In short: There are three ways to manage the money in your NDIS plan — self-managed, plan-managed or NDIA-managed (also called agency-managed). You can choose one, or a mix, and you can change how you manage your funding at any time.
What does "managing your NDIS funding" mean?
Managing your funding is about who pays your providers and keeps the financial records — not what supports you receive. The way you manage your plan affects how much choice and paperwork you have, and whether you can use unregistered providers.
What are the three plan management options?
Self-managed
You (or a nominee) pay your providers and keep the records yourself. This gives the most flexibility and choice — you can use registered or unregistered providers — but it also involves the most administration, including claiming payments and keeping receipts.
Plan-managed
The NDIS includes extra funding in your plan for a plan manager, who pays your providers and tracks your budget for you. You keep a wide choice of providers with less paperwork. The plan management funding does not come out of your other supports.
NDIA-managed (agency-managed)
The NDIS pays and manages your providers and records for you. With this option you must use registered NDIS providers, and providers claim directly from the NDIS.
Can you mix the options?
Yes. You can manage your whole plan one way, or use a mix — for example, plan-managed for therapies and self-managed for a few supports. You can also ask to change how you manage your funding at any time, and there is no limit on how often you can request a change.
How do you choose what's right for you?
There is no single "best" option — it depends on how much choice, control and administration suits you. It can help to think about:
- How much paperwork you want to take on
- Whether you want to use unregistered providers
- How much support you want with budgeting and claims
Your planner or support coordinator can talk through the trade-offs with you.
How can we help?
As a registered NDIS provider, we work with participants across all management types. You can explore our NDIS support services, check your eligibility, or make a referral. To talk it through, contact our team — support is available in several languages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between plan-managed and self-managed?
With plan management, a plan manager pays your providers and tracks your budget, so there is less paperwork for you. With self-management, you pay providers and keep records yourself, which gives you the most flexibility but the most administration.
Does plan management cost me anything from my other supports?
No. When you choose plan management, the NDIS adds separate funding to your plan for the plan manager. It does not reduce the funding for your other supports.
Can I use unregistered providers?
It depends on your management type. Self-managed and plan-managed participants can generally use both registered and unregistered providers. NDIA-managed (agency-managed) participants must use registered NDIS providers.
Can I change how my plan is managed?
Yes. You can ask to change how you manage your funding at any time, and there is no limit on how often you can request this. Speak with your planner or support coordinator.
Which option gives me the most choice?
Self-management offers the most flexibility and choice of providers, but also the most responsibility. Plan management is a popular middle ground — broad choice with less administration.
Trusted sources for further reading
This article is general information only and is not financial advice. For advice about your own plan, please contact the NDIS or speak with your support coordinator or planner.
