Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding the NDIS
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An NDIS plan outlines your goals and the supports you require to assist with your disability, as well as any funding you might receive. Your NDIS plan can be updated throughout your planning period and at the end of your planning period.
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If you wish to apply for NDIS plan funding but aren’t sure whether you meet the NDIS eligibility criteria, you can refer to the NDIS eligibility checklist, which includes:
Being aged between 9 to 65
Being an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Special Category Visa holder
Having a permanent and significant disability that affects their ability to function independently
If a person with disability meets these criteria, they can then apply to the NDIS for support.
If a child is younger than 9, an early childhood partner can provide supports to children before they apply, and let families know if the NDIS is right for their child.
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Do the terms: ‘Light touch plan review’, ‘plan extension’, ‘rollover’ ‘continuation’, ‘new plan with similar supports’ or ‘new plan with minor changes’ sound familiar? The NDIS have recent collated all those terms under one new heading - Plan Variation.
A plan variation is a process where minor changes are made to an existing NDIS plan when the needs and circumstances of a participant have changes. NDIS plan variations are crucial as they help participants to get the best out of their NDIS plan while ensuring that they receive the appropriate support they require.
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Formerly known as ‘plan reviews’, Plan Reassessments provide an opportunity for participants to review their current plan, discuss their goals and needs with their planner, and make changes to their plan accordingly.
Participants are encouraged to request a reassessment whenever there is a significant change in their circumstances, such as a change in health or medication, or changes in their living arrangements or support needs.
These reassessments ensure that participants have access to the right supports at the right time, enabling them to achieve their goals and live an independent and fulfilling life. It is essential for participants to be actively involved in their reassessment process and to communicate effectively with their planner to ensure that their needs are met and their plan is inclusive and comprehensive.
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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 valid services to participants.
Understanding the Plan Management
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NDIS plan management is a service provided under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) that assists NDIS participants to manage their NDIS funding and supports. This support helps participants to have more choice and control over their NDIS supports and reduce administrative burden.
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There are three options for managing your NDIS plan: Agency, Self and Plan Managed. If you would like to be plan managed, simply, ask the NDIS Planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) for plan management when your plan is being prepared. If you already have an active plan, you can make a request to include plan management in your plan at any time. You just need to ask for a ‘Plan Variation’.
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Plan management services come at no extra cost to you. When you request plan management (Improved Life Choices), the NDIS includes funding in your NDIS plan specifically for plan management.
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If you would like to change from agency management to plan management, contact your NDIA planner or LAC for a plan variation to change your plan. Although our team at In Choice Plan Management can’t make this change for you, we can help guide you through the process.
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Signing up for In Choice Plan Management is easy!
You can fill in our online form and we will send you a service agreement . Alternatively, you can send us an email via support@inchoice.com.au or call us on 1300 890 457.