NDIS plan management helps you manage the money side of your NDIS plan.
A plan manager can pay your providers, track your spending and help you understand your budget.
It gives you more choice than agency-managed funding, and unlike being Self managed you don’t need to handle every invoice and claim yourself.
What is NDIS plan management in disability?
For people with disability, NDIS plan management is a way to get help with the financial administration of an NDIS plan.
A registered NDIS plan manager can:
- receive invoices from your providers
- claim funds from the NDIS
- pay your providers
- track what you have spent
- send you regular budget updates and statements
- store your records (invoices, receipts, reports) and service agreements
Think of a plan manager as a bookkeeper and administrative assistant for your NDIS funding.
You still choose your supports and providers. They look after the paperwork and payments so you don’t have to.
What is an NDIS plan manager?
An NDIS plan manager is a registered NDIS provider who manages the financial side of your plan. Their role is to make using your funding easier.
They can help you:
- understand how much funding is left in your budget
- check that an invoice matches the support you received
- pay providers on your behalf
- keep financial records
- help you avoid overspending or underspending where possible
Plan managers do not decide what the NDIS will fund and what you can spend your funding on.
You still need to use your funding in line with your plan and NDIS rules.
What is NDIS plan management and how does it work?
Plan management is usually a simple process:
- Ask for plan management. You can ask for it at your plan meeting, reassessment or when talking to the NDIS about your plan.
- Choose a plan manager. Your plan manager will explain their service agreement and how to send invoices.
- Use your supports. You choose the services and supports you need, your plan manager will help guide you on what you can and cannot spent it on.
- Your provider sends an invoice. After delivering a service, the provider sends the invoice to your plan manager for payment.
- Your plan manager claims and pays. They check the invoice, submit the claim to the NDIS and pays your provider.
- You receive budget updates. Your plan manager sends statements so you can see what has been spent and what is left.
You stay in control of your plan. Your plan manager looks after the financial administration.
How do I get plan management in my NDIS plan?
You can ask for plan management at your NDIS plan meeting, your plan reassessment/renewal or whenever you feel like it!
Tell the NDIS that you would like a registered plan manager to help with invoices, payments and budget tracking.
If you already have an NDIS plan, contact the NDIS or speak with your LAC to ask about adding plan management.
If it is approved and included in your plan, you can then choose a registered plan manager and complete their service agreement.
Your chosen plan manager can explain the information they need to get started and how your providers should send invoices.
Read our resource: How can I switch to NDIS Plan Management?
Does NDIS plan management cost anything?
If plan management funding is included in your NDIS plan, it is funded separately from your other supports. It does not usually reduce the money available for your therapies, support workers or other funded services.
Your plan manager should explain their fees and service agreement before you sign up. NDIS pricing can change, so ask for current information.
Why choose plan management?
Plan management can be helpful if you want choice and flexibility without having to manage all the paperwork yourself.
Some benefits include:
- Less admin: Your plan manager handles invoices, claims and records.
- More provider choice: You may be able to use registered and non-registered providers, as long as the support is allowed under your plan and NDIS rules.
- Budget support: You receive regular updates about your spending and available funding.
- Provider payments: Your providers have a clear way to send invoices and be paid.
- More time for your goals: You can spend less time on paperwork and more time using your supports.
Some people use a combination of these options for different parts of their plan.
How is an NDIS Plan Manager different to a Support Coordinator
A plan manager and support coordinator both help you use your NDIS plan, but they do very different jobs.
A plan manager helps with money. They pay invoices, track your budget and keep financial records. Anyone can have a plan manager.
A support coordinator helps with supports. They can help you understand your plan, find providers and coordinate services. Support coordination needs to be funded in your plan. Not everyone can have a Support Coordinator.
You need to demonstrate your need for additional support to get funding for Support Coordination in your NDIS plan.
In simple terms:
- Plan manager: Pays providers and manages the financial side of your plan.
- Support coordinator: Helps you find, organise and coordinate supports.
You may have both, or you may only have one. Read our full guide to NDIS plan manager vs support coordinator to learn more.
What does a plan manager NOT do?
A plan manager is there to help with your funding, not to do everything in your plan.
They do not usually:
- choose or book providers for you
- manage your appointments
- decide what supports the NDIS will fund (they just follow the rules)
- provide advocacy or support coordination
- remove your responsibility to watch your budget (they can keep you informed about how you are tracking, but the buck ultimately stops with you)
If you need help finding and organising services, a support coordinator may be the right support for you. The team at MyCareSpace can help find a Support Coordinator.
How to choose the Best NDIS plan manager
A good plan manager should make your life easier and explain things clearly. They should reduce your NDIS stress and make you feel safe.
Choose a plan manager who:
- communicates in plain English
- answers your questions clearly
- processes invoices promptly
- makes it easy to see your budget, claims and funding balances
- understands NDIS funding and provider payments, making sure providers don’t overcharge you
- keeps up to date with NDIS changes
- respects your choice of providers
Useful questions to ask include:
- How do I send you invoices?
- How quickly do you process payments?
- How will I see my remaining budget?
- Who can I contact if I have a question?
- Can I change plan managers if I need to?
For more help, read How to Choose the Best NDIS Plan Manager for You.
Is plan management right for me?
Plan management may suit you if you don’t want the stress and admin of keeping track of invoices and making payments to providers.
A great plan manager also protects you against making bad spending decisions and getting into NDIS debt.
Choosing plan management will give you:
- less paperwork
- regular budget updates
- help with provider payments
- the option to use eligible non-registered providers
- more time to focus on your goals, families or loved ones.
If you would like support with the financial side of your NDIS plan, talk to Plan Hero.
Frequently asked questions about NDIS plan management
What is NDIS plan management?
NDIS plan management is help with the financial side of your NDIS plan. A registered plan manager can process claims, pay provider invoices, keep records and send you budget updates.
How do I get plan management in my NDIS plan?
You can ask the NDIS for plan management at ANY Time. You do not need to wait for a plan meeting, plan renewal or assessment. It’s an easy change for the NDIS to make.
If you already have a plan, contact the NDIS or your LAC to ask about adding it. If approved, choose a registered plan manager and complete their service agreement.
Read: How to switch to NDIS plan management
Does having a plan manager cost me anything?
When plan management funding is included in your plan, the NDIS funds it separately from your other supports. Your plan manager should explain their service agreement and fees before you start.
Can a plan manager pay non-registered providers?
In many cases, yes. Plan-managed funding can give you the option to use registered and non-registered providers, provided the support is allowed under your plan and follows NDIS rules.
Can I change my NDIS plan manager?
Yes. You can change plan managers if the service is not right for you. Check your service agreement for any notice period, then arrange for your new plan manager to take over.
Is a plan manager the same as a support coordinator?
No. A plan manager handles invoices, claims and budget tracking. A support coordinator helps you find, organise and coordinate your supports.
