Deciding how your NDIS funding will be managed is a crucial choice that is often overlooked or not fully explained during an NDIA planning meeting.
Understanding the difference between plan managed vs self managed NDIS options can help you choose the funding management approach that best suits your needs, lifestyle, and level of support.
How your NDIS funding is managed affects who pays your invoices, how your budget is tracked, and which providers you can access. It’s important to tell the NDIA how you want your funding managed so this can be correctly included when your NDIS plan is created or reviewed.
In this guide, we focus primarily on plan managed vs self managed NDIS, covering:
- What are your NDIS plan management options?
- Why choose NDIS Plan Management?
- Why choose NDIS Self Management?
- Why choose a plan manager like Plan Hero?
- How to request NDIS plan management?
- Deciding how to manage your funding
What are your NDIS Plan Management options?
There are three different ways that your NDIS can be managed:
- Agency or NDIA managed: The National Disability Insurance Agency manages your NDIS funds. The NDIS will pay registered providers for services on your behalf and you can only use registered providers.
- Plan Managed NDIS: A plan manager handles the administration of your funding. They pay invoices and keep financial records while you retain flexibility in choosing providers.
- Self Managed NDIS: You or your nominee manages the funding. Providers invoice you directly and you claim the funds through the NDIS portal.
Plan Managed vs Self Managed NDIS: Key Differences
| Plan Managed NDIS | Self Managed NDIS | NDIA Managed | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where are invoices sent? | Plan Manager | You or your authorised representative | NDIA |
| Who keeps records? | Plan Manager | You or your representative | NDIA |
| What providers can you use? | Registered & non-registered providers | Registered & non-registered providers | Registered providers only |
| Who ensures provider compliance? | Plan Manager | You or your representative | NDIA |
Why Choose Plan Managed NDIS?
Every participant has the right to a plan manager. Funding for plan management does not reduce any other funding in your plan.
- Access more providers — choose both registered and non-registered providers
- No admin — your plan manager pays invoices and keeps records
- Help understanding your plan
- Budget tracking
- Support finding services
- Build confidence managing funding
Why Choose Self Managed NDIS?
Self-management means you organise and pay for supports yourself and claim the funds from the NDIA.
If your plan is self-managed you will need to:
- Open a separate bank account and pay providers
- Choose and organise your own providers
- Keep records for seven years in case of audit
Benefits of Self Managed NDIS
- Access more providers
- No NDIS price restrictions
- More options in rural areas
- Ability to employ your own staff
Challenges of Self Managed NDIS
- Admin burden
- Provider pricing risk
- Record keeping requirements
- Budgeting responsibility
Why Choose a Plan Manager Like Plan Hero?
Plan Hero doesn’t just pay bills — we understand the NDIS.
- We are expert, specialist plan managers = we have deep knowledge and experience
- A team that works together to support you and your family
- We answer your funding questions
- You can contact us anytime for support
How to request NDIS plan management
Participants can request plan management in three ways:
At your initial plan meeting
Simply request plan management funding during your planning meeting. This will not affect other funding in your plan.
You will need to tell your planner that you want to endorse Plan Hero as your new plan manager. Give them these details:
Plan Hero Pty Ltd
Provider#: 4050079575
ABN: 43 641 197 659
At your NDIS plan reassessment
You can request plan management when your plan is reviewed or reassessed by your planner or LAC.
At any time during your plan
To request a change during your plan:
- Call the NDIS on 1800 800 110
- Tell them you want to endorse Plan Hero as your new plan manager and give them these details:
Plan Hero Pty Ltd
Provider#: 4050079575
ABN: 43 641 197 659
Deciding Between Plan Managed vs Self Managed NDIS
Choosing how to manage your funding can be confusing. Consider your needs, abilities and available support when making this decision.
Questions to ask yourself
- What are your goals?
- What supports do you need?
- How comfortable are you with admin?
- How familiar are you with the NDIS?
Evaluate your abilities
- Organisation skills
- Financial literacy and budgeting
- Time available to manage funding
Seek advice
- Talk to friends or family on the NDIS
- Speak to providers
- Use NDIS resources and guides
For more tips visit: NDIS Plan Management Resources
How do I join the Plan Hero family?
Call 1300 599 770 or complete our registration form.
Once you register we will contact you within 24–48 hours with the next steps.
Want to know more? Learn more about Plan Hero
Need help finding NDIS supports?
Call MyCareSpace on 1300 288 893 or use the online form to connect with reliable NDIS providers.
