How to Choose an NDIS Plan Manager
Choosing the right NDIS plan manager is an important decision. Your plan manager handles the financial administration of your NDIS plan, so you want someone reliable, transparent, and responsive. Here is what to look for.
Check They Are a Registered NDIS Provider
Your plan manager must be a registered NDIS provider. This means they have met the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission's requirements and are approved to provide plan management services.
You can verify a provider's registration on the NDIS Provider Register. Ask for their NDIS provider number if it is not clearly displayed on their website.
Ripper Plan Management is a registered NDIS provider — Provider No: 4050158206.
Key Questions to Ask
Before signing up with a plan manager, ask these questions:
- How quickly do you process invoices? Look for providers who commit to a specific timeframe. At Ripper Plan Management, we process valid invoices within 2 business days.
- How will I see my budget? You should have access to regular statements showing your spending and remaining balance across all categories.
- What does your service cost me? Plan management should cost you nothing — it is funded by the NDIS separately from your other supports.
- Can I use unregistered providers? With plan management, you should be able to use both registered and non-registered providers. If a plan manager restricts this, it is a red flag.
- How do I contact you? Understand their communication channels and response times. You should be able to reach a real person when you need help.
- Do you charge any additional fees or commissions? Legitimate plan managers do not charge participants additional fees. Their services are fully funded by the NDIS.
What to Look For
Transparency: A good plan manager provides clear financial statements and is open about how your funding is being used. There should be no hidden fees.
Responsiveness: When you have a question or a problem, you need a plan manager who responds promptly. Ask about their typical response times.
Experience: Look for a plan manager with a track record in NDIS plan management. Experience means they understand the pricing arrangements, compliance requirements, and common issues.
Independence: Your plan manager should be independent from your service providers. This avoids conflicts of interest — they should not be steering you towards providers they are affiliated with.
National reach: Even if you live in a specific city, having a plan manager who operates nationally can be beneficial, especially if you travel or use interstate providers.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Charging you fees beyond what the NDIS funds
- Slow invoice processing (more than 5 business days is concerning)
- Lack of transparency about your budget or spending
- Pushing you towards specific providers they are connected to
- Difficult to contact or slow to respond to queries
- No clear NDIS registration details on their website
Making the Switch
If you are already with a plan manager and want to switch, you can do so at any time — you do not need to wait for a plan review. Simply complete a referral with your new plan manager and they will coordinate the transition.
At Ripper Plan Management, switching is simple. Complete our referral form and we take care of the rest, or call us on 03 9022 1229 to discuss your options.