Plan Managed vs
Self-Managed NDIS
Choosing how your NDIS funding is managed can affect your flexibility, provider choice, paperwork and payment process. This guide explains the difference between Self-Management, Plan Management and NDIA-managed funding so participants, families and nominees can better understand their options.
Your NDIS Funding Management Options
NDIS funding can generally be managed in different ways. Depending on your plan, some supports may be self-managed, some may be plan-managed and others may be NDIA-managed.
Self-Managed
You manage payments, records and claims yourself.
Plan-Managed
A registered Plan Manager manages invoices, claims and financial records for you.
NDIA-Managed
The NDIA pays registered providers directly from your plan.
What Is
Self-Management?
Self-Management can give participants a high level of control, but it also comes with more responsibility. You are generally responsible for paying providers, submitting claims, keeping records and monitoring your spending against your plan.
What Is NDIA-Managed Funding?
When funding is NDIA-managed, the NDIA pays registered providers directly. This can reduce administration but may also limit provider choice compared with other management options.
Which Option Might Suit You?
Plan Management may suit you if you want flexibility and choice, but would prefer support with invoices, claims, provider payments and financial records. Self-Management may suit participants who are confident managing the administration themselves. NDIA-managed funding may suit participants who prefer the NDIA to handle direct payments to registered providers.
Comparison Table
| Plan Managed | Self-Managed | |
|---|---|---|
| Who pays providers | Plan Manager pays providers on your behalf | You pay providers yourself |
| Who submits claims | Plan Manager submits claims to the NDIS | You submit your own claims |
| Who keeps financial records | Plan Manager keeps records for you | You keep your own records |
| Provider choice | Registered and most unregistered providers | Registered and unregistered providers |
| Budget visibility | Clear reporting provided to you | Full visibility — you track it yourself |
| Level of administration required | Low — administration is handled for you | High — you manage all administration yourself |
Want Flexibility Without the Paperwork?
101 Plan Management provides personalised support, clear communication and efficient invoice processing. We can help you understand the steps involved in switching and make the setup process as simple as possible.
Ready to get started?
Whether you are new to the NDIS, changing Plan Managers or simply wanting clearer support, we are here to help.