NDIA-managed, plan-managed or self-managed: what's the difference?

Every NDIS plan says how your funding is managed. It's easy to skim past, but it shapes your whole experience of the scheme. There are three options, and you can use a mix of them in one plan.

NDIA-managed (agency-managed)

The NDIA pays your providers directly from your plan. It's the simplest option for paperwork: you don't handle invoices at all. The trade-off is that you can only use NDIS-registered providers, and providers must charge within the NDIS price limits.

Plan-managed

A plan manager pays your providers for you and keeps track of your budget. You can use both registered and unregistered providers, which gives you more choice, while someone else handles the invoices. The cost of a plan manager is funded separately in your plan, so it doesn't come out of your support budgets.

Self-managed

You pay your providers and claim the money back from the NDIS through the portal or app. It gives you the most flexibility over who you use and how, but you're responsible for keeping records and receipts. Some people self-manage one part of their plan and plan-manage the rest.

Which is right for you?

• Want the least paperwork and happy with registered providers? NDIA-managed may suit.
• Want more choice without handling invoices? Plan-managed is a popular middle ground.
• Confident with admin and want full control? Self-managed gives you that.

Can I change it?

Yes. You can ask the NDIA to change how your plan is managed, including at your plan reassessment.

Tell us how your plan is managed and we'll explain what it means for working with Care Hub.