Plan Managed vs Self Managed vs NDIA Managed.
This one choice decides which providers you can use and how much paperwork you own.
Quick answer
What is the difference between plan managed, self managed and NDIA managed?
NDIA managed means the NDIA pays your providers directly and you must use registered providers. Plan managed means a plan manager pays your invoices and you can use registered or unregistered providers. Self managed means you pay providers yourself and claim the money back, with the most choice and the most administration. You can combine these across one plan.
What each one actually means.
NDIA managed
The NDIA pays your registered providers directly. Also called agency managed.
You have no invoices to handle and no bookkeeping at all. Providers claim through the NDIA portal and you simply receive the support. The trade off is choice: you can only use registered NDIS providers, and you pay at the NDIS price limits. If a support worker you like is a sole trader who is not registered, you cannot use your funding for them under this option.
Who it suits
Anyone who wants zero administration, and who is happy choosing from registered providers
Plan managed
A plan manager receives and pays your invoices. You choose any provider, registered or not.
A plan manager is a provider who handles the money side: they receive invoices, pay them from your funding, track your budget and give you statements. The NDIA funds the plan manager separately in your plan, so it does not come out of your support budgets. You get most of the flexibility of self managing without any of the bookkeeping. This is why it is the most common choice.
Who it suits
Most people. Especially anyone who wants to use a mix of registered and unregistered providers without doing the paperwork
Self managed
You pay providers yourself and claim reimbursement from the NDIA. The most control, and the most work.
You receive the funds, pay providers directly, keep every invoice and receipt, and claim through the myplace portal. You can use any provider, negotiate prices below the NDIS limits to stretch your budget further, and even employ your own workers. You are also responsible for records, for keeping spending within the plan, and for meeting your obligations as an employer if you take that path.
Who it suits
People who want maximum control and flexibility, and who have the time, confidence or family support to run the admin properly
The difference at a glance.
| Comparison point | NDIA managed | Plan managed | Self managed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who pays the provider | The NDIA, directly | Your plan manager | You do, then you claim |
| Can use registered providers | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Can use unregistered providers | No | Yes | Yes |
| Admin for you | None | Very little | Significant |
| Can negotiate prices | No, price limits apply | Within the price limits | Yes, you can negotiate |
| Can employ your own workers | No | No | Yes |
| Costs anything from your support budget | No | No, the NDIA funds it separately | No |
| You keep the records | No | Plan manager does, and reports to you | Yes, and you must |
| Budget visibility | Via the myplace portal | Statements from your plan manager | Whatever you set up yourself |
| Can be combined with the others | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Which one is right for you.
You want the simplest possible arrangement and no paperwork
NDIA managed. Accept that your provider list is limited to registered providers.
You want choice of provider but not the bookkeeping
Plan managed. Ask for it at your planning meeting. It does not reduce your support budget.
You want to negotiate prices, employ your own workers, or run things exactly your way
Self managed. Be honest with yourself about the record keeping before you commit.
You are not sure, or it is your first plan
Plan managed is the low regret option. It keeps your choices open while you work out what you actually need.
Different parts of your plan need different things
Combine them. Self manage the part where you want flexibility, and have the rest plan managed or NDIA managed.
Commonly misunderstood
“Plan management costs you part of your support funding.”
It does not. The NDIA funds plan management as a separate line in your plan, under Improved Life Choices. Asking for it does not reduce the money available for your supports. If you were told otherwise, that is worth querying at your next plan review.
Common questions.
Can I change how my plan is managed?
Does plan management cost me anything?
Can I be plan managed for some supports and self managed for others?
If I am NDIA managed, can I use a support worker who is not registered?
Which option gives me the most choice of provider?
Sources
This page is written from the official sources below. Where the NDIS changes a rule, the source is right and we are out of date, so check it if something matters to a decision you are making.
- NDIS: ways to manage your funding
- NDIS: self-managing your plan
- NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits
Reviewed by Sam Wagle, Registered Nurse, founder of First Priority Care. General information only, and not a substitute for advice about your own plan.
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