Here’s what chatGPT said when we asked it:
How to Choose the best NDIS Plan Manager
Choosing the right Plan Manager can make a huge difference to your NDIS experience (no kidding).
A good plan manager makes life easier — helping you pay invoices, track your budget, and understand your plan — while the wrong one can add stress or confusion (hear! hear!)
Here’s what to look for, and what to ask, when deciding who to trust with your plan (and how Plan Hero fares against these criteria)
1. Look for Clear, Human Communication
You should always feel comfortable asking questions and getting straight answers.
A good plan manager:
• Speaks in plain English (not NDIS jargon)
• Replies quickly to calls or emails
• Takes the time to explain your funding and choices
Ask: “Who will I talk to if I have a question about my invoices or budget?”
Plan Hero’s answer: You will speak with your own, dedicated Plan Manager who gets to know you, the types of supports you need and they providers they will be paying.
2. Check How Quickly They Pay Invoices
Your supports rely on fast, reliable payments. Look for a plan manager who:
• Pays providers within 5-7 business days
• Keeps you updated when payments are made
• Has a simple way to upload invoices (email, app, or portal)
Ask: “What’s your average turnaround time for processing invoices?”
Plan Hero’s answer: Every invoice is processed within 24hours of receiving it. This means we can send it off to the NDIS the next day and have the payment to your ASAP. The NDIS turn around time can vary, but assuming all goes well, your provider is paid within 5 working days. You can also see all claims paid instantly in your portal.
3. Make Sure You Can Track Your Budget Easily
Transparency builds trust. You should be able to see where your money is going at any time and get regular statements.
A great plan manager will help you:
• Understand your Core, Capacity, and Capital budgets
• Avoid overspending or underusing funds
• Plan ahead confidently
Ask: “Can I see my budget online or get regular updates?”
Plan Hero’s answer: Absolutely. Plan Hero has an amazing Online Portal and Phone App (both Android and iPhone). It shows you LIVE budget balances, a record of all your claims and which Providers are drawing the most from your plan. With visual, easy to understand reporting every month, you’ll be able to keep track of your spending easily. Take a look at our Portal and App.
4. Choose Someone Who Knows the NDIS Rules
The NDIS can be complex, but your Plan Manager should know it inside out. They should be able to guide you on what’s reasonable and necessary and help you avoid issues before they happen.
Ask: “Can you help me understand what’s covered under my plan?”
Plan Hero’s answer: Not only will your Plan Manager be able to help you understand your plan, but they will also be able to answer your specific funding questions and make suggestions.
They will guide you to make sure you don’t spend your funds on supports that are not included in your plan – it’s often hard to know if a support is ‘allowed’!
5. Make Sure You Keep Flexibility
You should always stay in control of your choices. Plan Management lets you use both registered and unregistered providers, so your plan manager should support your freedom — not limit it.
Ask: “Can I use unregistered providers through you?”
Plan Hero’s answer: Yes of course. We will support and help these unregistered NDIS providers to make sure they know what their responsibilities are and how to invoice properly. We look after providers because they look after you.
6. Choose People Who Care
Numbers matter, but people matter more. You’ll be sharing personal information with your plan manager, so look for someone who treats you with kindness, respect, and consistency.
Ask: “How do you support participants beyond just paying invoices?”
Plan Hero’s answer: All of our Plan Managers have deep experience with the NDIS, hence their title as ‘Specialist Plan Managers’. Many of them have NDIS plans themselves or lived experience of caring or someone on the NDIS. This means they know what it truly feels like to riding the stormy NDIS seas. They know exactly what they can do to make it easier, simpler and less stressful for you.
Your Plan Manager shares key, practical information with you every day because they are on the ground working beside you – there are no call centres at Plan Hero!
7. Trust Your Gut
After you’ve done your research, go with the a Plan Manager who feels like a good fit. You should feel heard, supported, and confident that they’ll handle your funds with care.
Plan Hero’s answer: Speak to one of our Plan Managers on the phone by calling 1300 599 770 or Request a Callback. Ask them questions, get a feel for them.
Remember: It’s Your Choice
You can change Plan Managers at any time. If you’re not feeling supported or things aren’t working, you have the right to switch — your NDIS funding stays the same.
Plan Hero’s answer: If your current Plan Manager doesn’t make your life easier, make you feel supported and safe, you can change immediately. Don’t be scared.
Here is some more info about changing Plan Managers.
Find our more
Give us a call. You’ll get a wonderful human on the phone. No runarounds. No call centres. No ‘on hold’ for hours. Just a Plan Manager to support you.
