipts for five years
Effective tracking of your financial documents is essential for a smooth journey with self-managing your NDIS plan. Using digital tools like spreadsheets and money management apps can help to keep you organised. There’s a section in the Mable platform under Support Notes where you can jot down important information you’d like to remember.
You can also encourage your supports to submit their invoices and notes on time. Communication and action is the perfect combination when it comes to self-managing your NDIS plan.
Managing your support team
When you self-manage your NDIS plan, it’s essential to foster good relationships with your support workers. Regular communication and casual catch ups are equally as important in this special partnership.
When you first start working with someone new, take the time to talk clearly about agreements, hourly rates and job expectations. You should be completely transparent to prevent misunderstandings. Pay on time, let your supports know you appreciate them and keep those communication lines open.
The combination of these factors will set up a wonderful foundation for a positive care environment.
How does Mable fit in with a NDIS self-managed plan?
Whether you are self-managing your NDIS funds or going with the plan-managing option through a provider, you can use your funds to book a support worker on Mable.
Mable is an online platform that connects clients looking for disability support with independent contractors or sole traders that are verified by the Mable Team. This includes the NDIS Worker Screening Check and Working with Children Checks. As a self-manager, you can directly book independent disability support workers on Mable.
By booking and managing support through Mable:
- You have choice and control over who supports you, when and where they support you, and how much you pay for the support.
- You’re safeguarded by Mable’s strict approval and verification process and the high-level suite of insurance arranged by Mable on behalf of support workers.
There are two ways to book support workers on Mable — by searching for support workers or by posting a job ad on Mable. The benefit of posting a job ad is that you can get really specific about your support needs.
With Mable, users can book support workers, and our platform will handle the invoicing for you. Payment methods vary based on management type, but all records of support hours are accessible in your Mable account. Mable also supports plan-managed funding.
Learn more about Mable payment processes.
We hope you found this NDIS self-management guide helpful.
FAQs
What are the differences between self-managed vs plan-managed NDIS plan?
The key differences between self-managed and plan-managed NDIS plans are control and admin responsibilities. Essentially, you have full control over your funds, including the flexibility to choose any provider, set your own rates, and directly manage payments and service agreements.
On the other hand, plan-managed NDIS plans involve a third-party manager who handles these admin tasks for you. They will make sure your plan is NDIS compliant, but plan managers can limit your care options and budgeting. Mable supports both management options, allowing you to book support workers, track hours and manage payments seamlessly.
Read more information about how to manage your NDIS funding.
How do I start finding support workers for my self-managed NDIS plan?
To start building your ideal team of support workers for your self-managed NDIS plan, you need to choose the types and levels of support or assistance you need. This means figuring out your daily needs, personal care, and specialised services, like therapy.
When you've locked in your requirements, you can search Mable's network of independent workers based on location, experience and skill. Mable's platform allows you to review profiles of potential workers, see their qualifications and check out their rates to find the best match for your needs.
Find out more info on how you can build your support team.
