Key points
- There are 3 ways to manage NDIS funding: self-managed, plan-managed and NDIA-managed. You can combine them.
- Self-management gives the most flexibility and choice. NDIA-management means you can only use registered providers.
- Plan management uses a registered plan manager to pay providers for you, and the NDIA can fund the plan manager's fees.
- You can ask to change how your plan is managed at any time. You don't need to wait for a new plan.
- From 1 October 2027, plan-managed participants will move to a panel of approved plan managers, with the transition ending in April 2028.
The 3 NDIS plan management options
Your NDIS plan management option decides who pays your providers and keeps your financial records. It doesn't change how much funding you have, but it does affect which providers you can use and how much paperwork you do.
If you don't choose an option, your plan will be NDIA-managed. You can also mix them, for example self-managing your Core budget while your Capital budget is NDIA-managed.
Infographic
NDIS plan management options compared
Self-managed
- Who pays providers
- You, your nominee or representative
- Financial records
- You keep them
- Providers you can use
- Registered and unregistered, for most supports
- Flexibility
- Most flexibility and choice
- Your workload
- Highest
- Fees
- None
Plan-managed
- Who pays providers
- Your plan manager
- Financial records
- Your plan manager keeps them
- Providers you can use
- Registered and unregistered, for most supports
- Flexibility
- Flexible, with help
- Your workload
- Low
- Fees
- Can be funded separately in your plan
NDIA-managed
- Who pays providers
- The NDIA
- Financial records
- The NDIA keeps them
- Providers you can use
- Registered providers only
- Flexibility
- Least flexible
- Your workload
- Lowest
- Fees
- None
| Question | Self-managed | Plan-managed | NDIA-managed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who pays providers | You, your nominee or representative | Your plan manager | The NDIA |
| Financial records | You keep them | Your plan manager keeps them | The NDIA keeps them |
| Providers you can use | Registered and unregistered, for most supports | Registered and unregistered, for most supports | Registered providers only |
| Flexibility | Most flexibility and choice | Flexible, with help | Least flexible |
| Your workload | Highest | Low | Lowest |
| Fees | None | Can be funded separately in your plan | None |
Self-managed NDIS funding
Self-managed funding means you, your nominee or your representative pay your providers and keep your own financial records. You get the most flexibility and choice, including using unregistered providers for many supports, negotiating prices, and in some cases employing your own workers.
It suits people who are comfortable with paperwork and budgeting. You'll need to keep invoices and receipts and show how your funding was spent if the NDIA asks.
Plan-managed NDIS funding
Plan management is when a registered plan manager manages your funds for you. They pay your providers, track your budget and keep the financial records. You can still use unregistered providers for many supports.
The NDIA can include separate funding in your plan to pay for plan management, so it doesn't come out of the money for your supports.
NDIA-managed (agency-managed) funding
NDIA-management means the NDIA pays your providers and keeps your financial records. It's the simplest option, but you can only use providers registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.
Rules that apply whichever option you choose
Some supports must come from a registered provider however your plan is managed. Since 1 July 2026, supported independent living must be delivered by a registered provider, and more supports, including personal care and daily living supports, are due to require registration from 1 July 2027. Providers also have to claim within 90 days of delivering a support from 1 December 2026.
Changes to plan management from 2027
The NDIA is setting up a trusted panel of plan managers. If you're plan-managed, you'll need to use a plan manager from the panel.
Infographic
Plan management changes
October 2026In effect
Information and feedback
The NDIA starts telling participants about the changes and asking for feedback.
April 2027
Tender opens
Plan managers apply to join the panel.
June 2027
Panel selected
Applications assessed and successful plan managers announced.
1 October 2027
Panel starts
Participants are supported to move to a panel plan manager over 6 months.
April 2028
Transition ends
Plan-managed participants must use a plan manager from the panel.
How to choose the right option
Ask yourself:
- Do I want to use providers who aren't registered for some supports?
- Am I comfortable paying invoices and keeping records, or would I rather someone else did?
- Do I have a nominee or family member who can help?
- Would a combination work better, for example self-managing one budget and plan-managing the rest?
We don't offer plan management, but we work with participants whichever way their plan is managed. As a registered provider, we can be paid by the NDIA, a plan manager or you directly.
- NDIS plan budgets explainedCore, Capacity Building and Capital
- Understanding NDIS fundingWhich budget usually pays for what
- How to choose an NDIS providerQuestions to ask in Point Cook and Wyndham
- NDIS support in WyndhamOur local area
Common questions
Which NDIS plan management option is best?
It depends on how much choice and control you want, and how much paperwork you're happy to do. Many people combine options.
Can I use unregistered providers if I'm NDIA-managed?
No. NDIA-managed participants can only use registered providers. Self-managed and plan-managed participants can use unregistered providers for many supports, but some supports, such as SIL, must always come from a registered provider.
Do I pay for a plan manager?
The NDIA can include funding in your plan to pay for plan management, separate from your support budgets.
Will I have to change plan manager?
If your plan manager isn't on the NDIA's new panel, you'll need to move to one that is. The transition is due to run from October 2027 to April 2028.
Sources
We checked this article against these official sources. Dates show when each page was last updated. Links open in a new tab.
- Managing your plan · NDIS (ndis.gov.au) · 9 June 2026
- Changes to plan management · NDIS (ndis.gov.au) · 23 September 2026
- Securing the NDIS for future generations · NDIS (ndis.gov.au) · 23 September 2026
- Mandatory registration and transition pathways for supported independent living (SIL) · NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission
This is general information, not advice about your situation. NDIS rules are changing in stages until 2028, so check ndis.gov.au or talk to our team before making decisions.