Self-managed, plan-managed or NDIA-managed — what's the difference?

The three management types

Every NDIS plan includes a decision about how your funding will be managed. There are three options: agency-managed (also called NDIA-managed), plan-managed, or self-managed. You can have different management types for different budgets within the same plan, or one type for everything.

Understanding the difference matters because it affects which providers you can use, how payments are made, and how much administrative responsibility sits with you.

NDIA-managed (agency-managed)

If your plan is NDIA-managed, the NDIS holds your funding and pays your providers directly through their system called the NDIS Portal. Your providers must be registered with the NDIS to receive payment this way.

Pros

• No paperwork or invoices to manage yourself
• The NDIS handles all payments directly
• Good option if you prefer less administrative involvement

Cons

• You can only use NDIS-registered providers
• Less flexibility to shop around for better value
• Changes may take longer to process through the NDIS system

Plan-managed

With plan-managed funding, the NDIS pays a registered plan manager who then pays your providers on your behalf. Your plan includes a specific budget for plan management fees, so it does not come out of your other supports.

Pros

• You can use both registered and unregistered NDIS providers
• The plan manager handles invoices and record-keeping
• More flexibility than NDIA-managed, with less admin than self-managed
• Your plan manager can help you track your spending

Cons

• You need to find and work with a plan manager
• Some plan managers may take time to process invoices
• You are still responsible for choosing and managing your providers

Self-managed

If you choose to self-manage, you are responsible for paying your providers yourself and then claiming the money back from the NDIS through the myNDIS portal. You can use any provider — registered or unregistered — and you are free to negotiate your own rates.

Pros

• Maximum flexibility — use any provider you choose
• You can negotiate rates below the NDIS price limit
• You can pay family members in some circumstances (with NDIS approval)
• Greater control over how your plan is used

Cons

• You must keep records of all invoices and payments
• You need to submit claims through the NDIS portal
• More administrative work than the other options
• You are responsible for ensuring funds are used appropriately

Which type is right for you?

The right management type depends on your circumstances. If you want minimal admin and are happy using registered providers only, NDIA-managed works well. If you want more flexibility without the administrative responsibility of self-management, plan management is a popular middle ground. If you want maximum control and are comfortable with the paperwork, self-management gives you the most options.

You can also ask to change your management type at your next plan review if your needs or circumstances change.

How NDIS Support Planner works regardless of your management type

NDIS Support Planner is a budgeting and projection tool that works the same way regardless of how your plan is managed. Whether you are NDIA-managed, plan-managed, or self-managed, you enter your funding amounts from your plan letter and choose the supports you use. The tool shows you whether your budget will cover your needs.

If you are self-managed and negotiate rates below the NDIS price limit, Coordinator and Carer accounts can enter custom hourly rates to give you a more accurate projection based on what you actually pay.