Plan-Managed, Self-Managed or Agency-Managed?

When your plan is approved, you choose how it's managed. This one decision shapes which providers you can use and how much paperwork lands on your desk. There are three options — and you can even combine them.

Agency-managed (NDIA-managed)

The NDIA pays your providers directly. It's simple, but there's a catch: you can only use NDIS-registered providers, which narrows your choice.

• No invoices for you to handle
• Registered providers only
• Less flexibility on who you hire

Self-managed

You receive and manage the funds yourself. It offers the most freedom and control, but also the most responsibility — you pay providers, keep records and claim through the portal.

• Use registered and non-registered providers
• Maximum choice and control
• You handle all the admin and record-keeping

Plan-managed — the middle path

A plan manager sits between you and the NDIA, handling the finances while you keep the freedom to choose almost any provider. For many people, it's the best of both worlds.

• Use registered and non-registered providers
• Invoices processed, audited and paid for you
• Real-time budget tracking, minus the paperwork

Plan management is funded by a separate line the NDIA adds to your plan — it costs you nothing and never reduces your care or therapy budget.

Which is right for you?

If you want total control and don't mind the admin, self-management shines. If you want zero paperwork and don't need non-registered providers, agency management is simplest. If you want freedom and a light workload, plan management is hard to beat. And remember — you can mix them, for example self-managing one category while plan-managing the rest.