When navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), many participants wonder whether choosing plan management comes with extra costs. The good news is that NDIS plan management is funded separately by the NDIS—meaning you do not have to pay anything extra for this service.
What Is NDIS Plan Management?
NDIS plan management is one of the three ways participants can manage their NDIS funds. It involves using a registered plan manager to handle financial tasks such as paying invoices, tracking spending, and maintaining financial records.
Participants who choose plan management do not have to worry about handling invoices or payments, as their plan manager does this on their behalf.
Types of NDIS Fund Management Options
| Management Option | Who Handles Payments? | Can You Use Non-Registered Providers? | Level of Control |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-Managed | Participant | Yes | Full control, but requires admin work |
| Plan-Managed | Plan manager | Yes | Some control, with admin support |
| NDIA-Managed | NDIA (government) | No | Least control, only registered providers allowed |
Plan management is a great middle-ground for those who want financial support without the restrictions of NDIA management.
Do I Have to Pay for Plan Management?
No, you do not have to pay extra for NDIS plan management.
The NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency) provides additional funding for plan management under the Improved Life Choices category. This means that plan management is completely covered and does not reduce the funds available for your other supports, such as therapy, equipment, or personal care.
How Is Plan Management Funded?
- NDIS allocates extra funding for plan management when you choose this option.
- It does not come out of your core funding—your therapy, support workers, and other services remain unaffected.
- The funding is automatically included once plan management is approved in your plan.
If you choose self-management or NDIA-managed funding, you will not receive this additional funding.
How to Get NDIS Plan Management Funding
If you want plan management, you need to request it during your NDIS planning or plan review meeting. The process is straightforward:
1. Request Plan Management in Your Initial NDIS Plan
When applying for the NDIS or creating your plan, simply tell your NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) that you would like plan management. There are no eligibility requirements—any participant can request it.
2. Add Plan Management During a Plan Review
If your current plan does not include plan management, you can request it during your plan review. This is a routine meeting where participants can adjust their funding arrangements.
3. Request a Change at Any Time
Even if you are midway through your plan, you can contact the NDIA and request plan management to be added. The NDIA may process this request without waiting for your scheduled review.
Tip: You do not need to provide medical evidence or a reason—NDIS participants have the right to choose any of the three plan management options.
Benefits of Choosing Plan Management
Opting for plan management offers several advantages, especially if you want flexibility while reducing your administrative workload.
1. No Out-of-Pocket Costs
Since the NDIS covers plan management separately, it does not reduce the amount of funding available for your supports or services.
2. Access to Both Registered and Non-Registered Providers
Unlike NDIA-managed funding, plan management allows you to use both registered and non-registered providers. This means you can choose from a wider range of services, including therapists, support workers, and community organizations.
3. Less Administrative Work
A plan manager handles all the financial responsibilities, including:
- Processing invoices and payments
- Keeping track of your budget
- Providing financial reports
This allows you to focus on your goals rather than paperwork.
4. Help with Budgeting and Spending
Plan managers ensure that your funding is spent correctly and lasts for the duration of your plan. They can also provide financial advice to prevent overspending.
5. Assistance with NDIS Payment Issues
If there are delays or problems with invoices, your plan manager will handle communication with providers and the NDIA to resolve any payment issues.
What If My Plan Doesn’t Include Plan Management?
If your current plan does not include plan management, you can:
- Contact the NDIA and request a change – This can often be done without waiting for a full plan review.
- Apply for plan management during your next plan review – Make sure to mention it in your planning meeting.
- Switch from NDIA management to plan management – If you are currently agency-managed, you can change your option anytime.
Important: The NDIA cannot refuse your request for plan management unless there are exceptional circumstances. Every NDIS participant has the right to choose how their funding is managed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does plan management reduce my NDIS funding for other services?
No, the NDIS provides additional funding for plan management, which does not affect your other budget categories.
2. Can I switch to plan management if my plan is already in place?
Yes, you can request a change anytime by contacting the NDIA or waiting for your next plan review meeting.
3. What services does an NDIS plan manager provide?
A plan manager:
- Pays invoices on your behalf
- Tracks your budget and spending
- Provides financial reports
- Helps with any payment-related issues
4. Can I use non-registered providers with plan management?
Yes! Unlike NDIA-managed plans, plan-managed participants can choose both registered and non-registered providers, offering more flexibility.
5. How do I find a registered NDIS plan manager?
You can find plan managers through:
- The NDIS Provider Finder on the NDIS website
- Recommendations from support coordinators or other participants
- Online searches and NDIS plan management service directories
Conclusion
NDIS plan management is a free service funded separately by the NDIA, meaning participants do not have to pay extra to use a plan manager. By choosing plan management, participants benefit from:
- No out-of-pocket costs
- Less paperwork and stress
- More provider choices (both registered and non-registered)
- Help with financial tracking and budgeting
If you’re considering switching to plan management, you can request it at any time by contacting the NDIA.
