Self-Managing Your Child’s NDIS Plan: How to Make a Claim

Self-managing your child’s NDIS plan can look daunting at first. In practice, most families settle into a simple routine: get the invoice, make the claim, pay the provider, file the receipt. This guide walks you through each step.

Still deciding how to manage your plan? Read our comparison of NDIS self-managed vs. plan-managed funding first.

What does self-managing an NDIS plan mean?

When you self-manage, you (or your child’s nominee) are responsible for paying providers from your child’s NDIS funding. In return you get the most flexibility:

• you can choose registered or unregistered providers
• you can agree prices with providers, above or below the NDIS price limits
• you decide when and how supports are paid

You also need to make sure funding is only spent on NDIS supports and in line with your child’s plan.

Before your first claim

• Set up myGov and the my NDIS app or portal. Your early childhood partner or local area coordinator can help you link your child’s plan.
• Add a nominated bank account. This is where approved claims are paid. A separate account just for NDIS money makes tracking much easier.
• Check which system your child’s plan is in. You’re told this when the plan is approved. The my NDIS app works for both.

How to make a claim, step by step

There are two ways to pay a provider:

• Claim first: once you have the invoice, make a claim. When the funds arrive in your account, pay the provider.
• Pay first: pay the provider yourself, keep the receipt, then claim the money back.

To make the claim:

1. Open the my NDIS app or portal and log in through myGov.
2. Select Claims on the home screen, then Make a claim. (If your plan is in the older myplace portal, go to My Payment Request, then Add my payment request.)
3. Enter the details from the invoice (see the list below) and upload a copy of the invoice or receipt.
4. Check the summary, accept the declaration and submit.
5. Approved funds are usually paid within 2 business days. You can check the status of each claim in the app.

Can’t use the app or portal? You can use the participant self-managed claim form on the NDIS website, or call the NDIA on 1800 800 110.

What you’ll need for each claim

• support start and end date (for one therapy session, both are the session date)
• support category: therapy for children is usually funded from Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living (it may show as “CB Daily Activity”)
• the amount you’re claiming
• the provider’s business name and ABN
• a short description, for example “Speech therapy session, 60 minutes”
• a copy of the invoice or receipt

Our invoices include the details you need for each claim.

How long to keep receipts

The NDIA asks self-managing families to keep receipts for 5 years, so you can show how funding was spent if you’re asked. Save a copy in a folder on your phone or computer as soon as you’ve paid. Keeping a note of the date, provider and amount also helps you track how much funding is left.

Made a mistake on a claim? Contact the NDIA. They’ll work with you to fix it.

Tips that save time

• Claim as soon as you get each invoice, rather than saving them up.
• Use the same description wording each time so your records are easy to search.
• Check your plan balance in the app once a month, especially if you’ve agreed prices above the price limits.
• Keep therapy invoices, reports and receipts together in one folder.

Using The Bridge Effect with a self-managed plan

Frequently asked questions

How do I make a self-managed NDIS claim?

In the my NDIS app or portal, select Claims, then Make a claim. Enter the details from your provider’s invoice, upload a copy, and submit. Approved claims are usually paid into your bank account within 2 business days.

Do I have to pay the provider before I claim?

No. You can claim as soon as you have the invoice, then pay the provider when the funds arrive. Or you can pay first and claim the money back.

How long do I need to keep receipts?

The NDIA asks self-managing participants to keep receipts for 5 years, as evidence of how funding was spent.

Can I use an unregistered provider if I self-manage?

Yes. Self-managed funding can be used with registered and unregistered providers, as long as the support is an NDIS support and fits your child’s plan.

What if I can’t use the app?

You can use the participant self-managed claim form on the NDIS website, or call the NDIA on 1800 800 110 for help.

References

• NDIS. How to pay your NDIS supports.
• NDIS. What is self-managed funding?
• NDIS. Pricing arrangements and price limits.

Updated from an earlier article by Grace Cheng.

Related reading: NDIS Self-Managed vs. Plan-Managed · Funding Options · NDIS Funding · Medicare Rebates