How to use Plan Navigator

My Solas is here to help you on your journey accessing supports. Plan Navigator is designed to simplifying the supports in your NDIS plan. Whether you're trying to understand how to read your plan, or you're ready to start choosing your service and providers, with Plan Navigator you can do it all in just a few easy steps.

Key definitions

Here we've included a simple description of the key terminology that will appear in your NDIS plan. Refer back to this at anytime if you're unsure. 

In-kind supports

In-kind supports are for services where you already have an agreement in place with a provider to deliver that service. If they have already been paid to support you, they must continue to deliver this service 'in-kind'. If you wish to change providers, speak to your NDIS contact or support coordinator.

Recurring supports

This is money that is paid to you by the NDIS on a regular basis. It is often fortnightly and deposited into your bank account. You do not need to claim for recurring supports.

Informal supports

Informal supports are those you can receive outside of the NDIS such as your friends, family and other people in your community. For example, a child living at home will likely receive informal supports from their parents, guardians or carers. If you are currently receiving supports from anyone in your life, these will be noted in your NDIS plan.

Agency-managed

If part or all of your plan is agency-managed, that means the NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency) will manage that funding on your behalf. Supports that are Agency-managed must be serviced by NDIS-registered providers. You cannot use unregistered providers. You can choose to have your plan agency-managed.

Plan-managed

Plan-managed (also referred to as Plan Management) is when a Plan Manager looks after part or all of your plan funding. You can request for plan management and appropriate funding will be allocated within your plan to pay for a Plan Manager. Being plan-managed means you can utilise the services of both registered and unregistered providers.

Self-managed

Self-managing your plan means you are responsible for the financial administration of your funding. This includes arranging and paying for supports. A self-managed plan gives you more control of how your funding is spent, but it also means you have the responsibility of budgeting, claiming and paying for supports and keeping invoices. You can choose to self-manage all or part of your plan.

Informal supports

Informal supports are those you can receive outside of the NDIS such as your friends, family and other people in your community. For example, a child living at home will likely receive informal supports from their parents, guardians or carers. If you are currently receiving supports from anyone in your life, these will be noted in your NDIS plan.

Mainstream supports

Mainstream supports include services outside of the NDIS that are available to everyone in the community, such as public healthcare. Other government-funded services, like Medicare, may be available to help supplement associated costs. Other mainstream supports include family and child protection, education, employment, transport and justice.

Direct commissioning

These are when supports have been directly purchased, from a provider or panel of providers, on behalf of a group of participants. This contract is usually for long-term service delivery.