Understanding Improved Life Choices in Your NDIS Plan

matthew2068
Jul 21, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Aug 27, 2025

NDIS plan manager engages in a detailed discussion about funding options with a client in a bright, professional setting.

What is Improved Life Choices?

Choice and Control (Improved Life Choices) is a vital part of your NDIS plan. It helps you manage the financial aspects of your support. With this funding, you can engage a Plan Manager. This third party takes care of the financial administration for you, allowing you to focus on what truly matters.

What’s “Capacity Building” Support?

Your NDIS plan consists of three main budgets: Core, Capital, and Capacity Building. The Capacity Building budget focuses on providing you with the tools, resources, and confidence to live independently. It aims to make your life easier. Within this budget, various categories fund different types of support tailored to your needs.

Understanding “Improved Life Choices”

The Improved Life Choices category is designed to enhance your financial skills. It simplifies the process of directing your own supports and ensures you stay on top of your plan with professional financial help. The best part? If you have Improved Life Choices in your plan, you can access a Plan Manager at no additional cost. This funding does not detract from other areas of your plan. Simply request it at your next planning meeting.

Who is This For?

Plan Management is ideal for individuals who:

Lack the time to manage administrative tasks
Have complex support needs or situations
Prefer a stress-free alternative to self-management
Feel uncertain about managing budgets independently
Are new to NDIS and desire more flexibility than agency-managed plans provide

Additionally, it offers peace of mind to family members and nominees by managing finances. This allows them to focus on the daily supports that truly matter.

What Does a Plan Manager Actually Do?

Consider your Plan Manager as your NDIS finance team. Their responsibilities include:

Promptly paying your invoices to keep your providers satisfied
Monitoring your budgets and providing regular statements
Assisting with service agreements to ensure NDIS compliance
Managing paperwork, reporting, and record-keeping, allowing you to concentrate on your life and goals

(Note: This role differs from that of a Support Coordinator, who helps organize and connect your services.)

How to Check if You Have It

Unsure whether you have Improved Life Choices funding? Open your myNDIS app and check your Capacity Building budget. This will clarify your available resources.

What Can You Use It For?

This funding exclusively covers plan management services, which include:

Ongoing monthly fees for financial management

Rest assured, this is fully covered by the NDIA, meaning no out-of-pocket costs for you.

NDIS Plan Budget Help Australia

Adding Improved Life Choices to Your Plan

Need to add Improved Life Choices to your plan? Simply ask your NDIA Planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC). If your needs have changed or your plan is nearing its end, you can request a review. Once approved, your Plan Manager can begin supporting you immediately.

Choosing the Right Plan Manager

Your Plan Manager will handle sensitive information, so it’s crucial to choose someone you trust. Look for a provider who is friendly, easily accessible, and proactive about keeping your plan compliant.

Here are some essential questions to ask potential providers:

Can I easily contact them when needed?
Will they provide the support I require to achieve my goals?
Are their payment, budget, and claim processes clear and reliable?
Do they have a solid understanding of NDIS funding and can guide me through it?
Can I view my spending and budgets anytime, anywhere?

How Health Assure Plan Management Can Help

At Health Assure, we aim to simplify your NDIS journey. Our friendly team takes care of all financial matters, allowing you to focus on living your life.

With our user-friendly online portal, quick payments, and approachable support team, you will always know where you stand with your budgets.

Want to learn more about NDIS plan management or how it works? Call us at 1300 545 095 for a chat.

If plan management seems like the right choice for you—or if you’re seeking a new provider—reach out to Health Assure Plan Management today. We would love to assist you!