NDIS basics
What is NDIS plan management
Plan management is one of three ways your NDIS plan can be managed. A plan manager pays your providers, tracks your budget, and handles your invoices. The NDIS funds it. You don’t.
Your three options
The NDIS lets you choose how your plan is managed. There are three options. You can mix them across different parts of your plan.
| Option | Who pays providers | Who tracks your budget | Provider choice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-managed | You | You | Registered and unregistered |
| NDIA-managed | The NDIA | The NDIA | Registered only |
| Plan-managed | Your plan manager | Your plan manager (you see it too) | Registered and unregistered |
| Option | Who pays | Who tracks budget | Provider choice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-managed | You | You | Registered and unregistered |
| NDIA-managed | The NDIA | The NDIA | Registered only |
| Plan-managed | Your plan manager | Your plan manager (you see it too) | Registered and unregistered |
Swipe the table sideways to compare →
Self-managed gives you the most flexibility. It also puts the admin and the audit responsibility on you. NDIA-managed takes the admin away. It also restricts you to NDIS-registered providers only. Plan-managed sits in the middle. You keep the freedom of self-managed without the admin.
You can ask to change how your plan is managed without waiting for your next plan, if the NDIA agrees.
What a plan manager actually does
Your plan manager is the middle layer between you, your providers, and the NDIA.
The day-to-day
- Receive invoices from your providers
- Check each one against your plan and against the NDIS Price Guide
- Pay the provider on your behalf, drawing from the right budget category
- Track what’s been spent and what’s left, in real time
- Send you statements you can actually read
- Answer questions when you have them
The work that quietly matters
- Catch the invoice that’s wrong before it’s paid
- Flag when a category is running low, so you don’t run out mid-year
- Keep records in the shape the NDIA wants, so a plan review doesn’t become a paperwork emergency
Who plan management helps
Plan management suits you if you want the freedom to use any provider, including unregistered ones, without becoming a part-time bookkeeper.
It also helps if you have:
- A Support Coordinator who’s busy and doesn’t want to chase invoices
- A family carer who wants visibility without becoming the messenger
- A plan with multiple categories or a complex mix of providers
- Limited time, energy, or interest in NDIS admin
If you’re confident managing the admin yourself and want maximum flexibility, self-management may suit. If you only want registered providers and want zero admin, NDIA-managed is fine. Plan management is the middle path.
How to get plan management
Think plan management is right for you? There’s no cost to you, and you don’t have to justify why you want it. All you have to do is ask.
If you’re meeting with your planner or a Local Area Coordinator, tell them you’d like a plan manager to support you. The NDIA includes plan-managed funding on request. It’s funded separately by the NDIS, on top of the funding for your supports — it doesn’t come out of them.
If your plan is already in place without it, you don’t have to wait for your next review. Ask for a plan change and let NDIS staff know you’d like a plan manager. They’ll take it from there.
You can also find out more from the NDIS.
Common questions
Can I use unregistered providers?
Yes. Plan management lets you use both registered and unregistered NDIS providers. It's one of the main reasons people choose it.
How fast are invoices paid?
It depends on the plan manager. Ask before you sign on. The good ones commit to a number in writing.
Do I lose control of my plan?
No. Plan-managed means your plan manager handles the paperwork. You still decide who you see, how often, and how your budget is spent.
Can I change plan manager later?
Yes. You can switch plan managers without waiting for your next plan. The NDIA needs to approve the change but typically does.
How long does it take to set up?
Typically within the first week or two of registration.
Coming soon
We’re a new NDIS plan manager, opening soon. And we’d like to be a good one.
If you’re looking for a plan manager who’ll know your plan and not lose track of you, we’d love to hear from you. Register your interest below and we’ll be in touch when we’re open.
Want to see how to choose one? What makes a good NDIS plan manager.
Opening soon
Be among the first.
Register your interest and we’ll be in touch when we’re ready to join your team.