Types of Plan Management in the NDIS
A clear guide for
participants
on managing their funding
When you receive your NDIS plan, one of the first decisions to consider is how your funding will be managed. This choice affects your provider options, how payments are handled, how much paperwork you need to do — and ultimately how much control you have over your supports and services.
The NDIA offers three main plan‑management options:
- Self‑managed
- Plan‑managed
- Agency‑managed (NDIA‑managed)
Self‑Managed Funding
If you choose to self‑manage your plan, you take responsibility for paying your providers, tracking your budget, submitting claims and keeping your records. You have full control over choosing supports, how they are delivered and by whom.
Key benefits
- Maximum choice: you may use registered and unregistered providers, depending on your plan
- Flexibility in how supports are organised, scheduled and managed.
- Opportunity to build your own capacity and independence. Responsibilities you must meet
- Keep invoices and receipts (typically for at least five years).
- Make sure your spending aligns with the supports and amounts approved in your plan.
- Monitor your budget so you don’t run out of funds before the plan ends.
- Handle the administrative tasks: payments, claims, record‑keeping.
Is it right for you?
Self‑management is best for participants who:
- Are comfortable with handling finances and paperwork.
- Want full choice and control over providers and supports.
- Are willing to commit to monitoring and managing budgets and tracking spending.
Plan‑Managed Funding
With plan management, you have a Plan Manager (a provider funded in your plan) who takes care of invoice payments, claims and budget tracking for you. You still choose the supports and providers.
Key benefits
- More choice of providers (including unregistered providers) in many plans.
- Reduced administrative burden: you don’t personally pay invoices or submit many claims.
- You maintain decision‑making power over your supports. Things to check
- Make sure the Plan Manager gives you regular updates on your budget and spending.
- Ensure the funding for plan management is included in your plan (so there’s no cost to you personally).
- Understand what supports you can choose and any limits your plan sets.
Is it right for you?
Plan management is a strong middle option — good for participants who:
- Want more choice than agency‑managed.
- Prefer to avoid the full admin load of self‑managed.
- Want someone assisting with payments and tracking but still retaining control.
Agency‑Managed (NDIA‑Managed) Funding
Under this option, the NDIA pays providers directly on your behalf. You do not handle invoices or claims. However, you must use NDIS‑registered providers.
Key benefits
- Minimal administrative responsibility for you (no invoices to pay, claims to submit).
- Simpler and more structured support. Limitations
- Your choice of providers may be more limited (you must use registered providers).
- Less flexibility compared to self‑ or plan‑managed options. Is it right for you?
Is it right for you?
This option may be right if you prefer:
- Simplicity and fewer tasks for yourself.
- Lower responsibility for managing payments and budgets.
- Using supports from registered providers without needing additional flexibility
Key Comparisons
Provider choice
Admin burden
Control over supports
Flexibility
How to Choose the Right Option
Ask yourself:
- How comfortable am I with paperwork, invoices, budgets and tracking?
- How much choice do I want over providers and supports?
- Do I want to avoid doing payments and claims myself?
- How confident am I in managing my plan funds and ensuring they last the full period?
- Would I prefer a mix of options (for example self‑manage some supports and plan‑manage others)?
Discuss your answers with your planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) and make a decision that matches your preferences, capacity and goals.
How to Change Your Funding Management Option
Yes — you can request to change how your plan is managed during your plan period, not only at review time.
- Contact the NDIA at 1800 800 110.
- Speak with your Local Area Coordinator or the NDIA directly.
- Explain which option you want (and why).
- The NDIA will update your plan accordingly if the change is approved.
- Transition to the new option (e.g., sign a plan‑management agreement, set up self‑managed systems).
Why the Right Funding Option Matters
The funding option you choose affects:
- Your ability to choose supports and providers you like.
- How much control you have over the delivery and scheduling of your supports.
- How much administrative work you or your nominee must do.
- Whether your plan funds are used in line with your goals and time‑frame.
With the right option, you can focus more on your goals — participating in community, work, study or daily living — rather than managing paperwork.
