NDIS plan management options explained
Every NDIS plan is managed in one of three ways, and the choice affects which providers you can use, how invoices get paid and how much admin you do. This guide explains NDIA managed, plan managed and self-managed in plain English.
The three ways an NDIS plan can be managed
People often say "NDIS managed" when they mean NDIA managed — the National Disability Insurance Agency paying providers directly. It is the same thing.
| Option | Who pays providers | Which providers you can use | Admin for you |
|---|---|---|---|
| NDIA managed (agency managed) | The NDIA pays registered providers directly | NDIS-registered providers only | Very little |
| Plan managed | A plan manager pays invoices from your funding | Registered and unregistered providers | Low — you approve, they process |
| Self-managed | You pay providers and claim reimbursement | Registered and unregistered providers | Highest — you keep the records |
NDIA managed (also called NDIS managed or agency managed)
With an NDIA managed plan, the agency pays your providers directly from your funding. You do not handle invoices or receipts at all.
The trade-off is choice: you can only use providers registered with the NDIS Commission, and you pay the NDIS price limits. For some people that is a small price for having no paperwork; for others it rules out a worker or therapist they already trust.
- No invoices or record-keeping for you
- Registered providers only
- Provider pricing capped at the NDIS price limits
- Spending is visible in the myplace participant portal
Plan managed
A plan manager is a provider funded separately in your plan who receives invoices, pays them from your budget and keeps the records. You still choose your own providers, and you can use unregistered ones.
It is the middle option, and the most common choice for people who want flexibility without doing the bookkeeping.
Self-managed
Self-managing means you receive the funding, pay providers yourself and claim through the portal. You get the widest choice of providers and the most control over pricing, and you take on the responsibility of keeping records and being ready for an audit.
Many self-managers use a bookkeeper or a simple spreadsheet. Some people self-manage part of their plan and have the rest plan managed.
Which option might suit you
- You want zero paperwork and are happy with registered providers — NDIA managed.
- You want a specific unregistered worker or therapist, without the admin — plan managed.
- You want maximum control and are comfortable with records and claiming — self-managed.
- You are unsure — plan managed is the common starting point, and you can change later.
How to change how your plan is managed
You can ask to change the management type at a plan reassessment, or request a plan variation in between. Speak to your LAC, support coordinator or the NDIA on 1800 800 110. If you are moving to plan management, the plan manager's fee is funded on top of your supports rather than out of them.
This guide is general information, not financial or plan advice. Decisions about your plan sit with you and the NDIA.
About this guide. Written and reviewed by the My Care Link Australia team as general information for NDIS and aged care participants, families and support coordinators. Read our editorial guidelines and provider review process.
This guide is general educational information only. It is not medical, legal or financial advice. For decisions about your individual situation, please speak with the appropriate qualified professional.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between NDIA managed and NDIS managed?
They are the same thing. NDIA managed is the correct term — the National Disability Insurance Agency pays your registered providers directly.
Can I use unregistered providers?
Yes, if your plan is plan managed or self-managed. NDIA managed plans can only use NDIS-registered providers.
Does plan management cost me part of my supports budget?
No. Plan management is funded separately in your plan, so it does not reduce the funding for your other supports.
Can I change management type mid-plan?
You can ask. Speak with your LAC, support coordinator or the NDIA about a plan variation, or raise it at your next reassessment.
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Sources and further reading
Rules, funding amounts and wait times change. We check these primary sources when we update this page, and you should confirm current details directly with them.
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)(opens in a new tab) — National Disability Insurance Agency. Official scheme information, eligibility and current processes.
- NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits(opens in a new tab) — National Disability Insurance Agency. The current price limits that govern what providers can charge.
- NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission(opens in a new tab) — NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. Provider registration, practice standards and complaints.
- NDIS Commission provider register(opens in a new tab) — NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. Check whether a provider is registered.