Self-managed, plan-managed or NDIA-managed? A plain-English guide.
When you get an NDIS plan, one of the first decisions is how your funding will be managed. It affects who pays your providers, how much paperwork you do, and which providers you can choose. There are three options, and you can mix them.
1. NDIA-managed (agency-managed)
The NDIA pays your providers directly and keeps the financial records. If you don’t choose another option, this is usually what you get.
- Paperwork: very little for you.
- Providers: you can only use registered NDIS providers.
2. Plan-managed
A plan manager, a registered provider whose job is to handle your NDIS finances, pays your providers and keeps your records. Plan management is funded separately in your plan, so it doesn’t come out of your support budget.
- Paperwork: low. Your plan manager handles invoices.
- Providers: you can use registered or unregistered providers.
3. Self-managed
You (or your nominee) pay providers and keep the records yourself. It gives the most flexibility and choice, but it’s also the most admin.
- Paperwork: the most. You pay invoices, claim from the NDIS and keep records.
- Providers: you can use registered or unregistered providers.
Can I combine them?
Yes. Different parts of your plan can be managed in different ways. For example, your core supports could be self-managed while other parts are NDIA-managed. You can also ask the NDIA to change how your plan is managed.
Which is right for me?
A rough guide:
- You want the least admin and are happy with registered providers → NDIA-managed.
- You want choice without the paperwork → plan-managed.
- You’re organised, want full control and don’t mind admin → self-managed.
Whatever you choose, you can only spend funding on supports that match your plan. If you’re unsure, raise it at your planning meeting or ask your support coordinator. You can also read the NDIA’s guide to managing your plan.
StemsCare is a registered NDIS provider, so we can support you whichever way your plan is managed. Talk to us.