Get the most out of your NDIS plan

3 December 2021

3 Dec 2021

Anyone with an NDIS plan will understand the terms ‘complex’, ‘frustrating’ and ‘confusing’.

VMCH Support Coordinator Max Chen’s sole focus is to untangle the insurance scheme for his clients, ensuring they find the services they need to meet their goals, and maximise their value for money.

“The NDIS is a maze. All the policies, procedures and the funding, including what it can and can’t be used for, is really difficult for people to figure out,” Max says. “It’s almost a full-time job in itself.”

VMCH Disability Services is an NDIS registered support coordination provider. Max (pictured below) is among a team of professional and caring support coordinators who can help individuals establish and organise the services they want as part of their approved NDIS plan.

“Firstly, we help clients with an existing plan to understand what was actually written in there. Is there anything they need help with in their life that the NDIS can provide that’s not currently included? We research and provide unbiased options to choose from,” Max says.

“Then there’s a review process, as people’s needs change. Project planning is important; making sure you’re not falling short in funding towards the end of your plan. Explaining the pros and cons when people need to make a decision is a really a key part of support coordination.”

Max’s clients Ruth and Bart Hopkins can’t speak highly enough of his work to help them find the best support for their son and step-son, David, who lives at VMCH’s Carrum group home.

Organising and following up with health specialists, transport and equipment needs, liaising with David’s accommodation and day program managers, and remaining abreast of David’s complex and changing health needs are just some of the ways Max helps.

“Max is a dedicated, enthusiastic and caring professional,” says Ruth. “It needs to also be recognised that NDIS plan preparation and presentation in itself is time consuming, complex and demanding! Each plan Max has provided has been thorough, complete and on time, and all have been approved without any major queries or necessary changes. This in itself is a clear indicator of Max’s thoroughness, care and professional qualities.”

Max describes Ruth and Bart as “lovely people” who are full of appreciation, much like his other clients.

“I love my job,” Max says. “I’m very blessed because I’ve kept the same clients since I’ve started. Being able to get issues resolved for them brings you this huge sense of achievement. Empowering people with knowledge and information is very rewarding.”

Click here to learn more about VMCH Support Coordination.

More news articles in Disability Services

View all

Austin Street farewell marks a new chapter for Paul

New social enterprise cafe in Nunawading

Social enterprises and businesses step-up for people with disability

Carol celebrates almost a half century of volunteering

Specialist Support Coordinator George helps people navigate NDIS

NDIS Support Coordination helps Theresa pursue her passion

Geoff feels at home at Cre8

Specialist school St Paul’s College the place for Alex

Opening the door to employment for people with disability

A little lost? Start here.

Locating the information you need has become far easier with our useful guide. Answer a few simple questions and you will be on your way.

Not sure where to start?

→

Who needs our services?

I am here for
someone else I am here
for myself I am
looking for a job

Acknowledgement of Country

We here at VMCH respectfully acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which we gather, and we would like to take a moment to honour the fact that we live on the lands of the oldest civilisation in the world. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and wisdom of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.