How to Choose the best Plan Manager

6 things to look out for when choosing your plan manager

There are literally more than one thousand businesses that offer plan management services, ranging from small accountancy firms to disability service providers and specialised organisations.

No matter what kind of plan manager you want, there are 5 qualities to look for that make a big difference:

1. Is Plan Management the only service they offer?

Your number one choice should be a specialist plan manager: a company that only offers plan management. This means they have no conflicts and built the expertise of their team to deliver a single service - plan management. 

2. Do they specialise in supporting particular Participants of specific disability types?

If you are a parent, look for a Plan Manager who can demonstrate how they are experienced at supporting parents. The same applies to specific disability types.

3. Do they have a human team based in Australia who will answer the phone?

Make sure your plan manager has a team that is prepared to answer your call and support you in understanding your NDIS plan

4. Do they have an Online Website and Phone App?

You need to be able to keep track of your claims, your service agreements and your funding levels. 

5. Do they keep track of your spending vs Plan funding?

A great plan manager checks that you are not overspending. They provide you with an easy way to check you funding levels and will advise you if your spending is getting too high.

6. How fast do they pay Providers?

Some Plan Managers hold onto funding for weeks before they pay your providers. This is unacceptable and may cause Providers to cease services.

Why should I choose Plan Management?

There's quite a bit of work that goes into managing the funds for an NDIS plan. If you self manage your funds, it can take up to 25 hours of your time every week. 

A plan manager looks after all the admin associated with your plan and makes sure your providers are paid accurately and on time.

A really good plan manager knows NDIS funding inside and out and will support you to keep track of your spending and get more out of your funds. 

You can access NDIS registered and unregistered providers through plan management, which NDIA management doesn't give you. 

A plan manager should also make sure provider prices keep within the NDIS price guide, so you don’t get overcharged for services.

Who does MyCareSpace recommend as the best Plan Manager?

Plan Hero Plan Managers is our number one choice. This is because:

1. They are a small specialist plan management company. This means they ONLY offer plan management and they are good at it.
2. They specialise in supporting parents. They are also especially knowledgeable about Autism and the supports needed by families supporting an autistic child.
3. They have a wonderful team of people with lived experience who answer the phone when you call.
4. Plan Hero had a fabulous Phone App and online website. You can access information about your plan 24/7
5. They watch your funding levels, letting you know if you are under or over spending. Their reporting tool shows you exactly where you are in your plan and spending.
6. The Plan Hero team pay their providers ASAP. They don't hold funding and make sure providers are looked after.

Find out more about Plan Hero    Sign up with Plan Hero