Key takeaways
- There are three ways to manage NDIS funding: NDIA-managed (agency-managed), plan-managed and self-managed. You can use a mix within one plan.
- Plan-managed and self-managed funding both let you choose registered or unregistered providers. NDIA-managed funding can only be used with registered providers.
- Plan-managed suits families who want provider choice without the paperwork; self-managed suits families who want the most control and are comfortable paying and claiming.
- You can ask the NDIA to change how your plan is managed at any time — you don’t have to wait for a new plan.
When your child receives an NDIS plan, one of the first decisions is how the funding will be managed. It affects which therapists you can see, who pays invoices and how much admin lands on your kitchen table. This guide compares the options so you can choose what fits your family.
What are the three ways to manage NDIS funding?
- NDIA-managed (agency-managed): the NDIA pays your providers directly from your plan. You can only use NDIS-registered providers.
- Plan-managed: a plan manager pays your providers and keeps your financial records. You can use registered and unregistered providers.
- Self-managed: you (or your nominee) pay providers and claim the funds back from the NDIS. You can use registered and unregistered providers.
You can combine these. For example, some families self-manage their therapy budget and have the rest of their plan plan-managed.
Self-managed vs. plan-managed at a glance
| Plan-managed | Self-managed | |
|---|---|---|
| Who pays providers | Your plan manager | You, then you claim from the NDIS |
| Registered providers | Yes | Yes |
| Unregistered providers | Yes | Yes |
| NDIS price limits | Plan managers pay up to the NDIS price limits | You can negotiate prices above or below the price limits |
| Paperwork | Plan manager keeps records and sends statements | You keep invoices and receipts as evidence |
| Cost of management | Funded separately in your plan | No fee |
| Best for | Choice without the admin | Maximum control and flexibility |
How does plan management work?
- You choose a plan manager. They must be registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.
- Your plan includes separate funding to pay for the plan manager’s services.
- Your therapist sends invoices to the plan manager (or to you to forward on).
- The plan manager checks the invoice against your plan and pays the provider, usually within a few business days.
- You receive regular statements showing what’s been spent.
Good to know: plan managers can only pay up to the NDIS price limit for each support, so it’s worth checking that a provider’s fees sit within these limits before you book.
How does self-management work?
- You pay your provider’s invoice yourself.
- You make a payment request through the my NDIS participant portal or app.
- Funds are usually paid into your nominated bank account within a few days.
- You keep invoices and receipts in case the NDIA asks how your funding was used.
Good to know: self-managing gives you the most flexibility, including negotiating prices. But spending above the price limit means your budget runs out sooner, so keep an eye on your balance. A separate bank account for NDIS payments makes tracking easier.
Our earlier post on self-managing your NDIS plan walks through how to make a claim, step by step.
Which suits your family?
Plan-managed may suit you if you:
- want to use unregistered providers but don’t want to handle payments
- would rather not pay upfront and wait for reimbursement
- like having someone else track your budget
Self-managed may suit you if you:
- are comfortable with simple bookkeeping and paying upfront
- want the most choice over providers and pricing
- want to make quick decisions without a middle step
If you’re unsure, many families start plan-managed and move to self-managing once they’re familiar with their plan.
How do I change how my plan is managed?
You can ask the NDIA to change how some or all of your funding is managed at any time. Contact your early childhood partner, local area coordinator or the NDIA on 1800 800 110. You don’t need to wait for a plan reassessment.
Using The Bridge Effect with your NDIS plan
The Bridge Effect supports NDIS self-managed and plan-managed families.
If your child’s plan is agency-managed and you’d like to see our speech pathologists or occupational therapists, you can ask the NDIA to change your therapy funding to plan-managed or self-managed.
We provide invoices that include the information your plan manager or the NDIS needs. Read more on our NDIS funding page, see all funding options including Medicare and private health rebates, or contact our Northmead team with any questions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between self-managed and plan-managed NDIS?
With plan-managed funding, a plan manager pays your providers and keeps your records. With self-managed funding, you pay providers yourself and claim the money back from the NDIS. Both let you use registered and unregistered providers.
Can I use unregistered NDIS providers?
Yes, if your funding is plan-managed or self-managed. NDIA-managed (agency-managed) funding can only be used with registered providers.
Does a plan manager cost me anything?
Plan management is funded separately in your NDIS plan, so it doesn’t come out of your therapy or other support budgets.
Can I switch from plan-managed to self-managed?
Yes. You can ask the NDIA to change how your plan is managed at any time, without waiting for a new plan. Some families self-manage part of their plan and have the rest plan-managed.
Can I see The Bridge Effect with an agency-managed plan?
The Bridge Effect supports NDIS self-managed and plan-managed families. If your child’s plan is agency-managed, you can ask the NDIA to change your therapy funding to plan-managed or self-managed.
Are self-managed participants bound by NDIS price limits?
No. Self-managed participants can negotiate prices above or below the price limits. Your total budget doesn’t change, so paying more per session means your funding is used up sooner.