Capacity Building Supports budget: Choice and Control

Choice and Control (Improved Life Choices) helps you with the management of your National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) plan.

With this funding, you can engage a third-party Plan Manager to help you manage the financial side of your NDIS plan.

What is Capacity Building support?

This is one of the support budgets you may have funding for in your NDIS plan (the other support categories are Core funding and Capital supports).

Everything in your Capacity Building budget is designed to help provide tools and resources to enhance independence, build confidence, and help you navigate through life better. There are various categories within this budget that offer different types of supports, which you may receive funding for.

Related: What is NDIS Capacity Building?

Understanding NDIS Improved Life Choices

This builds your financial skills, your ability to direct supports, and helps you stay across the details of your plan through specialist financial assistance.

With Improved Life Choices, NDIS funds can be used to engage a Plan Manager. Plan Managers are able to provide support services regarding the financial management of your plan, and ensure you stay compliant with current NDIS guidelines.

If you would like funding in this support category, you must request it at your next planning meeting.

The category sits under your Capacity Building budgets but does not impact any other funding – meaning if you’re approved for Improved Life Choices, it won’t affect your existing budget pool.

Who does this help?

Plan Management gives you more time to focus on what’s important to you, and more options when purchasing supports. If you’re plan managed, you can use both NDIS-registered and non NDIS-registered providers; however, the support must still be compliant with current NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits.

This can be a great choice for NDIS participants who:

• Are time-poor
• Have complex situations or support needs
• Want a stress-free alternative to self-management
• Are not confident in managing their own plan
• Are new to their NDIS journey and want more choice than agency management provides

If you would like more flexibility but are struggling to navigate the often-complex system, engaging a plan manager could be the right solution for you.

Similarly, it can provide peace of mind for nominees of NDIS participants because it gives them space to tackle the everyday support aspects of the plan – instead of worrying about financial responsibilities and administrative tasks.

Related: What is NDIS Plan Management (and is it right for me)?

What does an NDIS Plan Manager do?

They take the financial aspects off your plate and handle them for you, which can be invaluable when it comes to making decisions about your required disability related supports.

This includes:

• Processing invoices to the NDIA, so providers are paid in a timely manner
• Monitoring budgets to ensure you’re on track (and not spending too much or too little over the life of your plan) and providing monthly statements
• Coordinating service agreements between you and your support worker or provider, making sure any services are compliant with the latest NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits
• Handling record keeping, reporting, and other financial administration so you can focus on daily living and reaching your goals

Note: These support services are different to the role of a NDIS Support Coordinator – though both help support your best interests and greater independence in various ways.

Related: NDIS Plan Manager vs Support Coordinator Explained

Checking your Plan for Improved Life Choices

If you’re unsure whether this is included in your existing plan funding, don’t worry – it’s easy to check in your myNDIS app. From there you can view your budget, your plan information, and personal details.

When you look at your plan details, check to see if Improved Life Choices is present under your Capacity Building budget. 

What can you purchase with Improved Life Choices?

You can only use your Improved Life Choices funding to purchase plan management services. This is divided into two line items:

1. A one-off set up fee, which will also apply whenever you start a new plan
2. The monthly cost of financial management arrangements (your ongoing, recurring fees for this support)

These are both covered entirely by the NDIA for approved participant plans, so there won’t be any out of pocket cost to you.

Adding Improved Life Choices to your NDIS Plan

You have a right to request a review of your personalised plan if there’s a change in your life that means you need more, less, or different supports for your current disability-related needs. You can also request this if your current plan is about to end.

If you would like to add Improved Life Choices to your NDIS plan, you’ll need to notify your NDIA Planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC). The NDIA must approve your request for this funding before it’s added to your plan and available for use.

For newcomers: If you are just starting your NDIS application process, you’ll find more information about evidence and eligibility in our Complete Guide on How to Apply for Funding.

Choosing the right providers

Once you have approval for NDIS funding, you will then choose your plan management provider. This can seem a little daunting sometimes because your plan manager works very closely with your private details. 

Your ideal plan manager should be easy to get in touch with, offer personalised service (so you can avoid explaining your situation every time you make contact), and have stringent processes to ensure your plan is compliant with NDIS requirements.

Questions for potential providers:

1. Can this provider be directly contacted at convenient times?
2. Will they be able to deliver the level of service you need to reach your goals?
3. Do they have transparent and proactive processes to manage payments, invoicing, budgets, and claims?
4. Are they experts in NDIS funding, and therefore able to help you navigate your NDIS journey?
5. Are you able to access a view of your budgets and spending anywhere, anytime, on any device?

Related: How to Choose the Best NDIS Plan Manager for Your Situation

NDSP: Your NDIS Plan Management Specialists

We empower NDIS participants living with disability across Australia. As your NDIS plan management specialists, we offer comprehensive, accessible services to help you on your NDIS journey.

From our easy-use online Nappa portal to our responsive, friendly team, we make it easy for you to stay across your budgets and ensure your providers are paid on time. And if you want further education on the NDIS and plan management, try our free online participant toolbox – or call our team on 1800 63 63 77 for a chat.

If plan management sounds right for you, or you’re looking to engage a new plan management provider, why not contact NDSP today for more information – we’d love to help.